888Sport Handicap Chase Guide

Trainer - Tom George

Jockey - Jonathan Burke

Old legend Double Shuffle leads the ten runner field, looking to shake off top weight in this valuable handicap.

A horse who has always run which much credit and dignity at the top level for a number of years, finds this sort of company commonplace nowadays.

Has not won since landing the spoils here over this distance just after the Christmas of 2016, but commands respect at a track he relishes having finished second in the King George a year later.

Should be involved.

Trainer - Paul Nicholls

Jockey - Harry Cobden

Most of Paul Nicholls' horses are turning up anywhere at the moment in top form, and you cannot say anything different about this 7yo Adrien Du Pont.

Just like Double Shuffle, he is a course and distance winner but from his most recent start which was two months ago here in a Class Two Handicap Chase.

Beginning to get the hang of things at this level, so a solid run is expected off a 7lb higher mark.

Trainer - Paul Nicholls

Jockey - Barry Geraghty

Barry Geraghty has some good chances in these colours at the upcoming festival for different trainers, but his mind will be focused on one of his favourite horses in training, when jumping aboard Modus.

Top class individual on his day, but rarely manages to maintain his high standards.

Tough going this year, but did begin the campaign with a win at Cheltenham, before the handicapper appeared back on top at Ascot and Doncaster latest.

More needed.

Trainer - Nicky Henderson

Jockey - Jeremiah McGrath

Two efforts this term, and two good reasons why he could not prevail in big money contests at Cheltenham.

The first of which saw him brought down in a incident-hit BetVictor Gold Cup, before you could argue that is passage was somewhat restricted in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup on his next start.

Can open up his Cheltenham options with a solid display here.

Trainer - Alan King

Jockey - Wayne Hutchinson

Despite spending much of this campaign chasing down the tail of the mare La Bague Au Roi, the form has worked out perfectly for Talkischeap to be considered a true contender.

Third and then second behind the 8yo trained by Warren Greatrex - who has since landed Grade One's in the Kauto Star here at Kempton, and since in Ireland, this horse finally succeeded at the beginning of January at Doncaster - albeit in a matchup.

Was second here to a class act last time out, so will be in the thick of things again.

Trainer - Dr Richard Newland

Jockey - Charlie Hammond

Been chasing for short while now, and came to a bit of grief before the turn of the year, when falling at Aintree before a poor attempt at Cheltenham.

Relocated his best touch when just a few lengths down at Wincanton when dropping grade latest, form that has been boosted with Calipto winning again.

Certainly looks a candidate to play a role in the finish if bringing his A game.

Trainer - Paul Nicholls

Jockey - Harry Skelton

A slick winner at Taunton when last seen, Romain De Senam will look to reestablish himself as a true contender now heading back up into a top grade.

The 7yo gelding had been lowered in class as a result of his poor shows in the BetVictor and Caspian Caviar Gold Cups - falling and pulling up.

Hopefully mistakes have been amended, and ready to fire again.

Trainer - Nick Gifford

Jockey - Leighton Aspell

The exciting Glen Rocco will attempt to continue his fine progression up the ladder for partial owner Jeremy Kyle.

His first season as a chaser began in the worst possible way when unseating at Chepstow, but did go onto win on his next start on the figure of eight track at Fontwell.

The 8yo's smartest piece of form came from Boxing Day, when he finished behind Mick Channon's Glen Forsa - who romped home at Sandown latest when dismissing Arkle fancy Kalashnikov.

That was last Friday, the same day Carlos Du Fruitier - third in that contest from Christmas, who won the Royal Artillery Gold Cup.

Rocco followed up his good second in that contest with an emphatic victory at the same venue last time, when stepping up markedly in trip.

Clearly, he must hold leading chances once again.

Trainer - Venetia Williams

Jockey - Charlie Deutsch

Arrives at Sunbury bidding for the hat-trick, after nimble displays at both Haydock and Carlisle in December.

First season as a chaser looks as though he is fulfilling the promise he once showed as a hurdler in his day's for Irish Champion Trainer Willie Mullins.

Needs to go up a gear here though to be in with a chance.

Trainer - Neil Mulholland

Jockey -

Walt completes the field at the foot of the weights, and looks to have lots to find on his nine-strong opponents.

Possibly considered the outsider of the lot, due to the fact he is yet to really conquer his troops amongst Class Three's and Four's.

Last spotted finishing a neck second at Newbury, but a whole lot more expected, and needs to prove his stamina against many proven members of the division.

Hard to fancy.