TimeformBlog

Victoire de Lyphar enjoyed excellent first season for David Nicholls, signing off with second in Ayr Gold Cup. Didn't show much last year though, and this ground might be too soft for him on return.

Nasri was rejuvenated by move to this yard in 2011, winning at Musselburgh and Hamilton. Didn't run too badly on reappearance but although he has won on soft, he is probably better on a sounder surface.

Citrus Star had a quiet year on turf but looked a natural on the AW when overcoming a wide draw in emphatic fashion at Lingfield in October. Not at best when last seen though and ground a concern.

Mirza put up eespectable efforts all starts following his back-to-form win at Haydock (6f) in August. Well backed when landing a Newbury handicap on Friday and should make a bold bid to overcome a penalty.

Seal Rock made an impeccable start to his career when landing first 3 races (all at 6f) 6 months apart. Second at Goodwood in October a good effort and should have more to come this year. Soft ground an unknown.

Docofthebay was knocking on the door in handicaps last year prior to listed win at Lingfield in November. Ran respectable race at Doncaster on return to turf and the faster they go early, the better.

Clockmaker won twice at end of 2011 and solid efforts in defeat on polytrack over the winter. No impact in the Lincoln last time and might prove well suited by the demands of a stiff 6f. One to consider.

Osteopathic Remedy was back on his game when scoring at Thirsk in July (1m). Not at very best afterwards and might find this trip on the sharp side on return from 6-month break.

Crown Choice won a 6f handicap in 2011 for Walter Swinburn. Yet to fire for new stable and may need a faster surface.

Parisian Pyramid won twice (6f) in 2010. Found going tough in 2011 from this sort of mark. Didn't run too badly over 7f on reappearance though and return to sprinting should help.

Grissom was resurgent last summer, winning 3 times at 6f/7f including over C&D and on a soft surface. Busy spell may have caught up when last seen but entitled to come on for this reappearance.

Shropshire created big impression when making winning 2-y-o debut. Lost way after good reappearance in 2011 but kicked off this year with a bang at Kempton. Can do better but ground an unknown.

Tajneed put up several respectable efforts in handicaps in 2011. Below par all 4 runs in France at turn of the year for Mrs J. Bidgood, and beaten in claimer 12 days ago. Return to 6f will suit though.

Coolminx has a patchy profile, but useful when on song as she showed when winning Newcastle handicap in August and the Ayr Bronze Cup in September. Conditions to suit and couldn't discount.

Fred Willetts thrived with visor refitted on AW early last year and back to best when going in again at Chester in June. Ended 2011 out of sorts and best watched with visor left off on first run for new yard.

Wildcat Wizard has not won since juvenile days, but gradually regained sparkle during a truncated campaign for current yard last year. No show on return to action though and something to prove for now.

No Hubris was twice placed in early-season 7f handicaps for Paul Cole last year prior to losing his way, switch to Roger Varian no help at Chester in September. Well held on first run for Ruth Carr.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Clockmaker
2. Mirza
3. Coolminx

Timeform Verdict: Mirza and Coolminx will both appreciate soft ground and the former still looks well in under a penalty (effectively only 3 lb higher than at Newbury). They may both have to give best to Clockmaker though, with a stiff 6f unlikely to inconvenience him and the conditions no problem either.

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Ektihaam was most impressive when winning first 2 starts last year and can't have been right when disappointing in Dewhurst on final start. Remains a good prospect but does have to concede 4 lb all round here.

Clean Bowled is thriving for current connections on AW this year, winning 5 times at up to 1¼m. Found 1½m stretching stamina last time and remains in-form, though up against some smart prospects on return to turf.

Gold Rally is a half-brother to smart 5.5f/6.5f winner Principle Street. Made perfect start to his career when landing a heavy-ground 1m maiden at Haydock last autumn and should be more to come from him at 3.

Halling's Quest improved upon his debut form when slamming rivals in 1m Southwell maiden in October. Step up to 1¼m sure to suit this year and there should be plenty of improvement in this son of Halling.

