Southern Vic (10 year old carrying 10-9)
Ran respectably last time out at Naas but sported first time blinkers there and they are left off today. Hasn't won since October 2006 and these quicker conditions are not in his favour. Doesn't have the profile of a horse who is still progressing and wouldn't appear generously treated on a mark of 143. Tendency to make the odd error compounds his problems.

Kilbeggan Blade (10 year old carrying 10-7)
Had a couple of spins over hurdles since securing his place in this and isn't badly handicapped, being four pounds higher than for his last win at Sandown over 30 furlongs in December. On many people's short list but there must be a chance that he will find things happening too quickly under these conditions. Would welcome rain but, if he does handle the ground as it stands, he comes into the race with his stable in very good form and partnered by a jockey who knows how to win this race.

Brooklyn Brownie (10 year old carrying 10-6)
Yet to race beyond 25 furlongs but he has some fair form at around three miles and he looked a progressive performer through last year. Came back from a five month break to win his prep race with the minimum of fuss and has experience of these fences, having come second in the Grand Sefton in November. He didn't jump as well as he could then but this faster ground may help him in that department. A strong traveler, he looks the ideal type to hunt the pack and gradually creep into the race off a light weight.

Himalayan Trail (10 year old carrying 10-6)
Probably trained with this race in mind and has a facile win over 34 furlongs to his name. However that was for his former Trainer and he hasn't sighted a winner in six races since. Looks weighted up to his best but now represents a Trainer who knows what it takes to prepare a National horse.Has experience of these fences having finished fifth in the Becher's last November but confidence can't be sky high after those recent reversals.

Idle Talk (10 year old carrying 10-5)
Hasn't won for over three years and never outside Novice company. Unseated his rider in this race in 2007 but was 14th of 15 finishers last season. Runs from the same mark today and has performed better in some races since but, although his jumping has improved under today's jockey, he still looks up against it.

Cerium, Arteaa, Zabenz, Kelami
Far too many negatives and all deserve to be big prices. Would be a surprise if more than one, if any, got round let alone place.