'It's hard to escape his claims' - three eyecatchers to note for the opening day

Vintage Clouds
2.50 Cheltenham

There's a stronger Irish presence than usual in the Ultima Handicap Chase (2.50), which is a definite concern if you're fancying a British runner, but nonetheless it's hard to escape the claims of race stalwart Vintage Clouds, who is just 1lb higher than when careering away up the hill to score by over five lengths in last year's race.

Although a 12-year-old, his second at Doncaster three weeks ago, when running for the first time after wind surgery, confirmed the "fire still burns bright" as noted in the Racing Post analysis, and there's no reason he can't go well in the race once more, with form figures of F3281 in five previous attempts.