Gerri Colombe won this last year and we might be about to see another young progressive horse in the shape of HERMES ALLEN for Paul Nicholls. He has done little wrong since going chasing winning impressively at Newbury and then bumping into Il Est Francais at Kempton last time. He should keep improving as he gains experience and looks the one to beat. Djelo was badly hampered and fell at the very first flight at Lingfield and if bouncing back will be the danger.

After an encouraging hurdles debut at Warwick JINGKO BLUE improved again to edge out another nice type in Masaccio at Newbury. He looks a promising horse for connections and with further progress to come should be able to make it 2 wins from 3 starts. I expect him to jump slicker here and I'm confident he is the one to beat. Classic Anthem really should have won at Plumpton last time and under a better ride would have so looks the biggest threat in here.