With the retirement of three-time winner Inglis Drever, there will be a new name on the World Hurdle trophy, Thursday's feature race over three miles.

So far this season, Kasbah Bliss has looked the pick of the stayers. Second to Inglis Drever last year, Francois Doumen's charge triumphed on his reappearance at Haydock's Blue Square Hurdle last month.

The popular Doumen, who brings a touch of Gallic flair to Prestbury Park, will be hoping the seven-year-old can succeed where he failed last year.

But the charge will be led by the Paul Nicholls-trained Big Buck's and Punchestowns from the Nicky Henderson yard who were first and second respectively in the Cleeve Hurdle on Trials Day at Cheltenham in January.

The ground did not favour Punchestowns that day and he could be the one who benefits most from the Festival conditions.