You could argue that Spillane's Tower has the potential to be very special over three miles, but Fact To File, Corbetts Cross, and Inothewayurthinkin are the three best staying novice chasers this season.
Although Jimmy Mangan has never concealed the fact that he needs soft ground for his ace in his small deck, the weather gods appear to be partially attentive and there should be enough rain to allow him to take a chance.
In the Grade 1 WillowWarm Gold Cup at Fairyhouse last month, Spillane's Tower was comfortably in front at the finish line. Although he did not defeat a vintage field, he gave the impression that we were still far behind him. He's the one to beat here.
There was no shame in declaring Monty's Star to be too good, as he defeated all the contenders except Fact To File in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham. He was always at the top and could find plenty of pressure, his jumping was always excellent.
What to expect from Monty's Star—he's a great jumper, a reliable stayer, and a gentleman—but you can't help but wonder if he could be exposed to someone like Spillane's Tower, who could surpass him in skill.
The past two Cheltenham Festivals have been disappointing for Embassy Gardens. That day, he was ridden with far too much restraint, but after trailing in the National Hunt Chase by 17 lengths, it was discovered that he had an irregular heartbeat.
Paul Townend is most likely to go back to his previous strategies of leading from the front. He has to be taken very seriously after defeating Sandor Clegane by ten lengths in a Grade 3 at Naas in January.