Cheltenham Hunter Chase night and Punchestown Champion Hunter Chase

[Darran]

It is great to have Cheltenham's hunter chase night back after a year off last year and there there looks to be some cracking action in store across the 7 races. Over in Ireland we have their big hunter chase of the season at Punchestown where Caid Du Berlais will be looking to land the hat-trick.

Before I get into the previews just a quick word on the Chepstow race from last Friday. Obviously it was great to get the winner in Right To Reply who drifted out to a great price in the end. He was given an attacking from the front and it worked a treat. Salvatore looked a beaten horse early on as Zac tried to be prominent on him, but he jumped slowly and was never travelling. The fact he finished as close as he did was down to the fact he was passing poor horses more than anything. What I will say though is I suspect he found things happening fast enough on the quick ground and I reckon connections might regret not waiting for Cheltenham and the 4m contest which looks ideal for him.

Now into the previews as I take a look at every horse running at Prestbury Park later tonight.

5.00 

Risk And Roll - Certainly capable of winning this contest as he showed when landing a couple of hunter chases last season at Leicester and Stratford as well as finishing 2nd off 122 in a Huntingdon handicap last month. As I wrote in my preview for Aintree I thought he was capable of running well if his jumping held up, but his jumping didn't hold up and he unseated at the 5th. His jumping has to be a concern again especially dropping down in trip as they are likely to travel quicker and put his jumping issues under more pressure. If he does get round safely though then like I say he can win this.

Fumet D'oudairies - Having won all 4 points last season he made a great hunter chase debut when beating I'm Wiser Now by 6L at Leicester. That form has obviously worked out well since given he has won twice. He then ran at Dingley earlier in the month when just being beaten by Always Lion which I think was a strong piece of form especially as he had to give the winner 3lbs. Sadly Always Lion suffered a fatal injury on Saturday when running in a point so he had no chance of proving how good he was. The trip is an unknown, but he travelled so well at Leicester over 2m4f that I don't think it will be an issue.

Magna Sam - Ran a much improved race at Ascot where the small field and better ground saw him able to perform better than he had been able to show in two subsequent runs after winning at Ludlow last January. That was a fortunate win, but it did show what he's capable of. He ran in the Lady Dudley Cup 2 weeks ago and after receiving early reminders he did work his way into the contention before fading badly. As much as he doesn't want 3m2f I also don't think he wants 2m especially as they seem to be holding him up having made the running with him last season.

Babytaggle - Been off for a year and rated just 75 so would be a surprise winner.

Creative Inerta - Won a weak hunter chase at Exeter in 2018 and ran as well as could have been hoped behind Monsieur Gibraltar and Risk A Fine the following February. Wasn't seen again until last December when he didn't show a great deal at Barbury. If he ran up to that Wincanton run he'd have place claims here, but that run does stand out a bit and it was 3 years ago now.

Downbythestrand - Won the 2m contest on Stratford's hunter chase night back in 2019 a race which actually worked out pretty well from a form point of view. He wasn't seen again until this February when he ran a solid enough race at Huntingdon in a handicap. In theory he should have had an even better chance at Southwell a month ago when he looked to have his ideal conditions, but he was well beaten in the end. On the back of that it is hard to fancy him for this.

Envoye Special - I thought he was given a very strange ride at Kempton as trying to force the pace with Adrien Du Pont didn't seem the wisest move in the world. Even so there is nothing of that one's quality in this and having looked a bit of a bridle horse earlier in the season he went and won well at Kimble on Easter Saturday. Previously this season he had been held up, but the last twice has seen been ridden way more prominently. That seems a good move to me as they were his best efforts of the season so far. Strictly speaking through I'm Wiser Now he shouldn't be beating Fumet D'oudaires, but like I say now he's not coming from miles off the pace he could be better than that Stratford run.

Jungle Legend - Runs like the drop to 2m will suit, but hard to see him being good enough.

Namako - Was miles behind Envoye Special at Kimble and I don't see how he reverses that form even allowing for the jockey switch.

Rafferty - Bolted up in a maiden at Sheriff Hutton on his first run for over 2 years, but hard to see him being good enough here.

Sam Cavallaro - Arguably they should have named the race after him given he won it in 2015 and 2016, was 2nd in 2017, 3rd in 2018 and then won it again in 2019. Covid got in the way last year and as much as it would be great if the 15yo could get his head in front, he has been very poor in his two runs so far and is hard to fancy.

