This revolves around KAUTO STAR and whether the great champion has recovered from his exertions in the Gold Cup.

Paul Nicholls' superstar looked almost back to his very best at Cheltenham where he travelled well until tiring from two out.

His stablemate and Gold Cup runner-up Denman was firmly put in his place by Nacarat on his next start at Aintree and he could have been feeling the effects of his incredible run in the big one.

Nacarat will love the ground and should make it a real test though he's generally finished behind Kauto Star when they have met in the past.

Kempes, who blundered his way around behind Long Run in the Gold Cup, will be seen to much better effect on this track where he won the Champion Novice Chase a year ago and was at his best when landing the Hennessy at Leopardstown in February.

Tranquil Sea was only sixth in this a year ago and for all his talent he has yet to show he's capable of winning at this level over today's trip.

Follow The Plan couldn't cope with Nacarat at Aintree and appears unlikely to do so here and is closely matched with Roberto Goldback on their 1-2 at Thurles in January.