12:40 Ascot

Obviously, a big field lining up for this so no easy task but YOUNG BUTLER has to be the pick. He caught the eye running well in defeat on hurdles debut at Chepstow in October. That form has been well advertised by the winner Stage Star who went on to win his next start at Newbury impressively. Young Butler progressed himself to get his head in front last month and still very much looked a work in progress. He goes handicapping off a mark of 121 which I think underestimates him and the step up in trip could be a further catalyst for improvement. Come On Gruff who he beat at Chepstow came out and won at Uttoxeter yesterday so the form is stacking up. Imphal is one of the dangers but he can often leave himself with too much to do which is slightly offputting. Go Steady has won 2 of his last 3 and also has to enter the reckoning despite a further 5lb rise. So Said I is another horse with potential who could run well.