Kevin Blake
2.35 JNWINE.COM CHAMPION CHASE (GRADE 1) 3M
Don Poli: A high-class chaser, he won a below-par renewal of the Lexus Chase last season but perhaps had his limitations exposed at the very highest level when running well without winning later in the campaign. Now switched to Gordon Elliott and first-time cheekpieces could well help him but will need to be at his best to win.
Lord Scoundrel: Improved notably to win the Galway Plate and has since acquitted himself very well in the Kerry National and a Grade 3 at Punchestown. Needs to improve to feature at this higher level.
Monksland: High-class hurdler/chaser who made a winning return to action in a conditions chase at Galway last month. Needs to improve to get involved in this class of company.
Sadler’s Risk: Won the Munster National last season and improved again to win a Grade 3 chase at Punchestown last time.
More improvement needed but is still quite unexposed over fences.
Silviniaco Conti: A seven-time Grade 1 winner including consecutive renewals of the King George at Kempton, his powers seemed to be on the wane last season until he bounced back with an impressive victory in the Ascot Chase in first-time blinkers. Likely to be in tip-top shape for this and will be a danger to all if in top form.
The Last Samuri: Progressive in handicap chases, he ran a stormer to finish second in the Grand National at Aintree. Now rated to compete in this class but needs to prove it.
Valseur Lido: Has only won one of his last nine starts over fences but remains unexposed at three miles and looked likely to have won the Irish Gold Cup in February only to unseat his rider at the last. Now switched to Henry de Bromhead, he has the potential to find some improvement over staying trips.
VERDICT
Silviniaco Conti is sure to be well wound up for this but marginal preference is given to Valseur Lido who appeals as having untapped potential over three miles and further. Don Poli is an intriguing contender in first-time cheekpieces on his first start for Gordon Elliott.