Haydock

Twice a runner-up according to the race editorial — and the horse that has most consistently threatened to win without quite getting there. However, it has not raced in 140 days, the longest absence of any horse in this field, and crucially has never run on normal ground conditions like today. It also drops two class levels, which helps, but the long break and unfamiliar ground make this a genuine risk.

The only horse in this field to have already won at this distance, and it did so on its very first race out — a perfect record that none of its rivals can match. That win came at Huntingdon just five weeks ago, so it arrives fit and in form. The big question is whether that debut victory was a sign of things to come, or a one-off against weak opposition.

Also making its debut, Magic Feld has attracted significant market interest at 5.5 despite never having raced before — making it one of the shortest-priced first-timers in this field. The booking of Harry Skelton, one of the most experienced jump jockeys around, is a strong signal that the yard believe this horse is ready. No form to go on, but the market clearly knows something.

The market favourite at 5-1 despite never having raced before, which tells you the betting public has confidence in trainer Nicky Henderson — one of the most successful jump racing trainers in the sport. The jockey, Nico de Boinville, has won 259 races alongside Henderson, so this is a well-drilled team stepping out with an unknown quantity. No form to back it up yet, but pedigree and reputation carry weight.