Swedish Sailor is a son of Monsun who made a most impressive start to his career when running out an easy winner of a 1m Yarmouth maiden last back end. Looks very much the type to go on to better things this year.

Wrotham Heath is a son of Dansili who came good at the second time of asking as a juvenile when easily landing a 1m Nottingham maiden in October, bursting clear under hand riding. Looks one to follow in 2012.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Wrotham Heath
2. Swedish Sailor
3. Ektihaam

Timeform Verdict: This looks a good renewal of a race which often throws up some smart performers. Ektihaam certainly isn't one to give up on just yet but he may find the concession of 4 lb to impressive maiden winners Swedish Sailor and Wrotham Heath just too much, the latter taken to provide Sir Henry Cecil with a third winner of this race in the last 6 years.

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Trumpet Major enjoyed a successful 2-y-o campaign, scoring 3 times, including Champagne Stakes at Doncaster. Left with lot to do when fifth in Dewhurst on final start and a leading player up in trip.

Beaufort Twelve belied a Betfair SP of 42.0 to make winning debut here (7f) in October, surging ahead inside the final 1f. Undoubtedly a useful prospect, but likely to find a few too strong.

Born to Surprise made a promising start when runner-up at Warwick last season, and built on that with a taking success at Doncaster (7f) earlier this month. Will stay at least 1m and well worth his place in this company.

Campanology was first past the post in Haydock maiden in July, but demoted for lugging into rival. Made amends here on final start (6f), but this considerably tougher and not as likely as some to appreciate 1m.

Crius was never out of first 2 in 5 starts last season, winning 3, the latest a Group 3 here (7f) in September. Possibly flattered by racing up stands rail on that occasion but dangerous to discount.

Eastern Sun won Newbury maiden on debut last year, and showed he had progressed over winter when winning Kempton minor event on recent reappearance, making all. This tougher but should continue to improve.

Forgotten Hero shaped with abundant promise when third in maiden here (7f) in October, and confirmed that impression with runaway win at Lingfield (1m) last month. More to come, especially when upped in trip.

Miblish justified market support on debut in Newbury maiden and excuses when beaten in sales race here on sole subsequent start at 2 yrs. Runner-up to Eastern Sun on return and work to do to turn tables.

Mighty Ambition is a well-bred colt who created a good impression when winning a maiden at Newbury (7f) in September. Second and fifth won next time, but possible that further may suit ideally this season.

Minstrels Gallery impressed when making a winning debut in a 6-runner maiden at Southwell last month, travelling strongly throughout. Sights raised considerably here and big step forward needed to feature.

Most Improved got off the mark at the second attempt here on July Course last summer, and finished an excellent third in Dewhurst on final start. That form sets standard and capable of better still at 1m.

Ptolemiac looked wayward first 2 starts, but got act together in a visor when winning Musselburgh maiden and finishing runner-up in listed race at Pontefract on final 2 outings. Much more needed.

Rayvin Black showed benefit of debut experience when landing Yarmouth maiden last July. Not seen since and, although step up to 1m will be in his favour, it would be a massive surprise were he to take this.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Most Improved
2. Trumpet Major
3. Forgotten Hero

Timeform Verdict: Most Improved has been well supported for the 2000 Guineas in recent weeks and can confirm his position as a leading contender by taking this on his reappearance. Trumpet Major finished 2 places behind Most Improved in the Dewhurst and may prove the main danger, with impressive maiden winner Forgotten Hero another to consider.

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Nayarra had been knocking on the door in good company before breaking her duck in style when taking Italian Group 1 on final start last season. However, will need to return at top of game to defy penalty.

Esentepe finished in the frame on her first 7 starts before winning at Leicester in September. Third in listed race here on final outing and filled same place in Kempton minor event on reappearance, but this requires more.

Excelette was a tough and consistent front runner last season, winning twice over 5f prior to 4 excellent placed efforts in listed company. May prove vulnerable to less-exposed rivals on return, though.

Lady Gorgeous won a Newbury maiden on second start in July. Found out in stronger company in 2 subsequent outings, and needs to have progressed over the winter to take a hand here.

