Rishi Persad BBC TV pundit

Strong Flow (Paul Nicholls)
Potentially the best horse Paul Nicholls has ever trained. Has recovered well from injury at Kempton last year. Likely to be the biggest challenger to Best Mate this season.

L'Ange Au Ciel (Paul Nicholls)
Another contender from Paul Nicholls' yard - he picked up an injury at Exeter last year but is reported to have recovered well. Has travelled over from France and will show his class over British hurdles.

Our Vic (Martin Pipe)
Highly rated by trainer Martin Pipe. They have worked on his strength over the summer and he should be very effective over two-and-a-half miles and beyond.

Rigmarole (Paul Nicholls)
Kept over the hurdles by Paul Nicholls - won at Kempton last month and can rack up a series of wins before competing at the Champion Hurdle.

Therealbandit (Martin Pipe)
Was asked some big questions last year - didn't have all the answers but he can become the finished article.

Joly Bey (Nick Gifford)
Trained to win the Grand National. Has shown his ability over the hurdles and is being prepared with Aintree in mind.