SAM’S GUIDE TO TODAY’S BIG RACE
✶✶ ✶✶ ✶ LIKELY WINNER
AL BOUM PHOTO
DUAL Gold Cup winner who bids to join the pantheon of National Hunt greats capturing by it for the third time. Drying ground is a concern for this confirmed mudlark. J: PAUL TOWNEND T: WILLIE MULLINS
A PLUS TARD
RECORDED a career-best in the Savills Chase last time out and looks likely to appreciate this stiffer test of stamina. Yet to prove effectiveness on good ground but a threat to all. RACHAEL BLACKMORE HENRY DE BROMHEAD
ASO
USEFUL chaser at his best and runner-up in the 2019 Ryanair Chase, but this level is far removed from his honourable defeat at the hands of Cloth Cap at Kelso recently. DARYL JACOB VENETIA WILLIAMS
BLACK OP
SUPPORTERS will point to his two-length defeat by Champ at Newbury in 2019 as evidence he is overpriced here. But overall form suggests he will be outclassed even with firsttime cheekpieces. TOM SCUDAMORE TOM GEORGE
CHAMP
LAST year’s RSA Chase winner who warmed up for this task with a terrific second in the two-mile Game Spirit at Newbury. Drying ground no issue and a huge danger if able to settle. NICO DE BOINVILLE NICKY HENDERSON
FRODON
BRILLIANT jumper who led his rivals a merry dance in the King George on Boxing Day. Has also won a Ryanair Chase at his favourite venue and won’t mind the ground conditions, so a lively outsider.
BRYONY FROST PAUL NICHOLLS KEMBOY
TWICE beaten in this race but more forceful tactics may be employed this time, which should suit. Good win recently when dominating small field. Very capable when in the mood. DANNY MULLINS WILLIE MULLINS
LOSTINTRANSLATION
HAS suffered a multitude of ailments since finishing a gallant third in this race last year. Needs to step up markedly on this season’s efforts to figure but ground should suit. ROBBIE POWER COLIN TIZZARD
MINELLA INDO
UNFORTUNATE to be nailed close to home in last year’s RSA Chase by Champ, but seemed to lose his confidence after fall at Christmas and has questions to answer this afternoon. JACK KENNEDY HENRY DE BROMHEAD
NATIVE RIVER
MUD-LOVER who beat his rivals into submission in this event three years ago. Ground conditions are likely to be markedly different today and faces battle for the lead. RICHARD JOHNSON COLIN TIZZARD
ROYALE PAGAILLE
HAS relished a wet winter to improve in excess of 30lb on official ratings, so worth his place in the line-up. Unproven on both this track and faster ground, so others are preferred. CHARLIE DEUTSCH VENETIA WILLIAMS
SANTINI
RAN a blinder to take second in this race last year, rallying gamely after losing his position down the hill. However, first-time visor needs to ignite some life after several lacklustre displays. AIDAN COLEMAN NICKY HENDERSON