A team of Weekend winners were in festive mood as they look ahead to the final grade one before Christmas, the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Racing.
Last year's winner Crambo is on the rebound after disappointing runs in the spring and missing out on a planned return to Newbury last month.
The new star of the rest of the division in Britain is undoubtedly Olly Murphy's Strong Leader, who confirmed his promise by winning over long distances. Also added to the mix is Gordon Elliott's upwardly mobile The Wallpark, which arrives in five-pronged fashion.
Presenter Kate Tracey…
“It's unoriginal, but I'm with the favorite Strong Leader in a truly competitive race.
“It's good to see because this started to look like a senior race but now we've got some pretty young horses.
“The strong leader is the best horse in training, he is an absolute beast.
“He really has his own way of jumping. He's a typical son of Passing Glance, so he's very flat-backed, but he's found a way that works for him.
“Newbury's win last time probably wasn't up to his Liverpool Hurdle win, but he was awarded a penalty there.”
Sean Bowen celebrates as Strong Leader wins Grade One at Aintree
Declan Rix of Attheraces.com…
“I'm with you Strong Leader. I think it's a race with a lot of question marks.
“Wallpark is clearly making a big step up in class in Grade One company and Shoot First had a really tough race at Haydock. Crambo had his preparations cut short and Blueking d'Oroux didn't seem to stay in this race last year.
“Hiddenvalley Lake is probably good enough to win, but this is his first start of the season and he can be a little stuffy.
“I just thought Strong Leader was the horse to beat. He's really come into his own since going three miles.”
Crambo and Paisley Park battle it out in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot 2023.
BetVictor's Sam Boswell…
“I like Strong Leader and of the pair at the top of the bookies, I'd rather be with him over The Wallpark, but Christmas is a time for forgiveness and I will Greek.
“He won this race 12 months ago beating Paisley Park and we were all very excited about Fergal O'Brien running the Stayers' Hurdle with this horse.
“What happened with the two races at Cheltenham and Aintree just didn't produce what he could have done.
“The attitude he showed when he won last year was really good and he was still learning his trade at that point.
“His record in the first time out is really good and I'm not going to let that broken preparation put me off. It's probably the last chance for me and this horse, but on a track where he's proven himself, I'm excited to see what he can do.”