Tiger Roll: hat-trick National bid for popular Aintree hero

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Takingrisks (IRE)
Ten-year-old gelding
23611-5
Nicky Richards
Racing Post Rating 146c

Veteran chaser who hit career-best form last spring, notably when winning the Scottish Grand National at Ayr; appreciated running beyond 3m2f for the first time as he outstayed main rivals despite a notably early blunder; highly versatile with wins on good and heavy ground; spin over hurdles in November will have sharpened him up.

Verdict: versatile, do well staying handicaps

Talkischeap (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
21251-3
Alan King
Racing Post Rating 160c

Hated the soft ground (needs sound surface) when beaten long way on Sandown return; ran well against top novice chasers early last season (twice placed behind La Bague Au Roi) and made a mockery of lenient handicap mark when running away with the bet365 Gold Cup; undergoing wind operation and will return in new year; 12lb rise will demand more but remains unexposed over marathon trips.

Verdict: unexposed stayer, Grand National potential

Tarada
Six-year-old gelding
221-
Oliver Sherwood
Racing Post Rating 132h

Lightly raced hurdler, very much the type to make a chaser; bumped into smart Dashel Drasher on jumping debut and off the mark with comfortable victory next time; open to plenty of improvement in second season.

Verdict: win a handicap hurdle

Terrefort (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
21/432P-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 164c

Dual Grade 1 winner as a novice chaser two seasons ago but didn’t quite make the grade in open company last term; not beaten far when third behind Frodon in the Cotswold Chase but easily brushed aside by Clan Des Obeaux next time and pulled up in the Ryanair.

Verdict: just shy of top class

Thatsy (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
12/1-221
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post rating 126h

Looked well above average when comfortably landing a Navan bumper in February; had previously shown useful form in two point-to-points; runner-up in two maiden hurdles in October before all out to win Navan (2m4f) maiden hurdle in November. Should improve.

Verdict: can do well in novice hurdles

Thebannerkingrebel (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
P/2-11F1
Jamie Snowden
Racing Post Rating 148h

Former smart bumper performer, made smooth transition to jumping with two easy victories in minor novice hurdles in the summer; would have made it 3-3, under double penalty, but for unlucky last-flight fall at Wetherby in November and bounced back with decisive win in novices' hurdle at Haydock (2m).

Verdict: useful recruit to hurdling

The Bay Birch (IRE)
Eight-year-old mare
711-148
Matt Sheppard
Racing Post Rating 156c

Massive improver in second half of last season, winning three out of four over fences from February and April to climb 20lb in the weights (thrives at that time of year); has continued in same vein this autumn with career-best at Chepstow in October, although poor run the following month in mares’ Listed (may not have stayed 3m on heavy) and again at Newbury (2m4f) next time; likely to pursue black type in mares’ chases.

Verdict: can cope with rise in grade

The Cashel Man (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
222-1
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 133h

Good stayer on the Flat (successful three times at up to 2m), whose only win over hurdles came in a minor maiden event at Ffos Las in July; easily best effort when touched off by smart Reserve Tank in Kempton novice hurdle.

Verdict: potential to progress in novice hurdles

The Glancing Queen (IRE)
Five-year-old mare
1/1351-
Alan King
Racing Post Rating 121b

Won the Grade 2 mares’ bumper at Aintree’s Grand National meeting last season having run a huge race against geldings when fifth in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham; held in very high regard by her trainer and expected to thrive over hurdles; minor setback likely to delay return until Christmas.

Verdict: big force in mares’ novice hurdles

The Mighty Don (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
408-334
Nick Gifford
Racing Post Rating 139c

Chasing career put on hold after inauspicious debut last autumn and he showed consistent form in handicap hurdles (best efforts third in Newbury’s Long Distance Hurdle and fourth in Grade 1 Long Walk); resumed over fences with two runs at Exeter this autumn and shaped with promise despite trips (2m1f and 2m3f) being inadequate; outclassed behind Angels Breath at Ascot subsequently.

Verdict: should win when handicapped

The Russian Doyen (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
6/1514-P
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 139c

Made immediate impact over fences with victory at Exeter; jumping issues next time and only subsequent success was less than convincing; much better effort when fourth in Close Brothers Handicap at Cheltenham Festival. Finished lame on Aintree return in November.

Verdict: more to come over fences

The Storyteller (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
3P2-38P
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 163c

Successful at the 2018 Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals but drew a blank last season when campaigned exclusively in Graded company; looks no better than Grade 2 class nowadays; often let down by his jumping.

Verdict: proving very hard to win with

The Two Amigos
Seven-year-old gelding
211F-83
Nicky Martin
Racing Post Rating 147c

Prolific point-to-point winner who made a successful switch to racing under rules last season, winning three handicap chases; showed abundant stamina when victorious over 3m6½f on soft ground at Exeter; fell when 7-1 for the Grand National Trial at Haydock.

