TimeformBlog

The eagerly awaited clash of the generations finally arrives on Friday, and Timeform believe that a changing of the guard is a definite possibility.

Albertas Run is not easiest to predict but top class on his day, as shown when beating Poquelin in the Ryanair last year. Hard to be too positive about after what he's done this season. Engaged 2.40 here Thursday.

Carruthers is a splendidly genuine and enthusiastic front runner who goes well in the mud. Faded only late on after pressing on long way out in Grand National Trial last time, but not up to this class.

China Rock is a progressive chaser who readily saw off the challenge of Sizing Europe in Grade 3 at Punchestown in October. Had his limitations exposed in Grade 1s both starts since, and this trip plenty far enough for him.

Denman, the 2008 Gold Cup winner, showed he was no back number with third to Diamond Harry under a welter burden in the Hennessy. Comes here fresh, and folly to overlook him given his record here.

Imperial Commander has an excellent record at Cheltenham and was impressive when beating Denman in the Gold Cup last year. Readily took Betfair Chase on only start this season, and shown how well he goes fresh many times in past.

Kauto Star, the dual Gold Cup winner, didn't have to be near best to score on his return, and bled when only third in King George. Flat out when falling in race last year, and best days perhaps behind him.

Kempes was a progressive novice in 2009/10, rounding off his campaign with a win in a Grade 1 at Punchestown. Again successful at that level last time, but this field is a fair bit stronger. Tongue tie now fitted.

Long Run has always had a huge reputation, and fully justified it when routing the field in King George. Made mistakes both visits here and never gone this far before, but chances are we've not seen the best of him yet.

Midnight Chase is a game front runner with great Cheltenham record, improving again to complete hat-trick in handicaps in really game fashion in December. This is much harder, but sure to give his all once more.

Neptune Collonges suffered tendon injury when a gallant fourth in the race in 2009. Showed himself almost as good as ever when making all in Cotswold Chase in January, but won't have the luxury of an easy lead this time.

Pandorama has been successful on 9 of his11 starts, spread over 4 seasons, and put a luckless run in the Hennessy behind him when winning the Lexus at Leopardstown in December. May need soft ground to be seen at his best.

Tidal Bay is a high-class but quirky hurdler/chaser, runner-up in Betfair and Cotswold last 2 starts, finishing well but all too late. Won here 4 times in past, and late flourish could see him in money again.

Weird Al, a lightly-raced sort, was unbeaten over fences until only eighth in Hennessy. Subsequently had breathing operation and remains with potential, but asking lot for him to figure here.

What A Friend is a high-class chaser who produced a career-best when taking the totesport Bowl at Aintree last April. Lost out only narrowly to Noland in AON Chase last time, but typically looked far from straightforward. Now blinkered.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Long Run
2. Imperial Commander
3. Tidal Bay

Timeform View: Imperial Commander ended the Paul Nicholls domination of this race in brilliant style last year, and he may well beat those he took on then again. However, Long Run gave notice in the King George that he could be a major force in the top chases for some time to come, and providing he jumps soundly he can give Nicky Henderson his first Gold Cup victory. Tidal Bay may snatch a place.

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