15:35

The first, second and fourth from the Stayers’ Hurdle renew rivalry here and it’ll be intriguing to see if Flooring Porter(7/4) can confirm his supremacy once again. The dual Cheltenham winner was impressive last month but got a masterful ride from Danny Mullins who stacked them all up at the top of the hill, when giving his mount a breather and at the prices, I’d be willing to take him on. Thyme Hill(5/2) bids to defend his crown but he looks held by both Flooring Porter and Champ(7/2) on form lines this season. Philip Hobbs’ charge just prevailed from Roksana last year and this looks more competitive. 

 

Sire Du Berlais(9/1) and Thomas Darby(14/1) are both good yardsticks but don't hold any secrets, so they can be opposed while Ashdale Bob is a nice horse that ran well in the Coral Cup but shouldn’t be good enough to win a Grade 1. I’m going to take a chance on Koshari(20/1) who seems to have improved since leaving Willie Mullins. He was a course and distance winner on debut for new connections in November and was beaten less than eight lengths in the Stayers’ where he was held up, which didn’t suit given how steadily run the race was. He doesn't need to improve much to play a hand and looks the value bet. 

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