With Kauto Star overcoming his recent scare and taking his place in the line-up, Timeform bring you their runner-by-runner guide to what many will be hoping proves the race of the Festival...
Burton Port was an excellent second to Diamond Harry in the Hennessy on 2010/11 return, and showed all his ability remained intact when runner-up to Long Run in Denman Chase after an absence in February.
Carruthers had his day in the sun when landing the Hennessy in first-time tongue tie at Newbury in November. Fourth in this race back in 2010, but ran poorly in the Welsh National when last seen.
China Rock is a very smart chaser who was still in touch when losing his action in this contest last year. Pulled too hard when behind Quel Esprit at Leopardstown last time, and stamina for this trip a concern.
Diamond Harry was the impressive winner of 2010 Hennessy, but missed rest of season. Not seen things out on either start this term, and has reportedly had a wind operation since Argento Chase in January.
Kauto Star is the stand-out chaser of his generation. Returned to near best this season to see off Long Run in Betfair Chase and King George, and sure to make presence felt despite late training setback.
Knockara Beau is a genuine performer who has posted number of good efforts over hurdles and fences, including third in Argento Chase. Not discredited back over hurdles latest, but lacks the class of several of these.
Long Run capped his breakthrough season when taking this contest last year. Found Kauto Star too strong on first 2 starts this term, but back on target in Denman Chase last time, and must go well again.
Midnight Chase is a front runner who progressed well last term, landing 4 handicaps prior to good fifth in this race. Back to best when winning Argento here in January, and not easily dismissed now.
Quel Esprit has been successful on all 4 completed starts over fences and was completing hat-trick when taking Irish Hennessy at Leopardstown last time, making most and jumping well. Much more required here, though.
Synchronised won 2010 Welsh National, and bridged the gap to graded company when taking Lexus Chase at Leopardstown after Christmas. However, needs to find another career best if he's to take this.
The Giant Bolster's jumping been Achilles heel over fences but barely put a foot wrong when winning Grade 3 handicap here over 21f in January. Fair fourth behind Long Run at Newbury last time, but others stronger.
The Midnight Club was progressive last term, winning the Bobbyjo at Fairyhouse (25f). Not seen to best effect in 3 runs this season, and makes minimal appeal at this level of competition.
Time For Rupert was a smart novice in 2010/11. Returned to winning ways when beating The Giant Bolster at Newbury in December, making all, but had no excuse when only fourth behind Midnight Chase in Argento last time.
Weird Al made a perfect start for his new yard when beating Time For Rupert in Charlie Hall on return, then highly creditable third behind Kauto Star in Betfair Chase on next outing. Deliberately kept fresh since.
What A Friend was fourth in this race last year in first-time blinkers, and not discredited when third to Long Run in Denman Chase at Newbury last time, despite showing his usual awkward head carriage.
Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Long Run
2. Kauto Star
3. Weird Al
Timeform View: The stage looks set for another classic duel between Kauto Star and Long Run, with preference for defending-champion Long Run, who can reverse Betfair Chase and King George form over this extra 2½f. Weird Al, kept fresh for this since November, appeals best of the remainder.
