Since Donald McCain won the first edition of this race it has been an Irish benefit, with Willie Mullins claiming eight wins (including six from Quevega), before Gordon Elliott and Apple's Jade took over last year.

The latter is our favourite today, and has been in typically impressive form of late. WPM is represented by Benie Des Dieux, who has raced over fences since being recruited from France where she won a hurdle race at Auteil in 2015.

The other main Irish contender is Jers Girl for Gavin Cromwell, who won a Grade One novice race at Punchestown in April 2016. 

She was last seen chasing La Bague Au Roi home, who represents the main English contender for Warren Greatrex.