ANNEXATION (2) is progressing well on the flat. Was unplaced the start before last then was far more impressive last time when he finished second, beaten 5 lengths, at Brighton over 2400m. Tough to stop again back over the jumps. FIGAROC (3) is resuming from a layoff of five months. Raced just the once last preparation, when he failed to complete the course in a steeplechase (3210m) at Carlisle. One of the major hopes in the race. COLLINGHAM (1) will be cherry-ripe today after two runs back from a spell. Opened with a win in a hurdle (3160m) at Catterick then did a good job to finish third more recently in a steeplechase (3200m) at Ffos Las. Sure to be thereabouts. HONNEUR D'AJONC (4) has been performing well of late. Won two starts back in a hurdle (3700m) at Stratford-On-Avon then was in the money again last time, beaten 20 lengths into third in a hurdle (3830m) at Fontwell Park. Not to be taken lightly.