Lily's Angel displayed a likeable attitude last season, winning 4 times, including a listed race here on the July Course. Not at best on final start, but respected for last year's winning stable.

Minidress made a winning debut here on July Course in August. Good fourth when upped to Group 3 company over C&D a month later, but looked to find trip on short side and that has to be a concern once more.

Muaamara was a debut winner here (6f) back in October, when she travelled powerfully before asserting in the final 1f. Needs significantly more to feature here, but open to plenty of improvement.

Pimpernel was never out of first 3 last year, winning 4 times including a Newbury listed race on final outing. Not at best in Dubai over the winter, but return to previous form would give her leading claims.

Regal Realm won a maiden here last year and also picked up the Prestige Stakes at Goodwood. Down field in Rockfel over C&D when last seen (Pimpernel second) and needs to return to pick of form to get involved.

Russelliana confirmed herself a smart prospect, building on debut win when second in Cherry Hinton on July Course. Lost action on only other start last season, but step up to 7f will suit and shortlisted.

Starscope defied greeness to make winning start in a C&D maiden last October in style of a useful prospect. Fitting of hood for return a slight concern, but has potential to be competitive at this level.

Sunday Times readily landed the odds in 6f maiden in August, and greatly improved when runner-up in Cheveley Park. Possibly found race coming too soon when behind Pimpernel on final start and worth considering.

What's Up left her debut form well behind when winning at Folkestone in August, but couldn't build on that when well held in minor event a month later. Left Jim Boyle over winter and makes little appeal here.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Pimpernel
2. Russelliana
3. Starscope

Timeform Verdict: A competitive renewal that can go the way of Godolphin's Pimpernel, who is taken to bounce back from a disappointing run on the tapeta at Meydan last time. Cherry Hinton runner-up Russelliana, impressive maiden winner Starscope and Cheveley Park second Sunday Times head the dangers.

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We get underway in Kempton's 14:50, where Top Benefit is taken to defy a 10 lb rise for an easy success at Market Rasen last month. The 10-year-old has gradually been getting his act together since joining current trainer Kim Bailey, improving in each of his three starts to get off the mark on the latest occasion, beating Stick Together by nine lengths with his jumping seemingly improved. Moscow Chancer is second-best to the selection on Timeform weight-adjusted ratings, but looks something of an irresolute character, whilst Emperor Charlie has been hit with a 12 lb rise for his last success. Top Benefit's jumping clearly needs to hold together once more, but he has an excellent chance of gaining a second career victory.

There are plenty to consider in Southwell's 16:10, but this could be the day that Masai Moon ends a fairly lengthy losing run. The eight-year-old hasn't managed to get his head in front since June 2008 but that hasn't come about for lack of effort or ability, as he has run to form on many of the intermediary occasions and his attitude is not under suspicion. 12 months ago and racing off a 6 lb higher mark, Masai Moon finished second in a very similar race and is judged capable of going very close again today. The blinkers make a return here, and they may well spark a return to the winners' enclosure.

African Eagle (16:50) has looked progressive in novice hurdles with his best effort coming at Lingfield on his latest start in February when he finished third, starting from much further back than the pair that beat him and not being unduly knocked about having made good headway down the back straight. He left the impression that he had yet more to offer and appeals as the type to thrive in handicaps, which he enters here off a reasonable mark. His trainer, Emma Lavelle, has saddled three winners from her six runners in the last fortnight and African Eagle has strong claims of adding to that tally at what is currently an attractive price.

Back Top Benefit @ 5.0 in the 14:50 at Kempton
Back Masai Moon @ 7.4 in the 16:10 at Southwell
Back African Eagle @ 14.0 in the 16:50 at Kempton

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Sugar Beet has had a good time of things since she was last seen on turf, winning 2 polytrack handicaps over 5f. This is a lower grade than she's been contesting of late and not ruled out.

Sutton Veny is a multiple polytrack scorer, though placed 3 times in turf handicaps in winless campaign in 2011. Returns off tempting mark and well capable of getting involved.

Cadeaux Pearl made the most of some lenient handicapping when scoring twice at the turn of the year. Not so good last time, but dangerous if allowed to dictate matters back on turf.

