The expert verdict on the Foxhunters': we asked some top judges for their views on Thursday's race over the National fences

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The Randox Foxhunters' is the first race of the Grand National meeting run over the big fences and offers the chance of a famous win to amateur riders. The three previous winners return for another crack at the £50,000 contest alongside Cheltenham Festival hero Barton Snow, who seeks an eight-timer following his success in last month's Hunters' Chase. We asked three top judges three simple questions to find out what might happen come 3.30pm on Thursday.

1 Can Barton Snow follow up his Hunters' Chase victory?

Will Biddick, eight-time champion point-to-point rider: You can't ignore any of Joe O'Shea's horses in these types of races and it was an unbelievable achievement to do what he did at Cheltenham. He always has his horses ready for the big day. With the way he travelled through the race last time, Aintree should be made for him.

Carl Evans, Racing Post point-to-point columnist: Undoubtedly – and I know his trainer has backed him. It was a surprise he stayed 3m2f so well at Cheltenham given his victories over shorter distances. Dropping back in trip will be no problem, and apart from a pulled-up and a fall when pointing in Ireland as a four-year-old, his completion rate has been faultless.