SAM HARDY

1. Birchdale 2. Black Tears 3. Buzz

Nicky Henderson has a great chance of winning this race for the third consecutive year with Birchdale, who finished eighth last season. The gelding has run only eight times and could be well handicapped running off a 1lb lower mark compared to 12 months ago. Last year’s runner-up Black Tears could go well again, but she is also entered for the Mares’ Hurdle and the Martin Pipe, so wait until closer to the day before backing her.