Volcanic Dust was twice successful in 5f turf handicaps in 2011. Been out of form on polytrack this year and looks up against it.

Solemn is a tough sprinter who enjoyed a purple patch last spring, winning twice. Been given chance by handicapper ahead of reappearance but usually needs a run or 2 to put him on track.

Taurus Twins is a front runner who took this race 12 months ago and improved after, going in again at Haydock. Yard quiet ahead of reappearance.

Pearl Blue shaped well in maidens and form took off once handicapping last season, winning here (6f) and at Sandown. Could do even better with another winter behind her and one to keep on side.

Escape to Glory was a winner on handicap debut at Lingfield (7f) in July and generally held form well since, not beaten far at Yarmouth last week. Headgear he had on then is left off here, but worth considering off same mark.

Jameela Girl won a pair of 5f nurseries in 2010 but off 13 months and little promise in 2 runs last year. Plenty to prove on latest return.

Six Wives continued good record at Southwell with a couple more wins there in last few months. Just as effective on turf and has run well here before, so wouldn't dismiss.

Sulis Minerva won twice at Lingfield (6f) at the turn of the year. Raced wide on return to turf at Folkestone and better than that, so could bounce back.

Avonmore Star was twice successful over 6f as a juvenile. Not so good last year but been given big chance by handicapper and interesting to see connections persevering. Fresh could be the time to catch him.

Alpha Delta Whisky struggled in the main after winning 5f Sandown handicap last summer. May need a bit more help from the handicapper and others make more appeal on return.

Style and Panache signed off 2011 with game success in 5f Nottingham handicap in first-time cheekpieces which are back on after a fine effort in defeat on return. Previous C&D winner, too.

Desert Strike led close home when getting back on the scoreboard in 5f handicap in January. Only a respectable start for Charles Hills, but return to turf could reignite spark and is a C&D winner.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Avonmore Star
2. Desert Strike
3. Pearl Blue

Timeform Verdict: Connections have stuck with Avonmore Star and he's been given a big chance by the handicapper. He ran a blinder on his reappearance last season and looks worth chancing first time up. Desert Strike, Pearl Blue and Escape To Glory are others to make the shortlist.

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Synchronised (Jonjo O'Neill/Tony McCoy) has history against him as no Gold Cup winner has followed up at Aintree since 1934, but it should be noted that he's one of the better-handicapped runners in the field, whilst he's also clearly not dependent on the mud to show his best nowadays. That said, his idiosyncratic jumping technique isn't ideal for Aintree and could see him getting further back than ideal.

Ballabriggs (Donald McCain/Jason Maguire) is another runner hoping to overcome bleak historical trends, as there have been only two back-to-back Grand National winners in the last 142 years. In truth, a 10 lb higher mark than when winning the 2011 renewal looks the biggest obstacle to overcome but, given how well he took to the course then, it wouldn't be the biggest surprise to see him make another bold bid.

Weird Al (Donald McCain/Timmy Murphy) was better than ever upon joining this yard in the autumn, winning the Charlie Hall at Wetherby and finishing a fine third behind Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase. His training problems clearly aren't a thing of the past, however, and it's difficult to fancy him following a miserable effort in the Gold Cup last time (reportedly broke a blood vessel).

Neptune Collonges (Paul Nicholls/Daryl Jacob) is still capable of high-class form despite his advancing years, good placed efforts under big weights at Sandown and Haydock (runner-up to Giles Cross) last two starts. Not handicapped out of things and has a racing style that could be well suited to this course.

Calgary Bay (Henrietta Knight/Dominic Elsworth) got no further than the fourth in 2011 National, but is usually a very safe conveyance. Doubtful stayer over 4½m, though, whilst he's also plenty high enough in the weights following back-to-back wins at Cheltenham and Doncaster.

Alfa Beat (John Joseph Hanlon/Davy Russell) won second successive Kerry National back in the autumn, but seems too high in the weights now as a result, whilst he didn't take to these fences when a faller in last year's Topham.

