A total of 17 have contested this in its five-year existence, three of the four previous winners starting long odds-on including Olly Murphy's Champagnesuperover last year. His Grade 2 winning hurdler THOMAS DARBY has frightened the opposition away after landing an Ayr handicap on just his third start over fences but winning point-to-pointer Artic Breeze will collect the place money if getting round on his chasing bow.
Thomas Darby (IRE) 15-2 (11-10) Pressed leader, led 9th, headed narrowly before 4 out, led again last, stayed on well, ridden out, won at Ayr 3m hcp (3) sft in Feb beating Gold Cup Bailly (11-5) by 1 1/4l, 4 ran.
Artic Breeze (IRE) 80-1 (11-10) In rear, slow jump 1st, lost touch before 7th, pulled up after 3 out, at Southwell 2m 4f mdn (4) gd in Jan.