Verdict - It is hard to see anything outside the front three in the betting taking this. With Risk And Rolls jumping being a concern and Envoye Special maybe not being the most genuine horse I think Fumet D'Oudairies will get back to winning ways. He looked a very promising horse at Leicester and the drop in trip shouldn't bother him. I make Envoye Special the main danger.

Fumet D'Oudairies 2pts @ 15/8 with William Hill, BetVictor and Betfred

5.35

Benefaktor - Has done very well since coming to England having won his maiden and restricted last season before finishing a close 2nd to Huntsman Jog at Ampton. That one has won a handicap under rules off 116 since then so the form is strong. He then had a year off and returned at Revesby last month and put in a devastating performance to win by 25L hard held. The 2nd had shown really good form last season as well having finished a 3L 2nd to Fumet d'Oudairies so it wasn't like he beat a load of rubbish. He is likely to make the running and he seems to have plenty left at the finish so is a leading contender.

Captain McGinley - Ran fairly well at Wincanton behind Sametegal although he was well beaten at the end in 4th and then finished a tired 5th behind Fumet D'Oudairies at Leicester. He did finish 2nd to Latenightpass in this contest in 2019 and clearly if he repeated that then he will have a good chance. Better ground will likely see him in a better light.

Corbett Court - A good jockey booking, but was well beaten in a restricted on his first run in 2 years a couple of weeks ago so hard to see him being good enough.

Definite Dilemma - Has been handicap chasing this year running pretty well on the whole including finishing 2nd on a couple of occasions. They were over 2m4f and it did seem like he might do better over slightly longer, but 3m2f has to be a query. He was 2nd at Edgcote 2 weeks ago when a length behind Sir Mangan which is fair form. His BHA rating is 104 and chances are he will have to improve on that to land this.

Earcomesbob - Only won his maiden because the winner took the wrong course at Chaddesley Corbett in December and it would be surprising if he added to that here.

Getting Closer - He showed good form last year and then just won his intermediate in December. After that he went to Fakenham and was well beaten by Dubai Quest where he didn't jump that well. He was 2nd to Laser Beam earlier in the month and that form leaves him with something to find.

Guttural - I thought he ran better than the bare result at Leicester on his debut for new connections when 5th to Tango De Juilley. He travelled quite well into the race and ended up getting tired on bad ground which wouldn't have suited. He then stepped up to 2m4f and found himself outpaced before staying on into 3rd behind Garde Ville. Usually he wouldn't be able to run in this race as it is normally just for Intermediate horses, but this year it has been opened up to maiden winners as well and he broke his maiden tag and Edgcote a couple of weeks ago. He got outpaced again before finishing strongly to get up on the line. He was giving 14lbs to the 2nd so I think it was a strong effort and for a maiden the time was decent. Given his running style it looks like he will appreciate this stiffer test of stamina and he's not without a chance. 

Hadmeathello - Beat Law Of Gold to land his restricted at Garthorpe in 2019 which was obviously a good performance. He was well behind Getting Closer in his only run last season, but I suspect the soft ground didn't suit that day. For some reason he went to the sales after that and he was a pretty cheap buy in my view which was backed up by his really good win at Dingley earlier in the month. That form was boosted at the weekend when Bingo Star bolted up. As long as the ground isn't too soft he is a player.

Hotel Du Nord - Gave his jockey his first winner when winning a restricted at Wadebridge in December. Wasn't seen again until a couple of weeks ago when he finished 2nd to Deans Road over 2m4f where he made a mistake after the last which cost him. The issue could be if he stays or not as he was kept to shorter trips in Ireland, but the Wadebridge victory was over 3m. He would be another one in with a chance.

Milberry - To be fair he ran well at Exeter a couple of weeks ago when making Chase Me work hard for the win, but that isn't a strong level of form and he should struggle here.

Ryans Fancy - Beat Schiap Hill in October by 10L which was further than Hotel Du Nord beat him by. He then didn't run until the race Benefaktor won at Revesby, but was pulled up. He did bounce back to win earlier in the month, but it wasn't the strongest race in the world and my feeling is he needs to find a bit of improvement to win.

Verdict - This looks wide open but the short list for me is Benefaktor, Captain McGinley, Gutteral, Hadmeathell and Hotel Du Nord. I thought Benefaktor was superb in winning last time and there is depth to the form even though he won hard held by 25L.He looks very progressive. Hadmeathello looks over priced as his form also looks strong and the change of yards hasn't stopped his progression. I am also going to add Guttural to the list as he is getting better with each run and this test looks like it will be ideal for him.

