Won this on heavy ground last year and looked as good as ever when landing a fourth Grade 2 success of his career in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby (3m, good) on reappearance 5 weeks ago. The one to beat in this race again.
Ended a near 3-year losing run when seeing off 6 rivals in the Old Roan at Aintree (2½m, good) under Freddie Gingell on reappearance 6 weeks ago, finding more for pressure than is sometimes the case. That was a really smart handicap performance but more will be needed to follow up here.
Very smart chaser, including a Grade 2 win at Clonmel last November. Gave it his usual good shot from the front when second in 2½m Fairyhouse Grade 2 when last seen in April. This front-runner has a decent record fresh and seems likely to make a bold bid.
A useful hurdler and even better over fences, bagging the Grade 2 Rising Stars at Wincanton last November. Mostly creditable efforts in defeat since, including 4¼ lengths fourth of 7 to Hitman on Aintree reappearance (2½m, good) 42 days ago.
A very smart chaser but he went without a win last term and was well below par when a remote fourth to L'eau Du Sud in Shloer Chase at Cheltenham (2m, heavy) on reappearance 23 days ago. Back up in trip.
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Forecasts
Djelo (4/5), Saint Sam (3/1), Hitman (11/2), Boombawn (12/1), Edwardstone (14/1)
Last year's winner DJELO is a real class act at this Grade 2 level and can follow up last month's Charlie Hall success. The main threat may come from Irish raider Saint Sam, who might enjoy an uncontested lead.