Verdict

The time of this race has raised a few eyebrows but it is worth waiting for; last year's winner Harchibald needs respect but it is PUNJABI who gets the nod over previous winner Arcalis, Blue Bajan and Sublimity. Nicky Henderson's purple patch continues and Punjabi, third in the Champion Hurdle is given the vote. He went on to beat the reopposing Sublimity at Punchestown and for good measure has won two flat races since. He wouldn't want any rain, but he can continue to improve. Sublimity has a good turn of foot and is the highest-rated in the line-up; the 2007 Champion Hurdle winner has an exciting season ahead of him. Tazbar had a good novice season last year but his best form has been over further, Blue Bajan has been aimed at this race and the flat track will suit, whilst Harchibald should be fit from a run on the flat and cannot be taken lightly. Arcalis won this race in 2005 but has a lengthy absence to overcome and he needs to step up on his old form. A terrific renewal, with the vote going to Punjabi.

Formwatch

Arcalis 4-7fav (11-10) Tracked leaders, driven to chase clear leader before last, strong challenge and edged right flat, stayed on to dead-heat on line, won at Sandown 2m hdl (2) gf in Apr '07 deadheating with Penzance (11-4), 6 ran.

Blue Bajan (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Held up, ridden and headway approaching 2 out, stayed on well from last, 3rd of 15, 7l behind Sentry Duty (11-0) at Ascot 2m hcp hdl (2) gd.

Harchibald (FR) 11-4 (11-12) Raced in 4th, 3rd after 2 out, soon no impression under pressure, dropped to 4th again from before last, 4th of 6, 11l behind Punjabi (11-12) at Punchestown 2m hdl Grd 1 (1) gd in Apr.

Harper Valley (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Raced keenly, prominent, not fluent 2nd, mistake 3 out, not fluent 2 out, weakening when mistake last, 3rd of 10, 20l behind Binocular (11-0) at Aintree 2m nov hdl Grd 1 (1) gs in Apr.

Noble Alan (GER) 7-1 (11-8) Raced keenly, rear of mid-division, headway approaching 2 out, chased winner when jumped left last, stayed on, no impression, 2nd of 20, 4l behind Font (10-6) at Cheltenham 2m nov hcp hdl (2) gd in Oct.

Punjabi 2-1 (11-12) Chased leaders in 3rd, went 2nd before 2 out, led before straight, ridden clear, mistake last, tired and driven out run-in, won at Punchestown 2m hdl Grd 1 (1) gd in Apr beating Sublimity (11-12) by 3l, 6 ran.

Sublimity (FR) 15-8fav (11-12) Raced in moderate 5th, 4th and ridden after 2 out, moderate 2nd straight, headway when kept on run-in, 2nd of 6, 3l behind Punjabi (11-12) at Punchestown 2m hdl Grd 1 (1) gd in Apr.

Tazbar (IRE) 6-5fav (11-6) Tracked leader, challenged 2 out, ridden and every chance last, carried left flat, just held, 2nd of 6, hd behind Lodge Lane (11-6) at Perth 3m nh nov hdl (2) gs in Apr.