This is likely to be an absolute cavalry charge and whatever wins will need a huge dollop of luck in running. We saw last year that the best way to possibly avoid this is to set sail and try to make it all keeping out of trouble and hoping that trouble delays some who may otherwise have your measure with perfectly run races.

 

Our combined efforts and discussions narrowed it down to a final list of 4 runners.

 

Before we focus on them a few to note, Mister Coffey would be very interesting if taking to these fences, it's a fragile horse mentally and much as physically but hugely feared nonetheless. Via Dolorosa is in the Tracker (below) a horse we've followed all season and another bold run over these fences would not be a surprise at all. Pink Eyed Pedro ran a career best to be runner up in this race last year, remains on a nice mark and probably aimed at this race but one who just missed the final cut but a reserve if any of the main 4 don't run.

 

PALMERS HILL is one Robin is very bullish about, lightly raced and best fresh he lurks on a very nice mark for those of you who specifically follow Robin!

 

Royal Rendevous is one Sean was keen on but not quite keen enough in the final analysis, its the sometimes prominent run style that catches the eye and a bold front running run again for Mullins in this race would not be a surprise. Mac Tottie and Franky Du Berlais (especially FDB at the price) for Peter Bowen are big dangers as the Welsh Trainer does target this race and can never be overlooked.

 

However we've pinned our flags to the mast with these four.

 

FOXY JACKS is Sean's nap of the meeting, it was travelling very well when blundering at Cheltenham, is a strong travelling sort who with luck in running could love these fences and appear full of running up the final chute. SPIRITOFTHEGAMES is uber consistent, perhaps too consistent for its own good, deserves to win one of these and it has course form and ran very well at Cheltenham to boot. SENIOR CITIZEN is another who is too honest for its own good in terms of handicap mark but deserves another bash in this having placed 3rd in this last season when the race was won from the front, and although carrying a few more pounds that experience is a key asset. Finally FIVE STAR GETAWAY from a Yard that can do no wrong with its Chasers at present and despite that a bit off the radar here. It's got proven 3 mile stamina, runs prominently and the sort who could just get in to a rhythm and run them daft from a prominent position keeping out of trouble. The Yards horses seem to have that extra gear in a battle and it's one we both think has a great chance.

 

SEAN - Foxy Jacks / FIve Star Getaway / IAN - Spiritofthegames / Senior Citizen ( all Trackers e/w)