Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

A thoroughly likeable sort who took his winning sequence to 5 when landing the Arkle (his second win at Grade 1 level) at the Festival. Beaten by Gentleman De Mee at Aintree the following month but returned better than ever with decisive win in Tingle Creek at Sandown. The one to beat.

Progressed well in open company last season, taking the Game Spirit at Newbury, and put up a career-best when second in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham. Failed to settle when returned to a longer trip at Aintree subsequently but well held in Tingle Creek at Sandown on return.

Smart chaser who won Grade 2 Chase here (20.5f) in January but is showing his form increasing rarely nowadays. Others preferred.

Hasn't stood much racing in recent times but stylish winner of this 2 years ago and arguably unlucky not to win the Champion Chase in 2021. Impressive winner of Grade 2 at Cheltenham on comeback last season and won weak renewal of same race on return 6 weeks ago. Bold bid expected.

Smart chaser for Jessica Harrington who, having changed hands (for 95,000 gns) made most of good opportunity to land Ayr novice hurdle in October. Hasn't kicked on since, however, and tough task back over fences.

Seems to save his best for Sandown these days, winning a handicap at the Scilly Isles meeting for the third time in February. Decent second from 1 lb out of the weights in Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on return but firmly up against it here.

Improved into a very smart front-running chaser last season, a dual winner at around 2m at Cheltenham prior to a solid fourth in the Grand Annual at the Festival. Finished a respectable third under change of tactics on return there (15.9f) in October but this is a big step up.