Verdict: improvement possible in staying handicaps

The Worlds End (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
16P9-13
Tom George
Racing Post Rating 155h

Has had his issues in the past and let down by jumping in top novice chases last season; likely to stick to hurdling for immediate future following winning comeback in Grade 2 bet365 Hurdle at Wetherby in November; third to Paisley Park when attempting to follow up in Grade 2 at Newbury next time (3m); won a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Aintree in 2017 and not out of the question he can win another.

Verdict: looks rejuvenated, more evidence needed

Ten-year-old gelding
11P32-P
Neil Mulholland
Racing Post Rating 152c

Veteran staying chaser who enjoyed a resurgent campaign last season, winning at Chepstow and Cheltenham; suggested he could still be competitive off higher marks when third in the Kim Muir and second in the bet365 Gold Cup in the spring.

Verdict: remains on good mark

Third Wind
Five-year-old gelding
0/1211-7
Hughie Morrison
Racing Post Rating 137h

Won three out of four in novice hurdles last season, including a successful handicap debut in a fiercely competitive EBF Final at Sandown; got up on the line in a stiff test over 2m4f that day and promises to stay further; no show in hot novice chase at Huntingdon in November.

Verdict: bags of potential over fences

Thistlecrack
11-year-old gelding
54/32P-2
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 174c

Has not quite hit the heights anticipated when winning 2016 King George as a novice, with injuries hampering subsequent progress; still showed high-class form last season when second in the King George but never a factor when pulled up in the Gold Cup (injured a hock); gave Paisley Park a race when second in Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury on return (3m).

Verdict: not won in nearly two years

Thistlecrack: back for more at 11Credit: Edward Whitaker

Thomas Darby (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
12312-2
Olly Murphy
Racing Post Rating 151c

Took time to build on promise of hurdling debut (beat Elixir De Nutz at Cheltenham) but ran a stormer when back there for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, finishing second to Klassical Dream; not always jumped fluently when runner-up on Warwick chasing debut in November and failed to fulfil promise when third of five in beginners' chase at Kempton (2m2f) the same month.

Verdict: should win novice chases

Thomas Patrick (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
1/2P8P4-
Tom Lacey
Racing Post Rating 156c

Sent off 3-1 for the Ladbrokes Trophy last season having followed a hugely progressive novice campaign with a close second on his return behind Elegant Escape, but was pulled up at Newbury and never recovered his form; dropped to just 1lb above last winning mark.

Verdict: well treated but doubts persist

Thyme Hill
Five-year-old gelding
123-11
Philip Hobbs
Racing Post Rating 147h

Has made very bright start to hurdling career, winning Grade 2 contests at Chepstow (Persian War) and Cheltenham (Ballymore Novices’); last season was best of the British-trained runners in the Champion Bumper when third behind Envoi Allen and Blue Sari; sure to win more races.

Verdict: looks a smart staying novice hurdler

Tiger Roll (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
11/4111-
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 174c

Went down in folklore when becoming the first horse since Red Rum to win back-to-back Grand Nationals last season; had already looked a big improver when winning Cheltenham’s Cross Country Chase by 22 lengths as well as a Grade 2 over hurdles. Going for unprecedented National hat-trick, although setback will rule him out until February at earliest.

Verdict: still improving, so anything possible

Timoteo (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
7511-8P
Alan King
Racing Post Rating 142c

Launched chasing career in fine style with two wins in the space of five days in March and clearly impressed his trainer, who paid £55,000 to buy him off the Million In Mind partnership in May; suffered interference on comeback at Stratford in October and disappointed when fading over 2m4f and being pulled up at Kempton the following month.

Verdict: well weighted for handicap chases

Tintangle (IRE)
Six-year-old mare
F34-P11
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 140h

Talented but quirky mare; successful once in busy first season over hurdles, but useful placed form, notably when third in Grade 2 mares’ novice at the Cheltenham Festival. Not highly tried on chasing debut in mares’ beginners’ event in October; followed up at Clonmel.

Verdict: win more mares’ novice chases

Tobefair
Nine-year-old gelding
P221-13
Debra Hamer
Racing Post Rating 152h

Out of sorts for nearly two years before showing career-best form at the end of last season, winning well at Cheltenham (last four runs at the track) after a close second in the Pertemps Final; looks to have improved again judged by return win in Pertemps Qualifier in October; was unsuited by slow pace and outpaced when tempo quickened when third in Listed handicap at November meeting.

Verdict: keeps surprising in staying handicap hurdles

Tommy Rapper (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
9/3442-1
Dan Skelton
Racing Post Rating 139c

Knocking on the door over hurdles and fences last season; best effort when chasing home stablemate Aux Ptits Soins at Aintree; reverted to fences when facing easy task in beginners’ chase at Fontwell in October.

Verdict: win novice chases at modest level

Top Notch (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
1/310P-1
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 160h

Prolific chaser who has won his last seven chases below Grade 1 level, including a hat-trick of Grade 2 wins two seasons ago; spent much of last season looking for Grade 1 opportunities over hurdles but flopped in the Stayers’ Hurdle after a promising third in the Long Walk. Winning return in Aintree conditions’ hurdle.

