Baron Alco and Frodon, first and second in that big race, form part of a 15-runner field for a cracking Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
1. Frodon – Paul Nicholls/Bryony Frost (7-1)
Likeable and high-class chaser ran a cracker to finish second under top-weight in the BetVictor Gold Cup here last month.
He will again have the shoulder 11st 12lb, but he is a very talented performer (won this race in 2016) who gets on well with Bryony Frost.
Paul Nicholls has a brilliant record in this race, so he looks sure to go close.
Paul Nicholls on Frodon
"Bryony will ride again and he loves the course. He probably likes the New course more than he does the Old course.
"The Old course is a bit sharper and the New course puts a bit more emphasis on stamina – I just think that will suit him better.
"He is up another 3lb for the other day, but would that have stopped him running so well last time?
"He is in good form and we are hopefully of another good run."
2. Baron Alco – Gary Moore/Jamie Moore (6-1)
Shaped with plenty of promise at Chepstow on his return from a lay-off, pushing subsequent Grade 2 winner Charbel very close.
Ran out an impressive winner of the BetVictor at this track last month, for which he has been raised 6lb.
Will need to step up again to land the double, but he is on a sharp upward curve and rates a leading contender.
Gary Moore on Baron Alco
"Baron Alco seems in good form and the ground looks like it will be similar to last time.
"He's 6lb higher in the weights, so he's got to be 6lb better. Hopefully there's some improvement in him.
3. Rather Be – Nicky Henderson/Jeremiah McGrath (3-1)
Well-backed in last month's BetVictor but was brought down four out when still going well.
Has some smart form at this course, having been narrowly denied at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Should play a big part in the finish for his top yard.
Nicky Henderson on Rather Be
"Everything has been great since Cheltenham. It didn't worry him.
"He was going very well at the time and he jumped like a bird the whole way and then he suddenly landed and it was carnage.
"He came straight back and schooled. We've schooled him in behind horses and he is as good as ever."
4. War Sound – Philip Hobbs/Richard Johnson (10-1)
Ran several good races in defeat over fences last season.
The Hobbs yard is in much better form this campaign and he registered an impressive success on his return at Aintree.
Well beaten his only previous start at this course, but he is one to take seriously.
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5. Cobra De Mai – Dan Skelton/Harry Skelton (25-1)
The form of his gutsy win at Stratford in November has been boosted by the runner-up since.
However, he was well-held by Mr Medic when the pair clashed at Ascot.
Looks up against it on that evidence.
6. Mr Medic – Robert Walford/James Best (10-1)
Relatively lightly-raced for his age and he made a winning return at Ascot last month.
He was a ready winner that day and has since been raised 9lb in the weights.
But this demands a further step forward and he has yet to race at this course. Place claims.
Robert Walford on Mr Medic
"He's in good form and we'll give it a go.
"Softer ground wouldn't worry me – I wouldn't run on heavy, but he's a stronger horse now.
"He's seven going on eight and is lightly raced. Whether Ascot is as good as he is, we'll have to wait and see."
7. Cepage – Venetia Williams/Charlie Deutsch (10-1)
Talented six-year-old ran well for fourth at this venue when last sighted in the spring.
Had some solid form over fences last term, including a defeat of Cobra De Mai at Kempton.
Goes well fresh but would ideally prefer softer ground.
8. Casablanca Mix – Nicky Henderson/Nico De Boinville (10-1)
Talented mare ran a good second in a Listed chase at Market Rasen last time.
Possibly just stretched by 3m that day, so the drop in trip looks a good move.
Massive career-best required to land this, though.
Nicky Henderson on Casablanca Mix
"Three miles was probably a bit far for her at Market Rasen last time (finished second) and this is probably a better trip.
"Good ground is helpful to her."
9. Full Glass – Alan King/Daryl Jacob (14-1)
Had some classy form over hurdles in France before joining this yard.
Still in contention when blundering and unseating four out at Haydock last time.
This is a tougher race and he will need to brush up on his jumping if he is to get involved.
10. Catamaran Du Seuil – Dr Richard Newland/Charlie Hammond (16-1)
Very comfortable winner of a decent race at Wetherby in November.
Up 9lb for that but fell at an early stage in the Becher Chase last weekend.
Turned out quickly and others make greater appeal.
11. Splash Of Ginge – Nigel Twiston-Davies/Jamie Bargary (20-1)
Terrific servant for the Twiston-Davies yard who won the BetVictor Gold Cup last year.
Has dropped to a good mark, but he was pulled up last time out and has a point to prove now.
Will likely find a few too good.
12. Casse Tete – Gary Moore/Josh Moore (33-1)
Impressive winner of a good race at Warwick earlier this year of 5lb lower.
Well-held in two completed starts since then and unseated mid-race at Ascot last time.
This looks a tall order.
Gary Moore on Casse Tete
"Casse Tete will be a big price, but he's not a bad horse and I don't think we've seen the best of him yet."
13. Romain De Senam – Paul Nicholls/Sean Bowen (25-1)
Last victory came at Stratford over a year ago off a 2lb higher mark.
Unseated his rider at the first fence when 16-1 for the BetVictor last time.
Overall level of form leaves him with something to find.
14. Foxtail Hill – Nigel Twiston-Davies/Sam Twiston-Davies (14-1)
Dangerously handicapped having won at this course off 3lb higher last winter.
Shaped with plenty of promise when third on his reappearance here in October.
One for the shortlist under his light weight.
15. Guitar Pete – Nicky Richards/Ryan Day (8-1)
Won this contest 12 months ago when romping clear off 3lb lower.
Warmed up for a defence of his title with a good third in the BetVictor.
Richards yard are flying and he will have been trained towards this race.
Nicky Richards on Guitar Pete
"He's in grand form and we're looking forward to it.
"He ran a great race there last month and we think this track (New course) suits him a bit better.
"He's in really good fettle. We weighed him the other day and his weight is pretty much spot-on.
"I hope everyone gets a clean run round and may the best horse win.
"Our horse won't be far away, I promise you."
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