Corriendo: Good to soft-good in places

A typically tricky puzzle to open the final day. Westlin' Winds went down fighting in second when attempting to concede 7lbs to the highly-regarded Mille Chief at Kempton in December and a similar effort should see him in the mix. Paul Nicholls' Advisor is two from two over hurdles and will have his supporters with Ruby Walsh in the saddle, but Soldatino could prove the pick of the home challenge. Nicky Henderson's charge made quite an impression when staying on stoutly to oblige on his British debut at Kempton last month and should be running on when others have cried enough. This race, however, looks at the mercy of the Irish. Alaivan redeemed a lofty reputation when landing the odds at Fairyhouse latest but he was slammed by Carlito Brigante at Leopardstown over the festive period and has work to do if he is to reverse the form. Preference, however, is for SECANT STAR who would have won on his debut at Leopardstown but for a last flight fall and made amends when scoring at Gowran the following month. Willie Mullins' charge faces his stiffest assignment to date but he is open to further improvement and is in the right hands to continue on an upward trajectory.

Corriendo: Good to soft-good in places

Oldrik's second to handicap snip Qaspal at Sandown last Saturday reads well but all three of his hurdling successes have come around right-handed tracks and he might not be so effective around here. Puyol managed to hold off Tawaagg in a competitive handicap hurdle at Leopardstown in January; the Irish raiders are closely matched on that form and cannot be left out of the equation. Potential improvers Bellvano and Rock Noir give JP McManus a strong hand to play while Tito Bustillo, another upwardly mobile sort, gives last year's winning stable a leading shout. It may pay, however, to concentrate upon those offered at more tempting odds. Gloucester was bang there until fading after the last in this race last year and looks feasibly weighted for his secondbite at the cherry, but DEE EE WILLIAMS gets the vote. Nick Gifford's imposing gelding did not appear to last home over 2m4f at Ascot latest but he scored on his only previous visit here and should be suited by this stiff uphill climb.

Corriendo: Good to soft-good in places

Quick thinking by Wilie Mullins can reap reward for QUEL ESPRIT. The grey was a leading contender for the big novice event on Wednesday but he only got as far as the second and now contests the race many astute judges felt was his best chance of a Festival victory anyway. Mullins also sends Arvika Ligeonniere, Enterprise Park and Fionnegas and the latter pair have to enter the equation. Shinrock Paddy also makes the trip across the Irish Sea with plenty of support behind him and the home team have a tough task in trying to stop the prize going back to the Emerald Isle. Tell Massini has headed the market for this since a couple of course successes but those came on soft ground, while Restless Harry is also better with some give underfoot as well. With conditions drying out, the chief British hope could be The Betchworth Kid, who was good enough to make the frame in the Goodwood Cup on the level and has been crying out for this sort of stamina test.

Corriendo: Good to soft-good in places

KAUTO STAR is guaranteed a place in the hall of fame after compiling a remarkable record of 13 Grade 1 successes, including two Gold Cups, four King George VI chases and three Betfair Chases. He looked better than ever when demolishing his field on Boxing Day in the King George VI and is very hard to oppose in his search for a third Gold Cup. Denman looked back to his very best when shouldering a big weight to success for the second time in the Hennessy Gold Cup in November before surprisingly unseating in the home straight in his Newbury 'prep' race. A top-form Denman is a threat in any race he contests but the reigning champion is still preferred. The Paul Nicholls grip on the race is further strengthened by the progressive Tricky Trickster, who took advantage of the Denman capsize to score at Newbury. He has more improvement to come and rates a tempting each-way proposition. Cooldine, last year's RSA winner, suggested he was back to something like his best behind Joncol last time and completes the shortlist along with Imperial Commander, well beaten by Kauto Star last time but only touched off by a nose when the pair clashed in the Betfair Chase.

Corriendo: Good to soft-good in places

Richard Barber is responsible for the ex-Paul Nicholls pair of Trust Fund and Le Duc, and the latter is a Festival favourite and sure to have his supporters. His stablemate boasts better claims, though, because he is unbeaten in his last five completed starts under Rules and has less miles on the clock. Dun Doire is another blast from the past at this meeting, but will have his work cut out to reverse December's point-to-point form with compatriot Kilty Storm. Turthen and Baby Run took minor honours 12 months ago and are such reliable yardsticks in this company. Bob Hall is another who is making hay in this sphere and has more time on his side than most, but a rival with even more scope for improvement is ROULEZ COOL. The ex-French seven-year-old is overa recent setback and has picked up two points with the minimum of fuss. He can provide the Waley-Cohen team with some consolation following the defeat of Long Run earlier in the week.