1st - £253,215.00 2nd - £95,400.00 3rd - £47,745.00 4th - £23,850.00 5th - £11,970.00 6th - £5,985.00 7th - £2,970.00 8th - £1,530.00

FormscanBy Tom Weekes - Something's gotta give between Champion Hurdle hat-trick chasing Buveur D'air, impressive Apple's Jade and some other progressive types and LAURINA might be the one to emerge in front. LAURINA has looked a top class prospect throughout her career, having won all her six races for Willie Mullins on the bridle and is therefore open to plenty more progression stepping to this level. Her latest wins have been over middle distances and while she jumped a little high at some of her hurdles at Punchestown, she is nonetheless a good jumper who has huge ability and, importantly, has the benefit of the mares' 7lbs allowance. Buveur D'air is chasing a famous hat-trick and has been a wonderful horse but some chinks have emerged in his armour. It might sound ludicrous to suggest but the form of last year's Champion doesn't look anything special, having beaten Melon, who is something of an enigma, by a neck and his defeat to Verdana Blue at Kempton over Christmas was a blot in his copybook. He loves Cheltenham though and should run a solid race but is vulnerable to an exceptional performer. Apple's Jade has demolished her rivals in Ireland this season and looked every bit as effective over two miles on her latest win in February. She too receives a valuable 7lbs mares' allowance and while her form this season has been awesome, it must be remembered she met defeat in the Mares' Hurdle at last year's festival and she also shows a tendency to jump right, which is a negative. Sharjah was a surprise package last year, and while his form has been progressive, this is by far his toughest assignment, with the form of his most recent wins (beating Supasundae, below-best Faugheen and Wicklow Brave) looking nothing out of the ordinary. Espoir D'allen is another improving horse who has done little wrong this season and, in common with LAURINA, he beat Stormy Ireland in a Limerick win over Christmas. This is a big step up in grade from his recent Naas win and while he could well make that step, he does need a career-best and therefore has a little to prove. Verdana Blue managed to beat Buveur D'air at Sandown over Christmas, which was a shock given her previous hurdles form, and while she cannot be totally dismissed, would appreciate fast ground conditions and might struggle to replicate that Sandown shock. Melon's hit-and-miss form has been mostly 'miss' this term and cheek-pieces are now deployed to enhance his slim enough chances while Brain Power returned to form when beating Silver Streak in the International Hurdle here in December but was ninth in last year's Champion and might also struggle. Global Citizen needs a career-best to get involved.

For four-year-olds and upwards who are allotted a rating of 130 or more by the senior BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and taking account of races run up to and including the day prior to confirmation - horses who are not qualified for a rating in GB, IRE or FR may also be entered (such horses may be eligible providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse's racecourse performances up to and including the day prior to confirmation would merit a minimum rating of 130 - the decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final).
Weights - 4yo: 11st 2lb; 5yo+: 11st 10lb;
Allowances - fillies & mares allowed 7lb