C2 | 4+
Winner GBP £25,720 - 22 runners
2m 103y
Going: Good to Soft
Surface: T
Paul Nicholls won this in 2022 and might do so again with AFADIL (12) who posted an excellent effort in defeat on ground that wouldn't have suited when third in a valuable handicap hurdle at Sandown. Could have more to give in the first-time tongue-tie. It's tough to ignore the claims of unexposed handicap debutant CELTIC DINO (4) following his third-place finish in the G2 Dovecote Novices Hurdle at Kempton. Impressive Gowran Park maiden hurdle winner GRIMAUD (7) needs to be considered racing for top Irish trainer Gordon Elliott. Others to note include MANUELITO (10) and ALNILAM (3).