Benefaktor 2pts @ 5/2 with all bookies

Hadmeathello 1pt e/w @ 8/1 with Bet365

Guttutal 0.5pts e/w @ 11/1 with all bookies

6.10 

Fixe Le Kap - Ran OK when 4th last time and the same when 5th behind Risk And Roll at Stratford last March. Hard to see him being good enough to win this though based on even that form.

I'm Wiser Now - I had him down as a serial loser given he couldn't even win a maiden point earlier in the season. To be fair the 3rd and 2nd in two hunter chases at Leicester were decent enough efforts and he then went on to win twice at Stratford. He was given two very good rides by Liam Harrison and then Albi Tufnell who is on top again here. In both races he looked beat going down the back straight only to stay on well and then gain the upper hand after the last. There is a sense though that he benefitted from his rivals issues in those two races and that given he needs to be delivered late this track might not be ideal for him. He's also unproven over this trip.

Knockaderry Flyer - Won this in 2017, but it was probably one of the worst races ever staged at Cheltenham and he's struggled on the whole since. Did manage to win again last time though in a point and does have James King on top. Even so he would need others to under perform to win this.

Mister Serious - Looks to have no chance.

Moscow Prices - Was a well beaten 3rd in this in 2019 and although he won last time and has a positive jockey switch it is hard to see how he can improve on that 3rd.

Trio For Rio - Ran well at Larkhill behind Salvatore on his seasonal debut and followed that up with an 11L success over Garde Ville at Ludlow which is obviously looking like a strong piece of form. He was then beaten into 3rd back in a point at Maisemore a month ago, but I think that was a strong piece of form as the winner is a course specialist and put in a very good performance. Should be a big player.

Wick Green - In the end he had little to beat at Exeter last time because the favourite Chameron jumped terribly and didn't travel well at all. Even so I wouldn't want to crab him because he had shown good form last season especially when beating Captain Buck's at Larkhill. I think he has a big chance.

Verdict - The winner should come from Trio For Rio, I'm Wiser Now and Wick Green. I can see why Trio For Rio is favourite, but he looks short enough to me and Wick Green looks the value call at the prices. Yes he might have not had much to beat last time, but he had shown good form before that and I think he has been priced up on Chameron's effort at Exeter rather than the promise he has shown himself.

Wick Green 1pt @ 7/2 with William Hill and Betfred

6.45

Fifty Shades - Has been running well this season having won a couple of times at Barbury in December and then at Cothelstone earlier in the month. He beat Coco Live into 2nd place that day by 2L.His jockey is having his first ride under rules and he should get a good spin round.

Garde Ville - I think he is in career best form as he has been superb this season. He showed promise at Haydock on his return from nearly 2 years off and then finished 2nd at Ludlow to Trio For Rio. He surprised connections and me by winning over 2m4f at Ludlow and then beat Bletchley Castle again last week this time over 3m. In between those two Ludlow wins he won a match at Sandon in what was Lorna Brooke's final ever winner. That win last week was very poignant and clearly it will be the same again were he to win this. He was entered in the 4m race as well and given how well he stays I reckon he would have gone close in that, but this looks the easier option and I think he could be hard to beat.

Monbeg Chit Chat - Did clock a good time when winning at Sheriff Hutton a couple of weeks ago and he seems to be running himself into form. Having said that I'm still not sure he will be good enough to land this and he was a well beaten 3rd at Carlisle in March.

Sugar Baron - He should come on for his first run in just over a year when 3rd earlier in the month. Strictly speaking that form shouldn't be good enough to win this, but he won well over 3m6f at High Easter last March and he has a bit of back class. He has run well at Cheltenham before and hasn't had much racing for an 11yo so I can see him running well.

Coco Live - Was well beaten off 96 at Wincanton last month and it was a pretty weak contest he won at Charing after that. 2nd to Fifty Shades last time and it would be surprising if he was good enough.

Flintham - Impossible to know how good he still is. He was regressing in the 2017/2018 season and wasn't seen again until this January when he unseated at the last when tailed off. He then went to Revesby last month and he finished alone so had nothing to beat in the end. That told us nothing so he could be good enough to win this, but on balance of things I am happy to oppose him.

Just Cause - Beat Sugar Baron 30L at Higham last January, but he was having his 1st start for a long time so there is every chance they will be closer to each other here. He made Rio Bravo work very hard at Revesby last month and on Saturday he was a fair 3rd to Law Of Gold at Garthorpe. He has a very good record pointing and has finished 2nd in a couple of hunter chases which gives him a solid chance.

