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Nicky Henderson reports Supreme Novice third River Wylde to have 'schooled well' as he takes on a strong line-up in Uttoxeter's Kalahari King Beginners' Chase (2:45).
The six-year-old won four times as a novice hurdler last season, including at Grade Two level, and finished just over ten lengths off Labaik in the Supreme Novice.
After a long season he could only finish fifth in Aintree's Top Novice Hurdle, but expectations are set high as he goes chasing.
The race has a strong record of winners, with Charbel and Garde La Victoire striking in the previous two renewals and Henderson is confident the Festival third can add his place on that list.
"We've another interesting race this time," Henderson told the Racing Post.
"Like last year I was delighted with Top Notch on the day and look what he went on to do, as did Charbel and Le Prezien. There were three good horses.
"Uttoxeter is a nice place to start. River Wylde has schooled well. He was a very good novice hurdler and we'll see what he can do in this."
Harry Fry's unexposed Hell's Kitchen remains one of the most unexposed rivals in the field. The six-year-old has only raced on four occasions and was last seen finishing third on his chasing debut at Ascot a year ago.
War Sound, who won the Swinton Hurdle back in 2015, makes his racecourse return after 629 days. Phillip Hobbs' eight-year-old makes his chasing debut on his first start since finishing midfield in Newbury's Betfair Hurdle.
Kimberlite Candy and Minella For Me also compete.
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