There are four going into battle for Nicky Henderson and two of them could fight out the finish with SANTINI getting the nod over The pair met at Newbury in December when the selection proved the stronger by four-and-a-half-lengths and he has since got the better of Black Op (who gave Samcro a race on Wednesday) here in January. The way he finished that day suggested that he needed a step up in trip. Chef Des Obeaux is unbeaten in three starts since which highlights the value of that Newbury form and his subsequent improvement. This is a step up in class for
who was a very easy winner of a Grade Three at Clonmel but may have more to offer. That also applies to
He won the Grade One Challow Hurdle at Newbury and is bred to appreciate this distance. No trainer has ever won the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Queen Mother Champion Chase in the same season but Nicky Henderson has very good chance with
He arrives here having won his last five starts over fences which includes last year’s RSA Chase and this season’s King George at Kempton. His wayward tendencies seem to have been ironed out but the tacky ground is a concern and his stamina could be challenged so NATIVE RIVER gets the vote. He stays forever, won the Welsh Grand National last season and went on to run a cracker in this event finishing third to Sizing John. He made an encouraging return at Newbury and has never finished out of the first three in 12 chase outings – winning seven.
represents last year’s winning trainer/jockey combination and the form of his Gowran Park win was franked when the runner-up, Presenting Percy, won the RSA Chase on Wednesday. The first six home 12 months ago are back for another crack. The winner
disappointed on his return at Doncaster and last year’s runner-up WONDERFUL CHARM is suggested. He only failed by a neck and would probably have won in a couple of strides. He has shown his wellbeing this season with a comfortable Musselburgh success last month. Another to consider is progressive prolific point winner
who chased home the useful Gilgamboa at Punchestown.
also found that classy rival too good at Thurles and should make his presence felt. was a smart performer when trained by Paul Nicholls and is unbeaten in three points since switching yards. Will Biddick’s booking also takes the eye. A tough event but FLAWLESS ESCAPE looks well treated. He is unexposed having raced only three times over hurdles and caught the eye when third behind a well-handicapped rival at Leopardstown. The yard won it last year and they have three others in the field with in with a chance after running well at Fairyhouse and now tried in a tongue tie. The form of the Kempton race in which
finished fifth to William Henry has worked out well and, though he is up 2lb, remains of interest off his present rating. didn’t build on his good second in a Fairyhouse Grade One last time but appears on a fair mark for his handicap debut and his form has been franked. An impossible race to unravel form-wise and hopefully LE PREZIEN will do better than 12 months ago when he finished eighth. His second and third in valuable handicaps at this venue give him every chance. The drop back to this trip and the fitting of cheekpieces worked the oracle for who ran a blinder at Leopardstown. Cheekpieces are now tried on who disappointed at Warwick.