Summer Sounds - Has won twice in points this month, but the fact he was 1/4 in a match and then 1/2 a couple of weeks ago shows how weak the races were. His form suggests he will struggle to make it a hat-trick of wins.

The Brassmoulder - Certainly respect his trainer, but he shouldn't be good enough.

Verdict - I really fancy Garde Ville here and make him the Nap of the meeting. He doesn't know how to run a bad race and has been improving as the season goes on. He has also proven in the past that he can take plenty of racing so that isn't a concern either. The fact he won over 2m4f two starts back was a big surprise because he stays so well and the further he goes the better I actually think he will be. He looks in his best ever form and hopefully he can be a poignant winner. Sugar Baron and Just Cause are the main dangers for me.

Garde Ville 4pts @ 2/1 with all bookies

7.15

Absainte - A very likeable mare who deserves to find a hunter chase at some point, but she was a well beaten 3rd in this last year and after falling at the last when in 2nd at Musselburgh, she was beaten at 2/5 back pointing last time. That leaves were with a bit to find with the best of these.

African Belle - Was keen at Kelso and finished very tired after being in front at 3 out. She has been beaten in a point since and she is unlikely to be good enough.

Berboru - Was stuffed in a maiden point on Saturday and has no chance.

Fishy Story - She lost many lengths jumping out to her right at Stratford a couple of weeks ago and that cost her the race given I'm Wiser Now only beat her by a length. If she does the same here then she is going to struggle, but she does have the ability to run well.

Highway Jewel - If she runs to the level she did in either her two starts this season then she wins this. The performance at Chaddesley Corbett in December when beating Hazel Hill is the best one I have seen pointing this season. She backed that up by running really well at Warwick on hunter chase debut and she was just denied by Latenightpass. That form is clearly very strong and I think she would have run very well if she had gone for the race formally known as the Foxhunter last month. Her trainer is now able to ride her which is a big plus and her form is way above anything else that these have achieved.

Miss Seagreen - Won well at Larkhill in December and followed that up with a good effort on hunter chase debut at Ludlow when a 10L 3rd to Hazel Hill. A couple of mistakes didn't help her that day but it was still a promising first run over fences. She disappointed over the same course and distance the next time though when only 6th behind Trio For Rio. A month ago she bounced back at Maisemore when finishing just in front of Trio For Rio when 2nd in what I think was a strong contest. Clearly her form is below that of Highway Jewel, but she looks the most likely to chase her home.

Phoenix Rock - Been struggling in handicaps and points this season and should be more of the same here.

Tuff Nano - The 2nd to Marcle Ridge in December was a decent enough effort, but it also highlights that she will struggle to beat Highway Jewel.

Verdict - Sadly Highway Jewel isn't really a backable price here, but she really ought to win. If Fishy Story can jump straighter than she did at Stratford she would push Miss Seagreen for 2nd place, but the forecast with Miss Seagreen to finish 2nd looks a solid enough play.

Highway Jewel to beat Miss Seagreen 1pt f/c

7.45

Ennistown - I thought he ran an eye-catching race on his hunter chase debut at Ludlow in January as he never really got involved, but stayed on nicely into 4th place. After that he struggled at Haydock in the Walrus and he then won at Fakenham. Now that wasn't much of a contest, but he did it well enough and he backed that up with a 2nd in the Lady Dudley Cup. He stayed on that day after getting out paced and although we don't know if he will stay he certainly races nowadays like he needs a trip. One for the shortlist. 

Keltus - Regardless of what happened to Santou Flyer at the last at Wincanton it was still a very good run from Keltus given he was still in contention for the win anyway. Hard to know if he will stay, but if he does he should be capable of running well.

Kilkishen - Put in a really good performance when winning on debut for Dale Peters at Kelso and the 2nd has run well since to boost the form. He hasn't run since, but you would imagine this race has been the target given he was 4th in the Eider a couple of years ago so we know he will see out the trip. His trainer takes off 5lbs in the saddle which is a plus and he looks to have a fantastic chance.

Ange Des Malberaux - Speaking of the 2019 Eider this horse finished 8th in that contest and he looks a stayer. He was running well at Ludlow until unseating in the race won by Hazel Hill and then ran as well as could have been expected given he was out the back at Warwick behind Latenightpass. He's struggled again back in points although mainly runs as if he wants further.

