It looks like many horses are going there with decent chances. I backed Stormez last year when he was just run out of it in the final few yards. He isn't in the same form this year but he has been trained specifically for the race. Don't write off Joss Naylor on the strength of his National effort, he clearly hated the whole experience. This race will be much more to his liking.
The favourite looks to be Simply Supreme, a horse I like. He's a novice who won a decent race at Aintree. However, some of his most dangerous rivals fell that day and maybe the form is a little suspect. His trainer Sue Smith is in fantastic form and he should be prominent. Others with a chance include Tipsy Mouse, Akarus, Mercato and Desailly and there would be no more popular winner than the bold front runner Grey Abbey.
In a very open race I intend to stick with JOSS NAYLOR with perhaps a saver on Stormez.
The 2.00 should see a rematch between Thisthatandtother and Well Chief. Well Chief holds two decisions over Thisthatandtother but I expect the form to be reversed this time. Venn Ottery could also make the line up which would add an extra dimension.
Rigmarole is provisional top weight in the Scottish Champion Hurdle (a limited handicap). He will do very well to win with his weight and I prefer to look elsewhere for the winner. Geos must have an excellent chance at the weights and I would not discount the chance of Specular just yet. It should be a super race with Westender, Garde Champetre, In Contrast and The French Furze all entered to run. I expect GEOS to lead them home with Specular in closest attendance.
The other races look very competitive but look out for a good run from WISE MAN in the 4.45 and Lenny Lungo's stable selected in the closing bumper.
They also race on the flat at Newbury where they have 3 group 3 races. The first of these at 1.40 should revolve around Imperial Dancer, Gamut, Nysean and Bandari. I think Imperial Dancer's turn of foot could prove decisive over Bandari.
Mick Channon's Majestic Desert should have a good chance in the 3.15 and Milk It Mick bids to get his season back on course after a recent blow out at Lingfield. He will be looking to win this on his way to a crack at the 2'000 gns in 2 weeks time.
Finally keep an eye on SOYUZ in the 2.15 the Spring Cup. This is a wide open handicap and Soyuz has disappointed on more than one occasion. However, if he is anywhere near his best he could win this readily at a decent price.