Verdict

EPATANTE (NAP) was no match for Constitution Hill in the Fighting Fifth but won three Grade 1 contests last season and was second here in the Champion Hurdle. She only need run up to that form to beat these. Stablemate First Street did well to defy a big weight in a Grade 3 at Newbury last month and has probably improved again over the summer. Knappers Hill complete a four-timer in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton last month but has to give weight to his four rivals including the impressive Greatwood winner Like To Move It. Zoffanien appears to be facing a thankless task at the weights.

Formwatch

Knappers Hill (IRE) 11-8jfav (11-2) Made all, pushed along before 2 out, three lengths clear when not fluent at final flight, stayed on strongly closing stages, won at Wincanton 1m 7f (1) gf in Nov beating Sceau Royal (11-8) by 2 1/2l, 4 ran.

First Street 3-1jfav (12-0) Tracked leaders on inside, 3rd after 4 out, 2nd next, closer 2 out, challenged last, ridden to lead narrowly run-in, edged left and stayed on strongly to assert inside final 150 yards, won at Newbury 2m hcp (1) gd in Nov beating Grivetana (10-3) by 2 1/2l, 7 ran.

I Like To Move It 17-2 (12-0) Made virtually all, ridden and stayed on strongly run-in, won at Cheltenham 2m hcp (1) gd in Nov beating Gin Coco (11-3) by 5 1/2l, 13 ran.

Zoffanien (IRE) 22-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, steady headway before 2 out (normal 3 out) pushed along chasing leaders in 3rd home turn, weakened extended run-in, 5th of 12, 3 1/4l behind Annual Invictus (11-5) at Cheltenham 3m hcp (2) gd in Nov.

Epatante (FR) 4-1 (11-3) Chased leader, not fluent 3 out, ridden and chased clear leader before 2 out, kept on same pace run-in, 2nd of 5, 12l behind Constitution Hill (11-10) at Newcastle 2m (1) gs in Nov.