Planet of Sound (Philip Hobbs/Richard Johnson) handles top of the ground well and has returned with typically honest placed efforts in the Hennessy at Newbury and Racing Plus Chase at Kempton this term. Hasn't got anything in hand of the handicapper, though, and stamina also to prove over this marathon trip.

Black Apalachi (Dessie Hughes/Denis O'Regan) was a runaway winner of 2008 Becher Chase, who also cut a very bold sight over these fences when runner-up to Don't Push It off this mark in 2010 National. Now thirteen, but signs of retaining much of that ability when a keeping-on second to Prince de Beauchene at Fairyhouse on recent comeback and shouldn't be written off, particularly as Denis O'Regan has opted to renew his association with him instead of riding Giles Cross.

Deep Purple (Evan Williams/Jamie Moore) coped surprisingly well with longer trip when winning London National at Sandown in December, but has shaped as if amiss on most other starts in recent seasons.

Junior (David Pipe/Tom Scudamore) has been trained with this race inmind ever since running away with last season's Kim Muir at Cheltenham.Warmed up with a narrow second to Ikorodu Road (winner since) at Doncaster last time and clearly warrants respect, though it's possible he neither travels nor jumps quite fluently enough for this unique test.

Chicago Grey (Gordon Elliott/Paul Carberry) is a thorough stayer who won 2011 National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham and has been campaigned with this race in mind since, with the booking of Paul Carberry clearly an asset over these fences. Exaggerated waiting tactics adopted on him earlier in the season not certain to suit here, though.

Tatanen (Richard Rowe/Andrew Thornton) won valuable 21f handicap for second successive year at Ascot in January, but he is high in the weights as a result and has stamina to prove for this kind of test.

Seabass (Ted Walsh/Katie Walsh) represents the same stable as 2000 National winner Papillon, and heads to Aintree on an upward curve too, having won each of his last six starts, the latest one coming in a Grade 2 event over 2m. This marathon trip a completely unknown quantity with him, though.

Shakalakaboomboom (Nicky Henderson/Barry Geraghty) took well to these fences when seventh in the 2011 Topham as a novice and has progressed nicely since then, winning twice prior to finishing a fine second to Calgary Bay at Doncaster in January. Now 5 lb higher in theweights and suitability for this extreme test not guaranteed.

West End Rocker (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) took a luckless exit in 2011 National, but coped fine with these fences when runaway winner of Becher Chase under very testing conditions in December. Seems sure to stay, though 12 lb higher mark a major concern.

According To Pete (Malcolm Jefferson/Harry Haynes) has been in fine form of late, won valuable handicaps at Wetherby and Haydock prior to finishing a good second in Kelso minor event last time (Ballabriggs back in fourth). Needs more improvement now, however.

On His Own (Willie Mullins/Ruby Walsh) confirmed himself a much-improved performer for new stable (formerly with Howard Johnson) when running out a wide-margin winner of Thyestes Chase at Gowran in late-January. Much higher in weights now, however, whilst his jumping hasn't always looked the most assured.

Always Right (John Wade/James Reveley) is a sure-footed jumper who's capable of smart form on his day, including when winning at Kelso on his reappearance. Has undergone a breathing operation since flopping on both starts since, so could well get involved if that's done the trick.

Cappa Bleu (Evan Williams/Paul Moloney) is the 2009 Cheltenham Foxhunter winner who's done well since returning from a lengthy absence this winter, winning at Haydock prior to decent placed efforts at Chepstow (behind Le Beau Bai and Giles Cross) and Ascot (arguably should have won). His strong-travelling style should stand him in good stead at Aintree and very much one for the shortlist.

Rare Bob (Dessie Hughes/Bryan Cooper) doesn't seem quite the force of old this term, despite more encouraging efforts of late, whilst his remote fifth in the Becher Chase back in December suggests he'll have stamina limitations over this trip for all he took pretty well to the fences.

Organisedconfusion (Arthur Moore/Nina Carberry) proved a revelation when upped markedly in trip to win the 2011 Irish National (with Sunnyhillboy back in third). Has kept his powder dry back over shorter (including over hurdles) since then, and remains very much unexposed over marathon trips.

