ACE OF SPADES (2) impressed when successful in a hurdle (4500m) at Kelso two back then wasn't too far away when fourth more recently in a hurdle (4200m) at Kelso. Cannot be ruled out - worth another chance. I AM MAX (8) did a reasonable job when he finished second in a hurdle (4250m) at Haydock Park two runs back. Franked that form when just 7 lengths away in third last time out in a hurdle (4190m) at Kelso. Likely to be thereabouts. IMPERIAL MERLIN (1) made a winning return last time out in a hurdle (4900m) at Haydock Park, partnered by today's rider Craig Nichol. Second-up record reads well, with two wins and two placings from four tries. Hard to knock. HISTRIONIC (5) finished third two back in a hurdle (4700m) at Uttoxeter then improved nicely last time to score by 4.5 lengths in a hurdle (4700m) at Uttoxeter. Hard to leave out.