Bob Ford - Shown little in two point runs in the last month.

Captain Cattistock - Was a close 2nd in the Southern National in 2019 although that is only over 3m3f so we don't know for certain if he will stay. He ran well enough at Wincanton behind Sametegal and Porlock Bay when 3rd, but he wasn't so good at Doncaster last time. He found little when asked for an effort and was a well beaten 4th in the end. He is capable of winning this, but that effort at Doncaster is a worry.

Dr Des - Ran as well as could have been expected in hot races at Warwick and Leicester. Stamina is an unknown and I suspect he would ideally prefer softer ground.

Excitable Island - Was awarded this race in 2018 after Battle Dust lost his weight cloth and he was 2/2 in points in 2019. He didn't run last season and was well beaten into 3rd at Dingley by Hadmeathello on his only start this term. Obviously we know he handles course and distance, but at 14yo I struggle to see him winning this again.

Itstimeforapint - Didn't show any promise at Wetherby in February, but ran better when 4th in the Lady Dudley Cup last time. We know he stays this far and he might just plug on for a place at a big price.

Know The Score - We know he stays having won over 4m on his pointing debut at Flete Park a couple of weeks ago. He had lost his form under rules for David Pipe when last seen in February last year so the fact he has come back to form is a plus. It wasn't much of a race he won, but he hasn't had much racing and he has claims here.

Navanman - Was a close 4th to Know The Score at Flete Park last time and if you include jockey's claims there shouldn't be too much between them again in theory, but Know The Score has more scope to improve from his seasonal debut.

Optimised - With the race now named in honour of Lorna Broke this would be a poignant winner as she rode Philip Rowley's first ever winner under rules. He was 2nd in this in 2019 when going down by a length to Southfield Theatre. The problem is he hasn't really been in the same form since although a small field point on good ground probably wasn't ideal last time. He had a wind op after his first run of the season at Warwick so I do expect some improvement now he is in a bigger field over a trip we know he stays.

Rock On Carlos - Well behind Know The Score last time and no obvious chance.

Sam Red - Was 3rd in 2019 but was well beaten and will be lucky to repeat that.

Talk Of The South - Hard to see him playing much of a part based on what he has done pointing in the last couple of seasons.

Tanit River - I guess connections will be hoping going a slower pace over 4m will help with his jumping, because he is going to struggle on that front in my view based on his Fontwell and Ascot runs. He probably does have the ability to win, but with 4m an unknown as well he wouldn't be for me.

Verdict - I can certainly see why people would be interested in backing Captain Cattistock and Know The Score, but for me Kilkishen and Ennistown are the main two to back. I was impressed with the formers win at Kelso on his only start so far this season and given he was 4th in the Eider the trip shouldn't be an issue for him. Ennistown looks like he wants a trip now based on his runs so far this season and that staying on 2nd in the Lady Dudley Cup was a good effort. Speaking of the Lady Dudley Cup I have to chuck a few quid on Itstimeforapint at a massive price. That run showed a lot more promise and we know he stays this far. We have had big priced winners of this before, but he could end up staying on into a place at least.

Kilkishen 2.5pts @ 11/4 with Bet365

Ennistown 1pt e/w @ 11/1 with Betfair (4 places)

Itstimeforapint 0.25pts e/w @ 80/1 with everyone but 4 places with Betfair and Betfred

8.15

Clondaw Westie - Ran a hell of a race to finish 4th in the Aintree Foxhunter at 200/1. Easily his best run of the season and proved that he doesn't have to have bottomless ground. If he repeats that effort then he has an obvious chance here.

Peacocks Secret - Ran a really good race on his first start for Dale Peters when 2nd to Tango De Juilley at Leicester (had Clondaw Westie well behind in 6th) and he won well at Fakenham a month ago. Right Of Reply franked that form at Chepstow last week to give the form some substance and this sort of trip ought to see him at his best. 

Zamparelli - He could be suited by the way the race is run as there is likely to be plenty of pace on and he will be staying on from behind. He was pulled up behind Marcle Ridge at Barbury in December, but he has been much better since. First of all he ran well to finish 4th at Ludlow when the lack of a recent run probably told and then a week later he bolted up over the same course and distance. This race does have more depth to it, but he will be finishing fast.

Barney Dwan - Got into a pace battle at Barbury in December and came off 2nd best to Diplomate Sivola who has won again since. Last season he won over 3m4f at Cocklebarrow and was then just denied by Salvatore at Didmarton. He showed good ability under rules for the trainers other half and that includes a 4th at the Festival in 2018. He could be another possible front runner, but he didn't use to be so prominent so I would imagine he will sit off them here.

