There has been no Irish trained winner of the race for the past 28 years, and as regards to the home team it's Nicky Henderson, and Ferdy Murphy who have done best in recent years.
Both have saddled two winner in the last 14 years, whilst David Pipe is also worth keeping an eye on as his father Martin sent out the winner in 2003 and 2004 and he will want to uphold the family tradition.
* Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has a shocking record. He has had just one place runenr from 14 starters and many of them have been at the head of the betting.
* Eight and nine-year-olds have the best record having won 13 of the last 17 renewals
* Unlike most races at the Festival, last time out form is not a key factor. Six of the last eight winners had all been unplaced before landing the spoils.
