No. |
|
Selection |
Form |
|
Guide |
|
|
- Edwardstone
- Tom Cannon / A King
|
|
172
|
14/1 |
Edwardstone
Grand servent to his connections but an 11yo now and was no match for Jonbon in this 12 months ago, which isn't the only time the Henderson horse has had his number; disappointed last time in the Game Spirit won by Master Chewy.
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|
|
- Energumene
- P Townend / W P Mullins
|
|
172
|
11/2 |
Energumene
Former main man in this division and defied his advancing years with a defeat of subsequent Cheltenham Festival heroine Dinoblue on his return from a long absence at Cork in December; however, he was swatted aside by Jonbon next time at Ascot and then folded tamely in the Champion Chase; as on those two occasions, today's ground will be livelier than ideal.
|
|
|
- Harper's Brook
- Kielan Woods / D Skelton
|
|
148
|
125/1 |
Harper's Brook
Highly talented but a quirky customer and even if on his best behaviour this looks far too tough a task for one who is essentially a quality handicapper.
|
|
|
- Il Etait Temps
- D E Mullins / W P Mullins
|
|
171
|
9/2 |
Il Etait Temps
Top-class novice chaser from 2m to 2m4f, winning his third Grade 1 over fences (also won at that level hurdling) when flooring the Arkle winner Gaelic Warrior on yielding ground at Punchestown last May; this is a huge ask after almost 12 months off but he is trained by a genius; he could give Jonbon something to think about.
|
|
|
- Jonbon
- M P Walsh / N J Henderson
|
|
179
|
8/15 |
Jonbon
Again forgot his lines at the Cheltenham Festival where he stayed on for a never-dangerous second in the Champion Chase after an almighty blunder at halfway; has been his brilliant self otherwise this season and was only doing enough when ridden out for further top-level honours at Aintree (2m4f, good); has won the last two editions of this race and made it 5-5 at the track in the Tingle Creek on his last visit in December; Mark Walsh replaces the injured Nico De Boinville; hard to oppose.
|
|
|
- Master Chewy
- Sam Twiston-Davies / N A Twiston-Davies
|
|
167
|
20/1 |
Master Chewy
Smart novice last season, running well when falling in the Arkle and then nearly winning the equivalent at Aintree (good to soft); at least matched that form in winning the Grade 2 Game Spirit at Newbury in February and his Ryanair defeat can be attributed to the 2m4f; a good bet to give his running but he's relying on some of these being off their game.
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|
|
- Unexpected Party
- Harry Skelton / D Skelton
|
|
154
|
40/1 |
Unexpected Party
Won last season's Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival and put up a sterling defence when runner-up last month; however, Jonbon comfortably has his measure on their previous clashes; lots to find on the figures.
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