Aintree

Last year's Top Novices' Hurdle at this meeting resulted in a smooth success for SALVATOR MUNDI, and although he has taken a while to get the hang of chasing he's certainly coming to the boil judged on a bloodless win at Thurles. He gets the vote ahead of Kala Conti whose second Cork win received a boost when runner-up Kargese triumphed in the Arkle. The progressive Mighty Bandit commands respect, while the Windsor first and second No Questions Asked and Be Aware had possible excuses at Cheltenham. The latter is normally so consistent and makes each-way appeal.[Richard O'Brien]