Treacle (Tom Taaffe/Andrew Lynch) is lightly raced, though better than ever this winter and looked well worth trying over this sort of trip when runner-up to Cross Appeal in valuable handicap at Leopardstown over Christmas. Even better form when staying-on third in Irish Hennessy there last time and potentially well treated on that effort.

The Midnight Club (Willie Mullins/Paul Townend) didn't take to the course so well as expected when favourite for the 2011 renewal (eventually finished sixth after being hampered four out) and simply hasn't looked at the top of his game this time around, so others preferred.

Mon Mome (Venetia Williams/Aidan Coleman) was the 100/1 winner of the 2009 renewal, but faller at the fifth last twelve months later and it increasingly looks as if he needs everything to fall his way nowadays, so a well-run National could see him getting further back than ideal.

Arbor Supreme (Jonjo O'Neill/Mark Walsh) was a smart chaser in his prime for Willie Mullins, but has promised little in two runs over hurdles for current yard. He has failed to complete in the last two renewals of this race, so others are readily preferred even with the tongue tie in addition.

Sunnyhillboy (Jonjo O'Neill/Richie McLernon) showed plenty of stamina when third (after a troubled passage) in last year's Irish National and did so again to win the Kim Muir at Cheltenham last month, rallying splendidly to beat Becauseicouldntsee. His jumping isn't the issue it once was and he cannot be ignored from a handicapping viewpoint.

Killyglen (Stuart Crawford/Robbie Power) was still close up when falling four out in last year's National but doesn't always see his races out thoroughly and that tempers enthusiasm here, despite a recent win at Down Royal.

Quiscover Fontaine (Willie Mullins/David Casey) does most of his racing over much shorter trips, though showed decent stamina reserves when fourth in last year's Irish National. Looks plenty high enough in the weights at present and his stable looks to have better options elsewhere.

Tharawaat (Gordon Elliott/Brian O'Connell) was back to his best when winning at Galway in October (2¾m) but has not shown a lot since then, and has stamina to prove here (never raced over further than 3m).

Becauseicouldntsee (Noel Glynn/Davy Condon) is a giant gelding who ticks plenty of boxes for a race such as this, given he's an out-and-out stayer with good recent form to his name (runner-up to Sunnyhillboy at Cheltenham last time). He does, however, have a few falls on his CV, including when crashing out at the second in the 2011 National.

State of Play (Evan Williams/Noel Fehily) is a likeable veteran who's made the frame in each of the last three Grand Nationals, his keeping-on fourth behind Ballabriggs last year coming after a twelve-month absence (which he's had again this time). Now twelve, and feeling is his chance has passed.

Swing Bill (David Pipe/Conor O'Farrell) was an honourable fifth in last year's Topham but didn't seem to enjoy the experience so much when tackling these fences for a second time back in December and relatively easy to oppose here.

Postmaster (Tim Vaughan/Dougie Costello) is a hold-up sort who can find little, but ended a long losing run at Bangor in August (25f) and also landed a 2½m hunter chase at Ludlow recently. He was a first fence faller in the Topham last year, has stamina to prove, and he doesn't look all that well treated at the weights.

Giles Cross (Victor Dartnall/Paddy Brennan) has proved admirably consistent in valuable long-distance handicap chases over the past fifteen months, finishing runner-up twice in the Welsh National as well as winning the Southern National at Fontwell and the Grand National Trial at Haydock this term. His front-running style often suits this race and definitely one to consider should the ground ride soft or heavy.

Midnight Haze (Kim Bailey/Sean Quinlan) is a sure-footed front runner who can boast a decent wins-to-runs ratio in recent seasons, but rather had his limitations exposed in the CheltenhamFestival cross-country chase last time and could also have stamina issues over this trip.

Vic Venturi (Dessie Hughes/Harry Skelton) has endured wretched luck in last two renewals of the Grand National (brought down early last time), but didn't look a natural over these fences even when winning the 2009 Becher and has something to prove after flopping in a hunter chase last time.

