Gordon Elliott won this race last year with Floueur and in fact has won 2 of the last 4 renewals. ABSOLUTE NOTIONS was entitled to win as he did at Fairyhouse on return and while this is tougher I think he might be up to the task. He remains unexposed over 3 miles so is still open to a fair bit of improvement. Cash Back is an 11yo now but has fitness on side and won't go down without a fight. Desert Heather also has a squeak but needs to bounce back as was poor at Cork last month.

It was hard not to be impressed with the way ROGER RAREBIT won at Uttoxeter last month. He jumped really well on what was his chase debut and eventually galloped his rivals into submission. He goes back up in trip now and with further improvement to come looks well placed to follow up. Mixedwave won gamely over C&D last month but caused controversy as his jockey went miles over the whip count and was subsequently banned. He is 5lb higher but could still be the danger.