:C8JJP D@>?K KF 9@K< 98:B
If he were to find his old sparkle then would have claims but a better option is the improving CYRNAME. He has done nothing wrong in winning three of his five chase outings but his best effort came in defeat. That was at Sandown when failing by a neck to give weight to Terrefort in a Grade One. He has since hacked up at Kempton in a race he was entitled to win and may have most to fear from the unlucky He has failed to complete in two of his four chase starts but looked in need of this trip when runner-up to Footpad in the Arkle. This may finish in a Nicky Henderson one-two. The question is in what order? A chance is taken that APPLE’S SHAKIRA had an off-day in the Triumph and the fitting of a hood will do the trick. She had looked a very useful recruit, winning her first three starts for the yard in imperious fashion and, if back to that level of form will be hard to beat. Stablemate,
has won all his four outings for Henderson. The form of his last success at Musselburgh has been franked by the runner-up, Act Of Valour, scoring since. The slight drop in trip and easier track should see MIGHT BITE regain winning ways. He was outstayed in the Cheltenham Gold Cup but had shown himself to be a top-class chaser, notably when winning the King George at Kempton.
chased him home that day with winner of this event 12 months ago, third and sixth. The placed horses can make their presence felt again along with
who was beaten a long way in the Gold Cup but had earlier been the easy winner of a couple of Grade Two events. It would be no surprise to see the veteran go one better than last year. However, SUPASUNDAE looks the one to beat. He is very adaptable regarding trip. He had the speed to take the scalp of Faugheen over two miles at Leopardstown and came to win Cheltenham’s Stayers’ Hurdle only to be mugged close home by Penhill. third 12 months ago, tends to find one too good but often runs well here and could make the frame again. Difficult to get a handle on the form with many of the field having run in the Cheltenham equivalent and this race 12 months ago. Last year’s runner-up BALNASLOW gets the nod. He has posted a couple of good efforts since which included a Punchestown victory.
finished just in front of the selection at Cheltenham last month and, if he can handle these big fences, should be thereabouts with Jamie Codd booked. is better than his last run and is a possible along with winner of this race in 2015 and 2016. There will be plenty of interest in
who arrived from France with a big reputation and caught the eye at Cheltenham last month. He drops back in trip and does come here a fresh horse. However, a chance is taken with BABY KING, one of three from the Tom George yard. His form has been a bit in-and-out but he ran well at Musselburgh and did score over track and trip earlier in the season.
does not win very often but looked back to his best at Cheltenham behind Le Prezien and is worth considering. GETAWAY KATIE MAI looks the one to beat if her last run is anything to go by. She chased Relegate home in a similar event at Leopardstown and the winner went on to take the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham. The well-supported
did not disappoint at Market Rasen, scoring in taking fashion. She may have more to offer along with who would have won by a great deal further at Huntingdon but for running around and showing her inexperience.