In Compliance (Dessie Hughes/Niall Madden) is a veteran who has some classy older form to his name, but finished well behind Killyglen at Down Royal last time and was soundly beaten in this race last year, so makes little appeal.

Viking Blond (Nigel Twiston-Davies/Brian Hughes) received a good ride when making all on chase debut at Chepstow (3m) in October. He showed similar form in his next two starts over that trip, but not in the same form the last twice and lack of experience is a concern.

Hello Bud (Nigel Twiston-Davies/Sam Twiston-Davies) was a game fifth in 2010 Grand National and won Becher back here later that year.Was running another big race prior to unseating at the Canal Turn in latest renewal of the Becher in December, but he's shaped as if old age is catching up with him on most other starts since then.

Neptune Equester (Brian Ellison/Felix de Giles) was suited by the stamina test faced when winning over 3½m at Haydock in November. Not in same form since, however, and relatively easy to oppose from 5 lb out of the weights.

Any Currency (Martin Keighley/RESERVE) is a thorough stayer who hasn't seen much action since his last success in November 2009. Has not been at his best this season and makes little appeal from 6 lb out of the handicap.

Our Island (Tim Vaughan/RESERVE) is a point/hurdles winner who stuck to his task when second in a handicap at Haydock in December. Set stiff tasks when below form in cheekpieces on his last 3 starts, though, and 7 lb out of the weights here.

Abbeybraney (George Bewley/RESERVE) has only been seen 5 times since winning a novice for Howard Johnson in December 2009, recording his best effort of season when third in Kelso conditions event latest, but is 9 lb out of the weights here.

Smoking Aces (Tom Taaffe/RESERVE) is a thorough stayer who responded well to blinkers when winning at Fairyhouse (29f) in December. Not in quite the same form since, and is 9 lb out of the handicap with cheekpieces replacing the blinkers.


Timeform 1-2-3:

1. Cappa Bleu
2. Black Apalachi
3. Neptune Collonges

Timeform View: Trainer Evan Williams and owner William Rucker have been placed in the last three Nationals with State of Play, and their perseverance could be rewarded this year, not by that one but by Cappa Bleu, who has plenty about him to think he'll take to this course and is among the best handicapped in the field, too. Black Apalachi will be ignored by the trends followers given that he's now thirteen, but few are as effective around here as he looks overpriced. Other honourable mentions go to Sunnyhillboy, Neptune Collonges and Organisedconfusion.




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Albertas Run is a three-time Cheltenham Festival winner, including 2010/11 renewal of the Ryanair Chase. Narrowly denied 3-timer in that race last month and won this in 2010, so needs considering.

Finian's Rainbow is a bold-jumping front runner who is 6 from 8 over fences, and arrives on the back of a career-best having landed the Champion Chase (2m) last month. This trip not a problem and the one to beat.

Forpadydeplasterer is without a win since the 2009 Arkle though has finished in the frame in most starts since, including runner-up to Albertas Run in this race in 2010. Not as good now, though, and others preferred.

Kalahari King was in the frame at 4 consecutive Cheltenham Festivals until well beaten in the Ryanair Chase last month. Not quite the force of old.

Kauto Stone followed Grade 2 win at Down Royal (2½m) with a clear second to Sizing Europe in Tingle Creek. Flopped at Ascot in February and fell at the first in Champion Chase latest, so bit to prove now.

Poquelin's last 5 wins were gained at Cheltenham, but a good second over this C&D in October 2010. Form of Cheltenham second in January from stiff mark in handicap has been boosted, and well worth considering.

Pure Faith is a dual chase winner who was likely flattered behind Albertas Run over C&D in October. Out of sorts since and a major surprise if he goes close here.

Wishfull Thinking was hugely progressive last season, winning at both Aintree and Punchestown festivals. Disappointing this time round, however, and must bounce back from nasty-looking fall.


Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Poquelin
2. Finian's Rainbow
3. Albertas Run

Timeform View: Finian's Rainbow will understandably be popular, but at the likely prices it may be worth taking a chance on Poquelin. He had an impossible task trying to give stacks of weight to The Giant Bolster (subsequent runner-up in Cheltenham Gold Cup) last time, but could cause a minor upset if the Champion Chase winner isn't at his best. 2010 winner Albertas Run is also respected.


