This doesn't appear to be as strong as the first division and it could fall to Dictum, with Emanic and Magic Red given as the main threats. Susan Nook's gelding was a group three winner on the flat in Germany and made a very pleasing hurdling debut behind Howle Hill at Wincanton. He finished just three lengths behind that Triumph Hurdle contender and meets nothing of that calibre today. Emanic is a stablemate of Howle Hill so trainer Alan King should know how he stands with the selection. This four-year-old landed a weak contest on his Warwick debut and was not disgraced next time in a better race at the same track won by Lough Derg, Another good run is expected. Magic Red is from a yard that does well with its few hurdlers and, if fit following a four month sabbatical, should be in the shake up. In The Frame hails from a top yard and looks to be going the right way, but Dictum's form appears to be the strongest and he gets the verdict.
