The moment of truth for
MIGHT BITE arrives as he looks to make amends for his last-fence fall in the Kauto Star here 12 months ago. He was running a massive race then and would have set a very fast time had he stood up. His RSA Chase win at Cheltenham was full of drama but there were no quirks at Aintree or in the reappearance at Sandown. This C&D is tailor-made for Nicky Henderson's would-be star and he can justify the hype.
Bristol De Mai comes here on the back of a romp in the Betfair Chase but must prove he can he achieve anything like that form on better ground and away from Haydock. He is respected, but the walking pace of those behind him on Merseyside surely flattered the grey and this isn't set up to bring out his best.
Whisper is very interesting off the back of an excellent second in the Ladbrokes Trophy and has yet to run a bad race over fences. He's closely matched with stablemate Might Bite on spring form and should get involved again here. The imponderables are headed by last year's brilliant winner
Thistlecrack, who faded too quickly on his return over hurdles to be confident he retains all his ability after injury. Equally, Tingle Creek second
Fox Norton is very interesting upped to 3m, he wasn't stopping in the Melling Chase at Aintree and may well get this trip on this track. The admirable
Tea For Two will surely give his running again on a track he loves and may outrun his odds.
- Might Bite
- Fox Norton
- Whisper