Ante-post market
The key storylines
In one of the clashes of the week, expect a new chasing star to be crowned. This could prove the coronation of Shishkin, with the Nicky Henderson-trained seven-year-old out to follow in the footsteps of Seven Barrows superstars Altior and Sprinter Sacre in lifting this star-studded prize.
As with his two former stablemates, it has been a quiet yet tried-and-tested route to Cheltenham this season with Shishkin. Last year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner destroyed inferior opposition on his chase debut at Kempton and in two Grade 2s at that track and, most recently, Doncaster.
However, this is far from a one-horse race and two top-level winners also have solid claims for success.