Spotlight: Novice chaser whose form this term comprises a walkover at Hereford and close second at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good); bred to be suited by a test of stamina and he is still unexposed over 3m; interesting back up in distance, with progress still plausible.

Spotlight: Successful on this card two years ago; campaigned mostly over 2m4f/2m5f but saw out 3m well at Perth (good) most recently, adding to his Grade 2 handicap success in April and taking chase record to 9-30; better than ever and commands respect.

Spotlight: Ex-French; technically a veteran, being a 10yo, but he's still unexposed in Britain and looks a suitable type for this prize, having scored by a wide margin over C&D (good) on penultimate outing; ran well behind Samuel Spade at Worcester latest; possibilities.

Spotlight: Steadily coming back to form since joining current stable, as a couple of third-place finishes this season attest; was a useful/progressive sort earlier in career and looks interesting off a reduced mark, assuming his resurgence is sustained.

Spotlight: Proving a strong stayer, with recent form featuring wins over 3m4f at Haydock (good to soft) and an extended 3m1f at Cartmel (good); doesn't seem a benefactor of the decision to reduce this race's distance to 3m; otherwise open to further progress over fences.

Spotlight: Lacked fluency on chase debut but jumped better and beat Grand Clermont kept to Worcester (2m7f, good) last time; unexposed in this sphere and remains favourably treated on best hurdles form, which features a win off 1lb higher; major claims.

Spotlight: Back in top form this season; justified favouritism at Stratford (3m3f, good to firm) last time, taking chase record to 5-19; however, the memory of his dismal effort in this contest two years ago (when bidding for a four-timer) tempers enthusiasm.

Spotlight: Gamely landed the Becher Chase in December to cement a cracking start to last season; not in quite the same form since but his Uttoxeter record bodes well; record of 2-3 here features a win (albeit off 9lb lower as an 8yo) in this race in 2023.

Spotlight: Stays well, as his two performances over 3m4f at Haydock attest; finished well for second over 3m1f at Aintree (good) most recently; not crying out for this drop back to 3m but may be aided by new headgear; represents last year's winning yard.

Spotlight: Gained most recent success in a veterans' event; two attempts at this prize comprise a success (off 9lb higher) in 2024 and below-par seventh last year; the 12yo's chance of regaining the Cup partly depends on the effects of first-time visor.

Spotlight: Successful five times at up to 2m4f, including twice last autumn; clear second upped to 3m at Bangor (good) most recently, running at least as well as he's ever done; may remain competitive despite his new mark being a career-high one.

Spotlight: Chase record is 7-20, the most recent success in veterans' contest at Ascot (3m, good) in March; couple of sound efforts since demonstrate that he remains in form aged ten; faces a tougher assignment off current mark in this field, however.

Spotlight: Chase record is 9-35, the most recent win in veterans' event at Fakenham (3m, good) on penultimate start; consistent sort but faces a stiffer task off current mark in this valuable and competitive affair; similar type to Hold Your Fort.