Five key talking points from the 40-strong Stayers' Hurdle entries

Graham Dench and David Jennings assess some of the key names among the 40 entries made for the Stayers' Hurdle on Thursday.

1. Can anyone dethrone Paisley Park?

Paisley Park impressed 12 months ago and is a general 5-4 chance for a repeat Stayers' Hurdle success. His Newbury victory over Thistlecrack – his only outing this season – was a sixth win in a row and he looks outstanding in this sphere. But there is still time for a serious threat to emerge before March 12.

Paisley Park: a general 5-4 favourite for the Stayers' HurdleCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

It is worth remembering that Paisley Park was around a 12-1 chance for the Stayers' at this time last year, despite a breakthrough Grade 1 win in the JLT Hurdle at Ascot the previous month. However, barring If The Cap Fits – who he could meet in the Grade 2 galliardhomes.com Cleeve Hurdle on Trials Day next week – it's hard to see a legitimate danger right now.