In with a Royal big chance!

LORD ROYAL (4.15) can rule over his Ladbrokes Beginners Chase rivals at Punchestown.

The seven-year- old has kept some lofty company since he won by 33 lengths on his hurdling debut for Willie Mullins (pictured) in January 2020.

Sent straight into a graded race thereafter, he was the odds- on favourite but found subsequent smart chaser Run Wild Fred too strong.

Eighth behind the same horse in the 2021 Troytown, Lord Royal never figured in a valuable handicap at Leopardstown over Christmas.

His mark of 143 does appear a touch high, as he has not reproduced the promise of his beginners’ chase second.

However, that still gives him a decent cushion over the likes of the Noel Meade-trained Everglow.

An improving horse is one to keep on side and Cazoo Handicap Hurdle runner TREASURED COMPANY (5.16) fits the bill at Uttoxeter.

Clicked

Last in action in October, Sue Smith’s charge really clicked with young jockey Thomas Willmott, recording two wins and a second from four starts.

The handicapper has him 20lb higher than when his in-form run started and reliability counts for a lot.

At Kelso, SMOKE MAN (5.07) is the pick in the Borders Distillery Corinthian Spirit ‘Grassroots’ Hunters’ Chase Series Final.

The nine-year- old did too much up front at Cheltenham’s big end- ofseason meeting last month in this sphere.

His cause was not helped when he was left in the lead at the 10th fence but he gave a bold sight until his effort petered out up the hill.

ETAT MAJOR AULMES (2.39) bumped into a couple of improving sorts on his last two outings and is weighted to go close in Fontwell’s Cazoo Novices’ Handicap Chase.