A tricky opener with a few arriving in good form.

Preference is for Lord Of Cheshire, who returned from a 588-day absence to win at Warwick when last seen. He made all that occasion, and in truth, got an easy time out in front but the manner of his victory was impressive given he was keen and still looked a tad green.

He’s unlikely to get an uncontested lead on this occasion, with Chti Balko being another that likes to make all, but he’s still very lightly raced and it must be noted that Nigel Twiston-Davies only has one runner on the card; not an insignificant journey, while James Turner is excellent value for his claim and the trainer/jockey duo are 2/3 in Conditional Jockey races this season (their one defeat was a faller).

Whistle Stop Tour is respected but Lucinda implied the ground was too soft last time, which must be a concern again here.

Doyen Star is taken to improve markedly for his chasing debut. Making your debut over the larger obstacles in a Grade 2 is no easy task, and perhaps that shows the regard in which he is held (or, more likely, the trainer’s exasperation with programme for novice chasers).

He showed up well for long enough, jumping soundly in the main before understandably getting tired on the turn for home.

That was his first defeat in any sphere, and his Novice Hurdle victory last season over Crebilly & Hoe Joly Smoke looks solid form now.

I expect him to take a significant step forward here, and it’s worth noting that Evan Williams strike-rate with chasers on their second start over the larger obstacles (17%) is significantly better than his strike-rate with chase debutants (10%).

A competitive race with some exciting prospects.

Little Miss Dante is clearly very talented, while El Elefante has shown plenty of promise.

However, given the conditions, I prefer “Winless Ones To Watch” alumni Alfie’s Princess, who has already shown her aptitude for testing ground. She followed up her Chepstow victory with another win at Exeter, which she had to work hard for given she was pestered for the lead (the pesterer, Annie Express, ran very well next time out).

Sam Thomas has made no secret in terms of the regard in which she is held, with the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival mooted as a target after her maiden success.

Famous Bridge, Credo & Eleanor Bob resume their rivalry having met over course & distance just under a month ago, with each emerging with credit.

However, I’m willing to give Cooper’s Cross a chance here having disappointed in the Sefton when last seen. He was a notable drifter that day and with the yard going through a quiet spell, he can be forgiven. It’s also worth noting that the yard won this race in 2017 with Captain Redbeard, who also finished down the field in the Sefton on his previous start.

The trip won’t be a problem given his second in the Scottish Grand National, although I do have reservations about the ground; he’s run well on soft in the past, but has mainly been kept to sounder surfaces. His half-brother won on heavy, which gives some encouragement, but it has to be considered.

With Jagwar set to run at Ascot on Friday, Bois Guillbert would be a strong fancy.

A progressive type, he won with something to spare on his seasonal reappearance when beating Autumn Return – a very consistent mare who won on her next start.

He was set a tough task in the Mastetson Holdings Hurdle at Cheltenham, but emerged with credit to finish third having been too keen and wide throughout. The winner would go on to win the Ascot Hurdle, the second has run well since and the fourth bolted up in a Sandown handicap on his next start.

That looks strong form for this level, he remains unexposed and should go well here if handling the ground.

A trappy race to conclude the card, but Real Stone looks to have his ideal conditions here and is taken to back up his course and distance success.

Albeit, the race fell apart, but he was the winner a long way from home that day and we know how crucial it is to be able to handle conditions at Haydock.

An eight-pound rise is effectively a stab in the dark given how the race unfolded, but his rivals look fairly well exposed here and he’s Dan Skelton’s only runner on the card.