Strong Irish challenge adds to intriguing Long Walk - but this British horse might just have everyone's measure

Teahupoo’s absence aside, this Long Walk field contains just about everything you would want in a Grade 1 staying hurdle race. It is the only one of its kind in Britain before the Cheltenham Festival but has still pulled a stronger line-up than expected, given that Leopardstown’s festive equivalent is looming.

Seeing so many Irish staying hurdlers prioritising Ascot over Leopardstown is interesting. While the Long Walk roll of honour lacks a winner from Ireland, seldom has their challenge had such depth.

The Wallpark is the star attraction among the contingent. He will run in JP McManus’s colours for the first time, something which is arguably knocking his price down a point or two shorter than it should be on the form book.