Trainer – Paul Nicholls
Jockey – Harry Cobden
Has more success on the longer trips based on the most recent form with a close 2nd at Ascot in November when 14-1 to Traffic Fluide. Most recently on the same jockey came 8th after a mistake in the lead and soon failed to make any headway to regain any momentum. But another close 2nd came under the same jockey at Sandown early last year (Good/Soft) over same distance.
Trainer – Peter Niven
Jockey – Henry Brooke
Won last time out at Sedgefield under same jockey on Good ground over a longer distance at 3m 5f (11-6) but weight significantly less than previous good form which could prove a decent outcome with a shorter distance. May struggle to contend with others who prefer the sub 3m mark as recent form suggests a longer trip suits. Plus worth noting last year’s winner Wakanda was ridden by Henry Brooke also.
Trainer – Venetia Williams
Jockey – Charlie Deutsch
Unseated same jockey on two previous occasions but last time out won at Wincanton only 19 days ago over 2m 4f (Good) under Hugh Nugent. If winning form returns as from Carlisle nearly a year ago but others maybe preferred with consistency and unplaced results.
Trainer – Alan King
Jockey – Wayne Hutchinson
Places well under Wayne Hutchinson but last win was nearly a year ago in the same course, in a card of three horses. The handicaps since have been promising which gives plenty of option for this time out if progressing from last win and close 2nd at Ayr, gives well on varying ground so one to consider even if outside chance to some more fancied.
Trainer – Donald McCain
Jockey – Brian Hughes
Closely unplaced at Aintree last time but among a large field of 18 produced a good result over soft ground under the same jockey. Hasn’t shown much cause for a backing but consistently comes close to the winning line while 5th to last year’s winner Wakanda, at 25-1. Likes to lead or head up near the front to track the leaders but doesn’t tend to find enough towards the finish, could be his day but other horses favoured.
Trainer – Nigel Twiston-Davies
Jockey – Jordan Nailor
Performs well over longer distances judging by the two places in the last two runs under different riders however. Disappointed at Cheltenham on good ground when 8th last year. But improving since has put the handicapping to suggest he should do well this time out among a similar field. A long time since his fall prior to that Cheltenham display and chases much improved for Nigel Twiston-Davies and should definitely fancy a close call being among the top rated of the field.
Trainer – Martin Todhunter
Jockey – Sean Quinlan
Tends to be ridden by Henry Brooke with varying form in the last few but looks on the up if the handicap chases are anything to go by, coming 2nd in November at Ayr in a Class 3 though, so will need to build on that with the similar distance here at Doncaster. Pedigree suggests strong potential as well but with only 3 wins only in chases it becomes hard to call in a field of higher rated horses.
Trainer – Evan Williams
Jockey – Mitchell Bastyan
This 11 year old gelding has consistently got through to the end in some tough handicaps coming 3rd at Sandown a long way back from Houblon Des Obeaux earlier this month. Showed on multiple times to have more in the tank towards the end just too late when holding up in rear so a change in positioning could be the difference in a couple places this time out.
Trainer – Nicky Henderson
Jockey – Nico de Boinville
Won well C&D last time out over a month ago when favourite to Go Conquer. These two face off again with a larger field but should be a close call between the two again if on the same pace as last time. This 8 year old though liked to track the leaders before making all in the final few strides but shouldn’t be much in it again if all keen again. Form would suggest a suitable trip but would need to keep the improvement as previous form doesn’t instil hope when pulled up and unplaced in previous three races before.
Trainer – Paul Nicholls
Jockey – Sean Bowen
Placed convincingly before winning at Aintree last time out over 2m5f under same jockey and proves to like the ground. If wanting to gain on that and carry over the same consistent form before then should make the running to the end in what should be a close finish if all run to pace. Pulled up in form shouldn’t necessarily be considered from Grand National running being a tough one.
Trainer – Charlie Longsdon
Jockey – Gavin Sheehan
Often raced on slightly shorter trips, but has fallen three times in form and difficult to know if there is an issue with the jumping or if the win at Wetherby last time out on soft ground (11-9). 31 days since last run on boxing day and should make the distance if the 8 year old can move on from previous falls and continue on the Wetherby form.
