The pair who fought out the finish in this event twelve months ago can do so again with the 2025 winner STRONG LEADER (1) expected to replicate. Proven in this division having finished a strong second on the latest two outings including the 4800m G1 Long Walk Hurdle during last season and looks hard to beat. TAKE NO CHANCES (4) only missed by a neck last year and subsequently recorded an excellent 7L second tackling the 5000m G1 Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree. Improvement likely on second outing this spell. Main danger. LAVIDA ADIVA (2) placed 3.5L runner-up contesting the 4800m Pertemps Final Premier Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Might play a role. Last month Goodwood flat winner PAGGANE (3) could fill fourth spot.
