WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

Peter Scudamore

THE majority of pundits have concluded that Editeur Du gite won the Clarence house Chase at Cheltenham’s Trials meeting in January only because of injudicious rides on his two main rivals Edwardstone and Energumene.

But that runs the risk of seriously underestimating gary Moore’s nine-year-old. he gets on extremely well with his young rider niall houlihan and has a very good track record, having won three of his five Cheltenham starts.

The fact Willie Mullins-trained frontrunner gentleman De Mee is a non-runner is also a plus, as he might have been a thorn in Editeur Du gite’s side by hassling him for the lead.

1........................EDITEUR DU GITE 2...........................EDWARDSTONE 3.............................ENERGUMENE

Lizzie Kelly

THINGS have not gone to plan for Edwardstone in his last two runs, unseating his jockey at Kempton over Christmas and then giving Editeur Du gite too much rope in front when that rival beat him in the Clarence house Chase at this track. Edwardstone was beaten a head that day and actually got to the front after the last before the exertions of making up too much ground paid in the end.

The Alan King-trained gelding won at the meeting last year. he goes well at the track and his running style suits, sitting off the pace before being launched for a late run.

1............................EDWARDSTONE 2.............................ENERGUMENE 3..................FUNAMBULE SIVOLA

Mick Fitzgerald

THIS race could be set up perfectly for Edwardstone to travel in behind the leaders and then pounce before the final fence and stride away to the line.

1...........................EDWARDSTONE 2.......................EDITEUR DU GITE 3.............................ENERGUMENE

n Nine of the past 11 winners returned at 6-1 or shorter.

n 16 of the past 18 winners had run 2-3 times that season.

n Seven of the past 12 Arkle winners to have run in this race the next season have won.

n Seven of the past 11 winners contested the Clarence House Chase.