Maitre En Science has been well found in the market at 2/1 and is an obvious contender based on his progressive French form. His Clairefontaine win has worked out well, and given the stable’s form, he could have plenty more to offer. However, while he sets a strong standard, I wouldn’t be rushing in at short prices in what could be a more competitive race than the betting suggests.

One that interests me at the prices is NARDARAN (8/1), trained by Paul Nicholls, who has won this race four times in the last decade. First-time cheekpieces suggest connections feel there’s plenty more to come after his solid hurdling debut at Kempton, where he shaped as though improvement was inevitable. His €135,000 price tag hints at long-term potential, and Nicholls has a strong record when adding first-time headgear. Given his stable’s strength in this division, he looks overpriced at 8/1.

Another with scope to outperform market expectations is HOSAAMM (10/1). A £78,000 purchase from the Flat, where he was a useful 88-rated performer over 1m4f, he made an impressive hurdling breakthrough at Wetherby last time. He holds an entry for the Triumph Hurdle, so connections clearly see him as a horse with scope, and this tight Musselburgh circuit should suit his travelling speed. He could run a big race at double-figure odds.

For those looking for bigger each-way value, SOLAR DRIVE (9/1) makes some appeal. He won at Ballinrobe before a strong second at Punchestown, where he was only beaten by a well-regarded horse. Given that he’s been freshened up for this, he could surprise a few of the better-fancied runners.

While Maitre En Science is the most likely winner, Nardaran (8/1) and Hosaamm (10/1) offer plenty of each-way appeal, and with the favourite still having to prove his superiority over UK opposition, it might just be worth taking him on at the prices.

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Suggested Bets:

✔ NARDARAN – 8/1 (Each-Way)
✔ HOSAAMM – 10/1 (Each-Way)
✔ SOLAR DRIVE – 9/1 (Each-Way, Small Stake)