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Burton Port improved since returning from a long absence, chasing home Long Run at Newbury prior to good fourth in Gold Cup. Proven round this circuit and likely to be in the firing line once more.

Carruthers chased home What A Friend in this race 2 years ago and took advantage of a reduced mark when landing the Hennessy, but subsequent efforts less inspiring and tried in blinkers now.

Diamond Harry bolted up in last season's Hennessy at Newbury, but has hit the skids this term, failing to see things out first 2 comeback starts and ran a shocker in the Gold Cup last month.

Follow The Plan was a fortunate winner of the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown last season. Run well to make frame in a couple of graded races since, and cheekpieces need to bring about massive improvement.

Hunt Ball has made staggering progress over fences this season, storming clear for seventh success in a 2½m Cheltenham handicap last month. Longer trip may suit and well worth a shot in this higher grade.

Master of The Hall's chase wins have all come in small-field conditions events, looking better than ever when winning Premier Chase at Kelso last month, but yet to show he can cut the mustard against the best.

Medermit made up into a top-class chaser this term, running as well as he ever has when third to Riverside Theatre in Ryanair last time. Major player again if stamina holds out on first try at 25f.

Nacarat won this last season and as good as ever when landing Racing Plus Chase at Kempton in February. Vulnerable against the very best, but capable of another bold show.

Riverside Theatre proved himself one of the best chasers around since returning from an absence this spring, following up Ascot win with a game success in Ryanair last month. The one to beat again.

Roberto Goldback produced a solid effort in blinkers when chasing home Quel Esprit in Irish Hennessy in February, but well beaten in a handicap last time and visor reached for now.

What A Friend has not won since landing this contest in 2010. Things not gone to plan this season, falling at the second in Gold Cup last time and bit to prove on balance, not least resolution for the job these days.


Timeform 1-2-3:

1. Medermit
2. Riverside Theatre
3. Burton Port

Timeform View: Burton Port represents the Gold Cup form and ought to go well, but the principals from the Ryanair could take centre stage. Riverside Theatre commands respect in his bid to complete the double, but Medermit promises to stay this longer trip and could prove each-way value.


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Address Unknown was successful in pair of minor events and third in listed company last season for Dermot Weld. However, below form on final outing and without usual blinkers and tongue tie on debut for new yard.

Blue Bajan was better than ever for this stable last season, landing Henry II Stakes at Sandown and close third in Goodwood Cup. Not at best final 2 starts, but no surprise to see him bounce back on return.

Dandino showed continued improvement early last year, winning Group 2 at Newmarket and not discredited in top company thereafter. Below par on final start, but one to beat if new yard have him back to best.

Electrolyser generally struggled in pattern company last year despite running respectably, and similar story in Dubai over the winter. Likely to find a few too strong once more.

Zuider Zee was knocking on the door in top handicaps last season prior to landing November Handicap, and solid third in French listed race (1½m) on final start shows he is capable of mixing it at this level.

Eternal Heart is a front runner who was a progressive 3-y-o, winning 3 times before making frame in listed company. Returned with battling success in minor event at Doncaster (1½m) and step back up in trip ideal.

Parlour Games developed into a useful handicapper last year, winning 3 times, including the Melrose at York. Signed off with good second in Kempton listed race and no surprise if capable of better this year.

Solar Sky stepped up on maiden success with a creditable second in the Queen's Vase at the Royal meeting, and ended campaign with third in this grade back at Ascot. Type to make a better 4-y-o and respected.

Myplacelater thrived in 2010, winning 5 times up to 1½m. Better than form figures suggest when mixing it in good company last year, but poor effort on debut for this yard last month and others preferred.


Timeform 1-2-3:

1. Eternal Heart
2. Dandino
3. Solar Sky

Timeform View: A good renewal in prospect. Dandino would prove hard to beat if reproducing the form of his Jockey Club win at Newmarket last May, but is taken on with the race-fit Eternal Heart who can gain his first victory at this level. Solar Sky appeals best of the remainder.



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