ANDREW GRIFFITHS

Betfred

The mares’ allowance complicates matters a little, but assuming Constitution Hill shows some progression from last season, which is to be expected, then he should be capable of claiming the scalp of the reigning champion, and the market backs this up.

We’re siding with A Plus Tard ,who was devastating last season. He has so many gears and if the ground doesn’t come up too soft, he’d have every chance of winning back-to-back Gold Cups. Galopin Des Champs is intriguing, but he has questions to answer at the Gold Cup trip.

Energumene.

Energumene established himself as the one to beat after impressive victories at Cheltenham and Punchestown. Shishkin is on a recovery mission after pulling up at Cheltenham, but if anyone can get him back to his best it’s Nicky Henderson.

It is not the strongest of divisions and unless something comes out of the woodwork then Flooring Porter (right) should have a good chance of completing a Stayers’ Hurdle hat-trick.