THURSDAY

The thoroughly likeable Alpha Des Obeaux deserves to get his turn at the top level. Another likely contender for the placings is Shaneshill who followed his commendable runner-up finish in Cheltenham’s RSA Chase with a fine second to Thistlecrack at Liverpool.

In the Ryanair Novice Chase Douvan can further extend his unbeaten record since coming to Ireland. A star novice hurdler, he has lived up to every expectation over fences and he comes here chasing a Grade 1 five-timer.

After providing conclusive evidence that he was much the best of the Irish two mile novices Douvan has proved just as dominant across the water. His display in the Arkle was clinical and he had no difficulty following up at Aintree where he defeated The Game Changer by 14 lengths. At Liverpool he sat second in a race run at a good gallop and, strikingly, he just got stronger and stronger throughout. Even after two full seasons racing in Ireland it is still hard to know where the summit of his abilities lies.

In the valuable Three.ie Handicap Chase Rock The World is put forward to bounce back from a below par effort at Aintree. He is much better than he got to show over two and a half miles that day and a much better pointer to his chances is his excellent third in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham. The return to two miles will suit him well. The English raider Bold Henry is also worth a mention here as he looks to bounce back from a fall in the Grand Annual. He still had work to do at the time of his departure but he had yet to be asked for his effort.

In the La Touche cross-country kingpin Josies Orders can gain compensation for his unfortunate defeat at Cheltenham where he didn’t enjoy much luck in running. Previously he won at Cheltenham in November and December while he also won over the banks at this meeting last year.