13:02

This odd race, a marathon novice chase for amateur riders, used to favour horses with plenty of chasing experience but this year’s main contenders lack that. The hot favourite is Carefully Selected, unbeaten in three over fences but a bit chancy-looking at Naas last time. This is his toughest test yet and he needs to respond by jumping better, which is not how these things usually go.

Ravenhill was beaten just a head in the Kerry National but his best form is on a much drier surface than this. Lord Du Mesnil loves the mud but it’s fair to ask how much more he has to offer this season after some hard races. Newtide, a slightly fortunate Grade Two winner last time, has probably had a more helpful preparation and looks a real stayer in the making.