This looks a deep renewal on paper, but the market is heavily shaped by Cheltenham form – and that’s where the opportunity lies.

The headline act is Johnny’s Jury, who arrives off the back of an Albert Bartlett win. That form sets the standard. He proved he stays strongly and found plenty off a searching gallop. The question isn’t ability – it’s whether this race plays to the same strengths. Aintree is flatter, sharper, and often less of a war of attrition. He’s the most solid profile, but not bombproof at the price.

No Drama This End sits near the top of the market despite a Cheltenham no-show. That run is easy to forgive, but he’s now stepping into a new test over this trip. His earlier form suggests class, but he still has to prove he stays in a race that may not collapse late like Cheltenham did.

Mondoui’boy is interesting. He finished fourth in the Albert Bartlett but did his racing prominently, which is rarely optimal in that race. He stuck on better than most of those ridden aggressively and could be better suited by this track. He’s solid, but the market has largely caught up.

The more intriguing angle sits with the unexposed runners.

Talk To The Man is the standout in that respect. Two hurdle runs, two easy wins, and no hard races. He’s stepping up in trip with a pedigree that strongly suggests improvement over staying distances. Crucially, he avoids the Cheltenham hangover that several of these bring. In a race that may not be run at a brutal gallop, his tactical speed and freshness could be decisive.

Dalston Lad adds a different dimension as a likely front-runner. He’s improving, proven at the trip, and could get a relatively uncontested lead. If allowed to dictate, he becomes dangerous at a bigger price.

Zeus Power also deserves a mention after his eye-catching run at Cheltenham, where things went wrong early. He stayed on strongly and shapes as though this step up will suit, but he still has more to prove than others near the head of the market.

The Bottom Line

This race is less about raw stamina than Cheltenham and more about positioning and untapped potential. The market leans heavily on established Festival form, but that may not translate directly here.

Johnny’s Jury is the safest option, but Talk To The Man is the one with the most upside relative to his price. Fresh, unexposed, and bred to improve for this test – he’s the angle against a market that may be overvaluing battle-hardened stayers.