Spotlight: 1-14 over hurdles when trained in Ireland but runner-up on stable debut in September and gamely went one better at Chepstow (3m, good) on latest outing; up 6lb but better than ever and may have more to give.

Spotlight: Three wins from four runs in December-April last season, ending with a 6l win at Cheltenham; all of those were at up to about 2m5f, as was his recent reappearance at Cheltenham (favourite) where he fell at halfway, but he's a brother to Surrey Quest who was touched off in the 2024 Scottish National, which doesn't make this first go at 3m look too daunting; player.

Spotlight: Spectacular success story over fences last season, when his four wins included on last two outings the 3m6f National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham and 3m5f Irish National at Fairyhouse; third over C&D in February in last season's only hurdle race and he now has a 10lb higher mark; unlikely to shine his brightest until he's back over fences.

Spotlight: Won twice under Lewis Saunders last November and second in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham Festival in March, again at about 2m4f; however, while creditable in form terms, his seventh at Aintree when upped to 3m is a nagging concern.

Spotlight: Has mixed record over hurdles and winning a 25-runner series final at the Punchestown festival (2m3f, yielding) in April on latest outing was his best form for over two years since an impressive 3m win at Chepstow; back up 11lb and not the easiest to rely on.

Spotlight: Four of his wins have been under William Maggs, including the latest at Huntingdon (3m1f, good) in May; back in top form at Aintree (3m, good) 11 days ago after summer break, but may need a bit extra if he's to win this.

Spotlight: Improved to win at Ascot (2m7f, good) in February, beating 16 rivals, and ran creditably next time but he was soundly beaten in April on final start; given wind surgery in September; needs to resume at his best.

Spotlight: Took the Topham Chase at Aintree (2m5f, soft) in April 2023 and a chase at the Punchestown festival (3m, yielding) this May was his first win since; second in a lesser hurdle race at same juncture as this last season but 5lb higher today and none of his hurdles form matches up to that.

Spotlight: Hat-trick in spring 2023, with no win since but he's been runner-up in six of 11 races in the interim; ended last season on a low note but returned from his break in good form last season and no shock if it happens again.

Spotlight: Progress culminated in a 2m4f win in March 2024 but he's achieved little in his only four races since, last seen floundering on chase debut here in February; had wind surgery in July but still 4lb above last winning mark.

Spotlight: 9yo who has been inconsistent over the years but built up to something special last winter, taking second in one good 3m handicap chase at Doncaster and winning in another; pulled up in April on final start; last season's two hurdle races in November suggest he will need this run.