I was trying to make a case for Tap Night. Young and open to improvement from a small(er) stable I respect who aren't afraid to have a go(and perform well) at big prizes in the south.  Acts on any going and gets the distance.  However, I can't see how he can reverse earlier form with Rajdhani Express.

Certainly has the profile, i always try to look for a horse that could go onto run in the KG or the GC in the future.

I think with saw with dynaste last year that they got his trip wrong when he ran in the jewson, I don't fancy him over 20f off his rating giving weight away to horses probably better in than him running over a more ideal trip for them.

In this type of race you need to stay well, Dynaste proven over further is a big plus imo. But then again the quicker ground may negate that.

Dynaste very weak in the market for BOTH the Paddy Power and the Betfair Chase ...

I am hoping that KATENKO is a "huge" horse waiting to happen, following his romp up the Cheltenham Hill in January,

Trainer going very well, and loves a handicap winner at the course, so Venetia's big boy for me.

Agree could be a big player, if not an ideal trend horse.

Gonna probably put my foot in it here but Venetia's stable is not normally one you would associate for laying out for a big plunge on a top start of season race for young chasers.

Haydock....... Predictive text

Dynaste is a very good horse, no doubt but I feel and think David Pipe does that he's a 3 miler. His run in the Jewson although a good one was below par but I think they avoided the RSA as it's a grueller of a race and has ruined many a good young horse, even though the trip was ideal.

I'm not saying he was a cert! I'm saying the trip beat him! If it was 3 miles he would have won.

Spent the last 2 hours weighing up the race and the horse for me who looks to have the class, course form and likely to improve is Radjahni Express. The only slight negatives for me is that he hasn't won first time out before so may need the run.

Also the jockey, does anyone know if Sam gets his 5lb allowance in this race so the horse will be off 10'13 instead of 11'4?

Can't say it's really an overwhelming field this year. A lot of the runners look pretty exposed and not many well improving 2nd season chasers about either that look good enough.

Agree Astracad could offer the sort of value Litle Josh did a few years ago at a big price. Looking for a biggie could be the way to go in this field.

Coming around to the idea that Nadiya De La Vega is interesting rated 5lbs lower than when running 3rd in last year's renewal.

Most of her best form is with some give in the ground though - if her trainer runs Finians Rainbow, she'll be off a nice low weight but if Hendo has read Pipe's comments he might be thinking of taking Finian's Rainbow out (also entered Sunday!) knowing that Dynaste will come out too.

I'm getting seduced by conspiracy theories now so think it really is better to wait until the morning of the race.

In fact - and I know this is heresy on the antepost forum - but I really do wonder about the validity of antepost punting on a race like this, the day of race market is likely to be very competitive.

I think someone posted above a while ago with fancy three figure prices on Double Ross which looks a nice bet now and I know a few of you have some nice prices about John's Spirit - both likely to get in but neither certain to do so.

Apart from that, where has been the value in antepost market for this race?

Genuine question, not having a go at anyone but I find it really hard to fathom even now which horses are actually going to turn up on Saturday.

According to todays RP, Nadiya De La Vega going for the PP while Finians most likely going the 2m chase on sunday as long as good ground

Meadow, I would say the ground and being prominent would play to the strengths of Champion Court.

re Dynaste, the trainer won't say it but is possible he could use this race as a prep for Kempton.

grand crus does seem to have a mental problem though Sint!!

Now he does Budde. People weren't saying that at the time hence his 7/4 SP.

he might just know that carrying top weight in this race is a virtual guarantee of defeat, don't think one has won in, well, certainly my memory

will he be able to claim 5lbs? ooh that will help, had not factored that in

anyway, money is down on Radjhani already at 12s so can but wait n see

I'm not even sure if Dynaste is well handicapped off 159 tbh regardless of trip/conditions. If Pipey thought the horse had enough in hand to win, he would run, imo.