Taunton

The betting could be informative here. LEADER CRIK failed to make an impact in a Cheltenham novice on his hurdle debut in October but his close second to a subsequent hurdle winner in an Irish point prior to that marks him down as a horse with potential and he could prove a different proposition after wind surgery. Five Bar Gate should build on last month's C&D hurdle debut fifth and is second choice. Mariole was well beaten in a Listed bumper on his first outing for Nicky Henderson but it would be no surprise to see him leave that behind now hurdling, while Innamorato would be a threat to all if recapturing his French form. [Andrew Sheret]