Kevin Blake

2:30 JNWINE.COM CHAMPION CHASE (GRADE 1) 3M

Boston Bob: He threatened to become disappointing prior to coming good at the backend of last season, winning the Melling Chase at Aintree and the Punchestown Gold Cup. Those performances put him up amongst the top staying chasers in the country and he has strong prospects.

First Lieutenant: A rock-solid chaser that perhaps falls a shade short of the very highest level, but he has gone well in this race before and with the ground being in his favour, he has solid place prospects.

On His Own: Former Aintree Grand National contender that found significant improvement last season, culminating in an unlucky short-head second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Likely to be aimed at that race again and is likely to come on from this.

Realt Mor: A high-class novice chase that won the Powers Cup, he didn’t fire in just two starts last season. Makes his return with a bit to prove and his stamina not guaranteed for this longer trip.

Road To Riches: Delivered on previous promise when bolting up in the Galway Plate and perhaps needed the run a shade when returning from a break to finish second to Sizing Europe at Gowran Park. This longer trip is a slight question mark, but he is a contender.

Rocky Creek: British raider that finished second in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury and fifth in the Aintree Grand National in a light campaign last season. Needs to improve again to compete at this level.

Tammys Hill: A leading hunter chaser last season that won the Foxhunter at the Cheltenham Festival, he now moves into open chasing company and has a lot to find an official ratings.

Ma Filleule: A French import that has fared particularly well since reverting to fences in the last year, she bolted up in the Topham Chase over the Aintree Grand National fences in April. Her trainer has a fine record at this track and while this is a big step up in class, she is respected.

The Verdict

The British raiders give this race an intriguing look, but they will do well to beat BOSTON BOB who really came good at the backend of last season and is the pick of Ruby Walsh on his return to action.