HORSE-BY-HORSE GUIDE

AHOY SENOR

Stable have enjoyed a great week and, given two of his best efforts over fences have been saved for this venue, he is tough to write off.

A PLUS TARD

Star of this race last year, posting the biggest winning margin since 1995, but abject comeback before Christmas. Yard in better form now.

BRAVEMANSGAME

King George winner whose precise jumping should stand him in good stead as he tries to translate that form to undulating track.

CONFLATED

Impressed at Leopardstown over Christmas, but will need to improve markedly on a five-length defeat of Kemboy. Stamina questionable, too.

ELDORADO ALLEN

Has consistently finished behind the likes of Bravemansgame and Protektorat. Suspicion is he will come up short again.

GALOPIN DES CHAMPS

Would boast an unblemished record in six chase starts but for a last-fence fall here 12 months ago. Has carried all before him since then.

HEWICK

Progressive chaser who loves a stamina test but usually on his favoured fast ground. Could easily outrun his odds if the rains stay away. MINELLA INDO

Festival regular since 2019 and Cheltenham form figures read 1212, which include a victory in this race two years ago. Looks sure to be involved once more.

NOBLE YEATS

Sprung a 50-1 shock in last year’s Grand National and has continued to thrive. Should love this test and has huge chance of placing.

PROTEKTORAT

Impressive winner of the Betfair Chase and placed in this event 12 months ago. Below-par on Trials Day in January, but trainer took the blame for that display.

ROYALE PAGAILLE

Performed creditably in this race last year when fifth, but would arguably need a monsoon to figure given his best form is on deep ground around Haydock.

SOUNDS RUSSIAN

Has gone under the radar courtesy of quietly progressive performances at Aintree, Wetherby and here last time, where he kicked for home too soon. There are worse each-way shouts.

STATTLER

Old-fashioned stayer who landed the National Hunt Chase here last year. Put in his place by stablemate Galopin Des Champs at Leopardstown. Hard to see him reversing the placings.