Nicky Henderson insists both Broomfield Burg and First Street have plenty in their favour, but believes a strong pace would boost their chances further in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury.
The six-time champion trainer has won the race in its various guises five times and the last of those victories came in 2013 with My Tent Or Yours, then a classy novice hurdle who streaked clear to win by an easy five lengths.
Broomfield Burg (9/2) and First Street (12/1) have a long way to go to match his achievements, but are novices who struck impressively at Kempton when last seen.
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Owned by JP McManus, Broomfield Burg was second at Newbury in November and filled the same slot at Cheltenham a month later, before a commanding win at Kempton over Christmas.
First Street, a Lady Bamford homebred who has the pedigree to be smart on the Flat, has won three of his four hurdle outings and is rated higher than his stablemate, so carries 7lb more.
Henderson said: "They are both novices. Broomfield Burg was impressive when he won by ten lengths at Kempton in December. He is a horse that's got gears. He has been learning to settle and learning to race.
"Both horses are very similar. They haven't got that much experience, but they are very professional novices. They both want a really good strong gallop.
"One always thinks that you get a strong gallop in a race like this, but it doesn't always happen. There will be nice ground and that will suit them both."
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