Timeform rate current RSA favourite Punchestowns 9lb below his stable mate Long Run, and only fourth best in their evaluation of the contest.
However the Halifax gurus have awarded Nicky Henderson's charge a big "P" which signifies that he is open to major improvement and could be something special.
Below are the top Timeform rated horses for all six of the Grade 1 novice championships at this year's Festival:
Spinal Research Supreme Novices' Hurdle
DUNGUIB (IRE) 166 p
RITE OF PASSAGE 161 p
MENORAH (IRE) 161 p
GET ME OUT OF HERE (IRE) 161 p
MORNING SUPREME (IRE) 157 p
PEDDLERS CROSS (IRE) 157 p
PUYOL (IRE) 154
PEPE SIMO (IRE) 154
MANYRIVERSTOCROSS (IRE) 152
BELLVANO (GER) 151 p
ANY GIVEN DAY (IRE) 151
The Irish Independent Arkle Trophy
LONG RUN (FR) 170 p
CAPTAIN CEE BEE (IRE) 169
SIZING EUROPE (IRE) 168
FRENCH OPERA 164
SPORTS LINE (IRE) 160 p
SOMERSBY (IRE) 159 p
SHAKERVILZ (FR) 159 p
AN CATHAOIR MOR (IRE) 159
CITIZEN VIC (IRE) 158 p
OSANA (FR) 157
The Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle
RITE OF PASSAGE 161 p
GET ME OUT OF HERE (IRE) 161 p
NAJAF (FR) 161
TELL MASSINI (IRE) 159 p
FIONNEGAS (IRE) 159
ENTERPRISE PARK (IRE) 158 p
REVE DE SIVOLA (FR) 158 x
MORNING SUPREME (IRE) 157 p
PEDDLERS CROSS (IRE) 157 p
SHINROCK PADDY (IRE) 154 p
RSA Chase
LONG RUN (FR) 174 p
BURTON PORT (IRE) 167 p
HEY BIG SPENDER (IRE) 166 p
PUNCHESTOWNS (FR) 165 P
DIAMOND HARRY 164 p
PANDORAMA (IRE) 164
SHAKERVILZ (FR) 162 p
CITIZEN VIC (IRE) 161 p
SEVEN IS MY NUMBER (IRE) 161
WEIRD AL (IRE) 160 p
WEAPON'S AMNESTY (IRE) 160 +
JCB Triumph Hurdle
ALAIVAN (IRE) 164 p
CARLITO BRIGANTE (IRE) 163 p
ME VOICI (FR) 157 p
PISTOLET NOIR (FR) 156 p
NOTUS DE LA TOUR (FR) 156 p
BARIZAN (IRE) 155
WESTLIN' WINDS (IRE) 154
OLOFI (FR) 152 p
MILLE CHIEF (FR) 150 p
PITTONI (IRE) 148 P
ORZARE (IRE) 148 p
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle
NAJAF (FR) 161
TELL MASSINI (IRE) 159 p
FIONNEGAS (IRE) 159
ENTERPRISE PARK (IRE) 158 p
SILVER KATE (IRE) 157
PREMIER VICTORY (IRE) 156
SHINROCK PADDY (IRE) 154 p
BERTIES DREAM (IRE) 154
RESTLESS HARRY 153 +
QUEL ESPRIT (FR) 152 p
