I don't think that there's a thread for this yet and probably not much action until entries are made but with NRNB in place now may be a good time for speculative bets.
A few random points that I've collected:
- still a young race but the highest OR to win the Fred Winter is 134.
- some Irish trainers may enter Trials Day handicaps to get an early idea of a UK mark.
- there will no doubt be horses who achieved a workable mark as novice hurdlers last season and are now trying novice chasing but may revert to a handicap hurdle at the Festival.
- the Close Bros Novice Hcap Chase last season had an OR range of just 137-142 for 20 runners. I believe that the upper limit has been raised to 145 this season but it will remain an art getting in.