With the continued rude health of the Venetia Williams stable and the straightforwardly progressive profile MARTATOR (nap) has built up, it is hard to see him being far away in search of the six-timer in what is admittedly an open race. Sans Bruit gets a swing in the weights on the selection from last time and should be among the main challengers, even from out of the handicap, while any positive market vibes for dual winner Editeur Du Gite would be particularly notable. [Keith Melrose]
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Five of his seven chase wins came as a novice (including 2021 Wayward Lad over this C&D), showing that he has often struggled against the very best; rising 11 now and neither run this term has proved that he retains all of his ability, but he would be a contender even on last season's form.
Graduated from handicap company last season (fell when favourite for this race) but has had limitations exposed against top 2m chasers, very much second best behind Jonbon last time at Cheltenham on first run since wind surgery; this is more his level but he has a higher mark than for previous handicap runs.
Winner of his last five starts, going up 33lb in the weights; another clear step forward at Ascot last time (2m1f, good) when winning by 11l with a subsequent winner in second and Sans Bruit in third; up another 11lb and without Ned Fox's 5lb claim but has a big shout in current form.
Won this race the last two years, last season after a lead-in which was similarly quiet to his two runs this autumn; showed zest in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham last time before a bad mistake at the water; dropped another 4lb and no surprise if he showed more today; market check advised.
Regained the winning thread on reappearance at Cheltenham in October (2m, good); went to little back there the following month and looks up against it here; 1lb out of the weights more than offset by Harry Atkins' 7lb claim.
Run of seconds in good handicaps and graded novices ended in Grade 1 company at Sandown last time; conditions, race class and drop in trip all undid him that day and only one is on his side now; also 4lb out of the weights.
Dual heavy-ground chase winner in the north last season, looking a smart prospect; yet to catch light this season, failing to build on reappearance at Kelso 19 days ago, and bit to prove from out of the weights here.
Made all in the Red Rum at Aintree in April (2m, soft) under Bryony Frost on second chase start for current yard; creditable efforts in defeat both runs this season, taking the inside line on rain-softened ground last time; 4lb out of the weights here but he is more open to improvement than most.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