Beau De Tabel - His owner win came in a bumper in 2013 which sums up his chances here.

Billy Hicks - Another who will be outclassed here.

Cloudy Joker - Was running a huge race at Stratford a couple of years ago when unseating at the last. The 3rd earlier this month wasn't in a strong race and he's another who likes to make the running which I would be surprised if he was able to do against this level of opponent. 

Eric The Third - He was all out to win a point on Saturday and that form not good enough to win this.

Marcle Ridge - He won race 3 on this card in 2019 and has continued to run well in 5 races since then. He ran a huge race in last year's Foxhunter making the running for a long way and ending up finishing 6th. He bolted up on his seasonal reappearance and then ran in that hot Warwick race won by Latenightpass. He was the one of the front runners who got tired, but they went such a strong pace it wasn't a surprise given he would have preferred better ground. The concern is he comes off 2nd best in a pace battle up front, but there is every chance that this trip will suit him perfectly and he has an obvious chance.

Risk A Fine - There is no doubt in my mind that he is the best horse in the race as he was one of the best hunter chasers we saw back in 2019. His two wins at Stratford were especially good and he bolted up off top weight in the handicap hunter chase on hunter chase night the last time we saw him. There are two big question marks about him though. First of all he has to prove he is still as good as he was after 2 years off at the age of 12, but he has proven he can run well after a break so that side of things doesn't concern me. What really sticks in my mind though was his performance in this race two years ago where he put in his worse performance by far of the season. He didn't jump particularly well that night and I think the rain before racing didn't help him as he needs decent ground. My thinking after that race was that connections probably regret running him that night and I'm a little surprised they are having another go with him. He could easily out class the opposition here, but with the doubts about him handling the track I just can't back him at 6/4. I wouldn't be surprised if he drifted closer to the off though and he might become worth covering he got too big.

Where Now - Will be outclassed here.

Verdict - The fact that any of the front 6 in the betting wouldn't be surprise winners tells you what a good race this is. Risk A Fine could hack up, but I cant back him at the price he is at the time of writing given how he ran in the race 2 years ago. I am instead going to back Marcle Ridge (stays further so if he gets into a pace battle he might not stop and we know he handles the track), Peacocks Secret (form of the Fakenham race has worked out well and it was a good performance) and Zamparelli (seems to be getting better with each run and this race should be run to suit given his come from behind style of racing).

Marcle Ridge 1pt @ 4/1 with everyone

Peacocks Secret 1pt @ 9/2 with everyone

Zamparelli 1pt @ 9/1 with Betfair and BetVictor

Punchestown 6.35

I am really looking forward to this contest and I am as certain as you can be that the prize will be heading back to this side of the Irish Sea. I think Billaway is an opposable favourite. Patrick Mullins was very honest in the Racing Post earlier in the week when writing about his Aintree performance. He mentioned about how he clearly hated the fences and that he should have pulled him up with Punchestown in mind, but with his adrenaline up he carried on and he ran on after he realised there were no more fences left. That is two tough races he will have had at the two big festivals now and he may well have left his race at Aintree.

Staker Wallace was 3rd at Cheltenham and Solomn Grundy has won his last two and they could end up being the best of the Irish. It wouldn't surprise me if It Came To Pass ran much better than he did at Cheltenham in this. In my view though Bob And Co and Caid Du Berlais are the pair they all have to beat.

I will always wonder what would have happened if Bob And Co had not unshipped Sean Bowen at Cheltenham, as he was travelling every bit as well as the first two home at the time. I think he is the best hunter chaser in either Britain or Ireland at the moment and hopefully he can prove it here. His owner is back on top, but at least he does get the chance to claim 5lbs to help him. He had nothing to beat at Hexham last week, but crucially he jumped well and that would have given David confidence going into this. If all goes well I think he is going to be very hard to beat and hopefully we can get Cheltenham losses back.

Caid Du Berlais has to be covered as well though as he has been so dominant in the last two runnings of this. He has had two ideal prep runs winning at Wincanton and Warwick and they suggest that he still retains his ability at the age of 12. If something did happen to Bob And Co then he could well be the one to take advantage.

Bob And Co 3pts @ 3/1 with Bet365

Caid Du Berlais 1pt @ 4/1 with everyone

[yossa6133]

Risk a Fine 5/1 in a spot now.