Racing: The former National Hunt jockey Steve Smith Eccles (right) gives a runner-by-runner analysis of today's Tote Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle

Mistinguett: Stormed home in last Saturday's Cleeve Hurdle and has an excellent chance if those exertions have not taken their toll.

Daraydan: In excellent form before Christmas but failed to stay three miles in soft ground last time. At this trip he has each-way claims.

Princeful: Will struggle to improve on his second at Warwick last time. Not the most fluent jumper.

Moorish: Pulls hard and has to be held up. Could hit traffic problems.

Buckhouse Boy: Not the best of jumpers and could miss one out

Jathib: Hard to see him winning this on his first outing this season.

Big Strand: An eye-catching third on his seasonal debut. The one they all have to beat.

Friendship: Unlucky not to complete a hat-trick when falling at the last at Kempton. Each-way claims if that does not dent his confidence.

Whip Hand: His trainer is not sparkling and there is a question mark about the trip for this one.

Danjing: Refused to race on his reappearance. One to avoid.

Outset: Cannot be expected to improve for last run as he was fit from the Flat. Small horse who may struggle physically.

Far Dawn: Could not win if he started now.

Runaway Pete: Little chance on this year's form.

Harbour Island: Runs best in blinkers but even though he has them on here he should not figure.

Conclusion: The game Mistinguett impressed me at Cheltenham last week but I feel this tough race comes too soon. Friendship has sound each-way claims but BIG STRAND is very attractively weighted and will carry my fiver.