Verdict

Big Time Billy has been off the course since landing a Listed bumper at Aintree last April but that was clearly a very smart effort from Peter Bowen's mare and it would be no surprise if she went close to extending her unbeaten record here. Foxbridge and Hard To Swallow have both won point-to-points and could be anything but this may turn out to be a well-contested affair with several big stables introducing newcomers. Alan King saddles Hindon Road, who has a Flat pedigree, while Jonjo O'Neill gives a debut to the Kayf Tara mare Kayfontaine. But we'll give a tentative vote to Nicky Henderson's Old Vic gelding VICTOR ECHO, who is from a decent family of jumpers and is sure to know his job at the first time of asking.

Formwatch

Big Time Billy (IRE) 28-1 (10-5) Tracked leaders, took keen hold, led over 3f out, edged left over 2f out, hung right over 1f out, ran on well, won at Aintree 2m 1f N H flat lst (1) gd in Apr beating Dare To Doubt (11-4) by 3 1/2l, 19 ran.

Foxbridge (IRE) 4-1 (12-0) Ww mid div, prog 4out & 2nd 3out, ld last, sow, won at Dromahane 3m ire ptp gs in Apr beating Rumbavu (12-0) by 1/2l, 15 ran.

Gracious Beau 25-1 (11-4) Held up in mid-division, weakened over 3f out, 7th of 8, 50l behind Speed Master (11-4) at Ffos Las 2m NH flat (6) gs.

Grindy (IRE) Alderbrook gelding out of Blake's Fable.

Hard To Swallow (IRE) 5-1 (11-7) Trkd ldr until disp from 5out, hdd well bef 2out, ld again bef 2out & gng best when lft clr 2out, sow, won at Ballindenisk 3m ire ptp gs in Dec beating A Heart Beats On (11-7) by 20l, 14 ran.

Victor Echo (IRE) Old Vic gelding out of Lambourne Lace.

Court Minstrel (IRE) Court Cave gelding out of Theatral.

Fanzee Man Zafeen gelding out of Mild Deception.

Hindon Road (IRE) Antonius Pius gelding out of Filoli Gardens.

Kayfontaine Kayf Tara mare out of Roufontaine.

Montybella (IRE) Orpen gelding out of Larentia.

Oscar Sunset (IRE) Oscar gelding out of Derravarra Sunset.

Katys Jools King's Theatre filly out of Jessolle.