This can go the way of the new kid on the block KABRAL DU MATHAN (4) who may well yet reach top-level company over hurdles. He couldn't have been much more impressive when winning a decent handicap hurdle by 12L on his stable debut at Haydock 40 days ago and clearly handles a sound surface. Dan Skelton's recruit could take plenty of beating here with defending champion LUCKY PLACE (2) perhaps the biggest danger. He stayed on well to win this twelve months ago and looks interesting back over hurdles having struggled a touch in two races over fences this season. Stablemate JINGKO BLUE (3) was a G2 winner over fences last season and should take a step forward from his reappearance effort in a handicap hurdle at Haydock in November. THE REAL WHACKER (6) heads the remainder.