Belgarum is sure to be popular after doubling his chasing tally with a comfortable success at Fontwell last month but an interesting alternative to consider is winning pointer LUNAR CONTACT, who might have needed his recent hurdle run and now makes his chasing debut from a good mark. Almost Gotaway, Invictus De Brion and Into The Sunset also have possibilities.[Chris Wilson]
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Three-time hurdle winner who returned from long absence with very encouraging third on chasing debut at Stratford (2m3f, good) in July; didn't fire at Worcester last month but still enters the equation here.
Drew nicely clear to win comfortably at Fontwell (2m5f, good; soft also suits) last month, his second chase success there this season; latest 10lb rise demands more from him but he's still a very obvious one for the shortlist.
Returned from break with low-key hurdle run last month but is well handicapped on some of last year's hurdling form and won a point in the spring; interesting on chase debut.
0-5 over hurdles when trained by Milton Harris and absent since respectable fourth at Uttoxeter (2m, good to soft) last summer; makes stable/chase debut from 6lb lower but has stamina to prove and others look safer.
Out of form on the Flat and over hurdles since returning from a break last autumn, and was behind Almost Gotaway when unable to land a significant blow on chasing debut at Stratford (2m3f, good) in July.
Has become rather disappointing over hurdles but both runs over fences this summer (2m/2m5f) were respectable and he continues to slip down the weights; considered each-way.
About 17l behind Belgarum when third at Fontwell (2m5f, good) on recent chasing debut but significant positives can be drawn from that performance and he's 11lb better off with that rival here; contender if new cheekpieces have any positive effect.
Off mark over fences at 15th attempt when making all at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good to soft) in July but was not in same form at Market Rasen last month and his overall profile remains unconvincing.
Generally disappointing since his two hurdle wins in 2022 but was prominent for a long way at Worcester (2m, good) recently and will be fine over today's longer trip; could have a say.
0-9 over hurdles; nearly caused 80-1 shock at Fontwell (3m2f, good; first-time cheekpieces) in June but was quickly back in the doldrums on her next outing; 2lb wrong for this chasing debut and not sure to be suited by the drop back in trip; not the most obvious answer.