Highclere Horse Feeds Oataalin Open Hunters' Chase

Quite closely matched with Java Point on their Ludlow form in January (3m, good to soft) and this 11yo has held his form in points; he still looks vulnerable from a win perspective.

Has always been useful; ran in a handicap on debut for this yard and then beat Fil d'Ariane at Ludlow (3m, good to soft); perhaps found soft ground against him when no match for Jeffery's Cross last time and better can be expected.

Has a solid record in hunter chases and he chased home last week's Cheltenham hero Barton Snow (did win by 12l) before making light work of Java Point at Southwell (3m, soft; cheekpieces returned); in the mix.

Bang in form when runner-up in this two years ago and later that year finished second in a 3m handicap chase at Ascot for Paul Nicholls; however, signed off for him on a downer and December's point run was none too promising; revival needed in the new cheekpieces.

A three-time winner over regulation fences and prolific in points (5-7); however, he's 12 now and was pulled up in a recent point after quite a lengthy break; has a bit on his plate at any rate.