Spotlight: French hurdles winner got off the mark chasing at the 11th attempt in 3m1f Punchestown novice last month under 7lb claimer, having previously run to much higher level when fourth in bet365 Gold Cup Handicap at Sandown (3m5f, good); Townend now takes over and Willie Mullins' sole runner demands plenty of respect.

Spotlight: Mixed form last season but finished second in this race off 142 (favourite) and bounced back to form with excellent fourth of 30 in the Topham at Aintree in April; dropped out tamely at Punchestown festival month later;

Spotlight: Progressive 10yo handicapper won over 2m7f at Limerick in March and most recently won 2m4f Ballinrobe veterans' handicap in May under a positive ride; in between didn't seem to stay 4m in Scottish National; prospects here if staying.

Spotlight: Already a better chaser than hurdler, winning beginners' and 2m4f handicap at this track; most recently unable to maintain sequence over same trip, though rallied late to suggest he's worth a shot at this longer distance.

Spotlight: Stamina proven when winning 3m2f Killarney National (yielding) in May; possibly didn't handle the track on quicker ground when fourth in 3m Mayo National next time; has 10l to find with Drumgill on that run but this greater stamina test will suit him better.

Spotlight: Second reserve; four chase wins include here over 2m3f and more recently over this trip at Roscommon last month, beating Ambitious Fellow; 8lb rise makes this tough.

Spotlight: Third reserve; four-time hurdles winner is 0-7 chasing but recent clear second to Mica Malpic at Roscommon shows him in good order; 5lb rise to contend with now though.

Spotlight: Career-best when taking 2m2f Limerick handicap chase in April (good) and not far off that form when runner-up in 3m Mayo National at Ballinrobe last time; one to consider although this could stretch his stamina.

Spotlight: Not beaten far at Cheltenham Festival and very creditable second of 14 in Grade 3 handicap at Punchestown (2m4f, yielding) following month; unseated halfway at Perth last time and remains unproven over this far but Kennedy's choice.

Spotlight: Two-time hurdles winner; 0-8 chasing but second in last summer's Galway Blazers (2m6f), having previously been an early faller in this race; good bit to find with Cadatharla on recent Killarney form; tongue-tie now tried.

Spotlight: 154-rated hurdler made winning chase debut in Galway beginners last October and has faced some stiff tasks since, including remote third of 4 in Grade 1 Leopardstown novice; back hurdling of late, notably good fifth in Grade 1 Stayers' at Cheltenham, well below best at Aintree latest; first handicap chase but needs to improve.

Spotlight: Better chaser than hurdler, five wins include two Leopardstown handicaps; hasn't won in over two years though Ulster National second in the spring brings him into the mix.

Spotlight: First reserve; three chase wins include Wexford handicap over this trip last summer; promising comeback second at Punchestown festival (4m) but well held in first-time blinkers in Mayo National last time; don't rule out if getting a run.

Spotlight: Mayo National win over two years ago his last win over fences but only lost second late on (to Amirite) in this race last year off 140; looked to be on the way back to form when unseating two out when in second in 3m Perth handicap latest; this looks a stronger race mind.

Spotlight: Dual hurdles winner is 0-4 chasing, though decent level of form in beginners' events over shorter trips; big step up in trip for handicap debut and others preferred.

Spotlight: Last of two chase wins came in 2m6f Galway Blazers in 2023 off this mark; interrupted campaign in recent years, pulled up on three of last four starts including in Mayo National last time; hard to make a case for on recent evidence.

Spotlight: Hasn't looked a natural over fences but won a Grade 2 handicap chase at Cheltenham in April last year (2m4f, good) for Harry Fry; badly out of form since, although entitled to come on for recent comeback run (yard debut) at Punchestown.