'If he gets round, he wins' - which Foxhunter hope carries so much confidence?

4.05 Aintree
Randox Health Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase | Class 2 |6yo+ | 2m5f | ITV/RUK

Will confidence in Road To Rome be justified?

"If he comes back with his jockey on top, he wins." It's safe to say Joe O'Shea could scarcely be more confident about the chances of his Road To Rome in the Foxhunters'.

O'Shea also expected the nine-year-old to run a big race at the Cheltenham Festival but was concerned the severe test of three miles and two and a half furlongs would find out his bold-jumping front-runner.

Unfortunately, his fears were proved right as Road To Rome put up a brave display but found the petrol tank running empty and faded to finish a gallant fourth in the Foxhunter.

At Aintree, Road To Rome is down markedly in trip, to two miles five furlongs, so there are no excuses on the stamina front, and O'Shea is anticipating victory, playing down fears a hard race at Cheltenham might have taken something out of him.

The trainer said: "He did exactly what we expected at Cheltenham. It was the final two and a half furlongs that caught him out.

"People think he was tired after Cheltenham but he wasn't – he just didn't stay. We took him for a canter last week and he ran off with the work-rider."

Road To Rome has one style of running – blasting off in front – and O'Shea does not expect him to see another rival. As far as he's concerned the unique fences pose the biggest risk of defeat.

He added: "I'm more worried about the 18 fences than the opposition – if he comes back with his jockey on top he wins."

Is Burning Ambition the big danger?

Road To Rome's chances of safely navigating Aintree are improved by the booking of Sam Waley-Cohen, who, with six wins, has not just the best record of any amateur over the spruce fences but any jockey.

His chief market rival Burning Ambition also benefits from the assistance of a leading amateur in Derek O'Connor, and trainer Pierce Power is expecting a good performance from his lightly raced eight-year-old, who was favourite for the Foxhunter at last year's Cheltenham Festival.

Burning Ambition: accurate jumping should stand him in good steadCredit: Alain Barr

Like Road To Rome, Burning Ambition found that trip stretching his stamina and should find this sharper test more suitable.

Power, who trains in County Wexford, said: "He's in great form and won well at Down Royal last time. Three and a quarter miles up the Cheltenham hill wasn't his forte but two miles five furlongs should be right up his street and the ground will be fine.

"We've targeted this race because he's such a good jumper and he won't be lacking for assistance in the saddle. If he takes to the fences he would have a big chance."

Will last year's 1-2-3 be involved again?

Given the unique test the National course provides, form at the track can count for plenty. Last year Balnaslow led home Bear's Affair and Greensalt, and all three return for more.

The 12-year-old Balnaslow has been badly out of form since winning at Aintree and cheekpieces have been fitted for the first time to try to spark a revival, while Bear's Affair has been running creditably in points but is now a teenager.

Greensalt has been given a quieter time and William Easterby, the horse's trainer and jockey, hopes the patient approach will be rewarded.

Easterby said: "He ran a blinder last year and we've given him a lighter campaign this time, with just one prep run. We've taken our time and hopefully he's bang on form."

What they say

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Kruzhlinin and Ucello Conti
They're both in really good form and we've managed to book two really good jockeys in Barry [O'Neill, for Kruzhlinin] and Jamie [Codd, for Ucello Conti]. Kruzhlinin has been in great form in points, while Ucello Conti comes here after a solid run at Cheltenham. He has course experience, which is a big bonus.

Richard Spencer, trainer of Sir Jack Yeats
You need a bit of luck as it's a tricky track, but he won well last time and he's fit and well,– so we're going there hopeful that he has a good chance.

Kelly Morgan, trainer of Top Wood
He's come out of Cheltenham well and seems in good form. The drop in trip shouldn't be a problem as he's a strong traveller.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Wonderful Charm
He’s won his only start this year, and seems really well. He goes well fresh.

Spotlight verdict

Plenty of returning heroes with the first three from last year and 2017 winner Dineur. The bold Road To Rome will take all the catching if he can repeat his Cheltenham effort and can turn the tables on Top Wood at this trip. The Irish are strongly represented and while Ucello Conti may find this happening quickly enough, the progressive Burning Ambition looks a serious candidate, especially with Derek O'Connor riding. Kruzhlinin is of interest but Sir Jack Yeats is feared most of all.

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app