Level weights here, every horse carries 12 stones, so important and valid to have a close look at those used to carrying that sort of weight and those not. Although at some point the P2P and Hunter Chase specialists will have carried weight in the P2P fields some of the older ex Rules Chasers and Hurdlers may or may not have been horses that carry bigger weights to win.

 

It's a circuit of the National Course, a massive mixture in terms of jockey ability, they have all qualified by some means or not but many will be here for a run round and a few pictures and the thrill of the experience and that is absolutely what the race is for and fair play to them for that. There are a few at VERY big prices who have bits of form and some at relatively SHORT prices who look too short to me, and a few typical "stories" like the daughters of prominent Trainers like Paul Nicholls and Fergal O'Brien getting a ride.

 

We'll have 4 main selections chasing the 5 places on offer and see if we can find a couple more at silly big Odds who may be worth a shrapnel bet for those who like such flutters.

 

At short prices at the top end of the market are Famous Clermont, LATENIGHTPASS , Fier Jaguen and Winged Leader. All have obvious claims and none more than last years winner LATENIGHTPASS who would be the one i think you should be on IF you want a win saver at a short price (5/1 looks value). The biggest danger to these horses is (a) traffic in running and (b) loose horses in running, frankly I'd want 5/1 at least just to get round!

 

I've asked SEAN to pick out the best 2 Irish horses and I have to say he is VERY bullish about ITS ON THE LINE and DENTO DES OBEAUX. Itsontheline was a crediatble runner up at Cheltenham, a strong profile and available at around 10/1 and  Dento Des Obeaux is very strongly fancied by shrewd Irish connections and likely trained for the day. That one is available at around 16/1 and cracking value.

 

At the other end of the scale at big odds we have the likes of Wagner who won 2 Hunter Chases last year, Reikers Island who finished in this last year beaten 40 lengths, Step Back from the Bradstock family who looks the type to get round and Ami Desbois a fantastic servant over the years, now 13 a runner in the 2021 Grand National and one who could really enjoy a spin round if getting in to a nice rhythm. WAGNER and STEP BACK would be worth a £1 ew at silly odds.

 

Of the core of the field, Sir Jack Yeates has been round here 5 times and will be a nice ride for Trainers daugher Fern O'Brien , Coastal Tiep has a solid P2P and Rules record and BENNYS KING has good Hunter Chase form when completing but a tendency to fall.

 

Of those I most like DROP FLIGHT at a very nice price an ex French horse, in form and a good weight carrier, ENVOYE SPECIAL who has solid P2P and Hunter chase form and who should be in the first 10 home, IK BRUNEL who unseated at Cheltenham but who would have a cracking enhanced place chance IF completing and NOT THAT FUISSE from the Skelton yard who ties in with IK Brunel form wise and for whom Jack Andrews is a notable jockey booking. Paul Nicholls sticks daughter Olive up on MAGIC SAINT who has a good chance IF staying the trip.

 

To narrow that down, the IRISH Pair tipped by Sean will be (1) Dento Des Obeaux / (2) Its On The Line.

 

My personal bests will be (1) Magic Saint / (2) Not That Fuisse / (3) I K Brunel.

 

I would not put anyone off shrapnel bets on Envoye Special @ 40/1  and Drop Flight @ 50/1  in that order and at huge Odds; Wagner @ 100/1 and Step Back @ 80/1, of the top of the market 5/1 on Latenightpass @ 5/1 or as a Placepot Banker would seem the best option.