Verdict: misses out at top level

Top Ville Ben (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
15F13-5
Philip Kirby
Racing Post Rating 156c

Wide-margin winner of three small-field novice chases in the north last season and proved himself in stronger company when third behind top-class Lostintranslation and Topofthegame; all those performances on flat, left-handed tracks and sole flop came at contrasting Ascot. Outclassed on return in Grade 2 Charlie Hall Chase.

Verdict: comes up short in Graded company

Tornado Flyer (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
31/1P-41
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 143c

Warmed to his task when making winning chasing debut in Naas beginners’ event in November; former top-class bumper performer whose novice hurdle campaign last season was limited by injury (picked up a knock when pulled up on his second run).

Verdict: reach high level over fences

Torpillo (FR)
Four-year-old gelding
140-131
Nigel Twiston-Davies
Racing Post Rating 147h

Has resumed in good form this autumn, winning well-contested four-year-old handicap hurdle at Chepstow in October before close third to smart Quel Destin at Cheltenham and then making winning chase debut over smart field at Warwick. Loves soft/heavy ground.

Verdict: can make into useful novice chaser on soft ground

Tout Est Permis (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
1118-33
Noel Meade (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 155c

Big improver following move to Noel Meade last season, running out a clearcut winner of the Troytown at Navan; successfully stepped up to Grade 2 level at Thurles next time, getting up close home on drop to 2m4f; didn’t stay when well beaten in the Irish National. Not disgraced in Grade 3 on return in October but failed to land a blow in Grade 2 Clonmel Oil Chase following month.

Verdict: win a Grade 3 at around 3m

Tower Bridge (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
3/5322-4
Joseph O'Brien (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 148c

Grade 1 winner over hurdles before finishing fifth and third at Cheltenham and Aintree; retains novice status over fences having failed to win last season but ran well in defeat, notably when second in the novice handicap at the Cheltenham Festival behind runaway winner A Plus Tard. Hampered before being pulled up in Troytown Handicap Chase (Navan, 3m1f) in November.

Verdict: Can be given another chance to develop

Traffic Fluide (FR)
Nine-year-old gelding
5011/21-
Gary Moore
Racing Post Rating 165c

Benefited from a step up in trip and drop in grade last season when winning Sodexo Gold Cup at Ascot (only previous runs over 3m at Grade 1 level); laid out for the Grand National only to miss Aintree after a setback; back in training and likely to be aimed at the National again.

Verdict: smart handicapper but very fragile

Trevelyn’s Corn (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
1/410-P
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 129h

Cost connections £400,000 and has so far won a £3,000 maiden hurdle; ran too free when fading in Grade 1 3m novice hurdle at Aintree, but had breathing difficulties that have been sorted over the summer; bitterly disappointing on return in Chepstow Grade 2 novice hurdle in October.

Verdict: ought to improve over fences

Truckers Lodge (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
221-241
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 136c

Has been laid out out for ambitious Welsh National tilt, having now had three runs over fences to qualify; was winning at Chepstow for third time when successful in 3m beginners’ chase in October; loves the mud and likely to be suited by extreme stamina test.

Verdict: can win staying handicap chases

Tudor City (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
2582-21
Tony Martin (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 147h

Smart dual-purpose performer who got up late to win the Galway Hurdle this summer; had been knocking on the door in similar races last season (twice finished second in good races at Fairyhouse) and likely to be aimed at more big 2m handicaps.

Verdict: more to come in 2m hurdles

Ultragold (FR)
11-year-old gelding
435P0-P
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 152c

Terrific record over Grand National fences, winning back-to-back Tophams (2017-’18); also second in a Grand Sefton and third in a Becher; ran out of stamina in the National itself last season; not won away from Liverpool for three years.

Verdict: effective only at Aintree nowadays

Ultragold: another Aintree heroCredit: Grossick Racing 07710461723

Umbrigado (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
2/1116-5
David Pipe
Racing Post Rating 140h

Beaten only once under rules last season when just under ten lengths behind Reserve Tank in a Grade 1 at Aintree; had won three times prior to that, impressively defying a penalty at Exeter; could go novice chasing and trainer has already earmarked the Cheltenham Festival; not disgraced when close fifth in Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Haydock (3m) on return.

Verdict: can do well in novice chases

Uncle Alastair
Seven-year-old gelding
11133/2-
Nicky Richards
Racing Post Rating 145c

Won five of first six races under rules (fell when going well on other run) before just coming up short in better novice hurdles; made a promising start over fences last season when second to Vinndication only to suffer an injury; trainer feels he “has the world at his feet”.

Verdict: sure to win novice chases

Un De Sceaux (FR)
11-year-old gelding
211/25-1
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 174c

Remarkable veteran chaser who looked as good as ever last season, taking his Grade 1 tally to ten when winning Punchestown’s Champion Chase for the second successive year in April; ideally suited by 2m with plenty of cut, though still effective over further.

Verdict: still performs to high level

Unowhatimeanharry
11-year-old gelding
F80-124
Harry Fry
Racing Post Rating 166h

Dominant staying hurdler three seasons ago, winning four out of five with sole defeat coming at odds-on in the Stayers’ Hurdle; often out of sorts since then but still showed signs of life last season, most notably when winning fourth Grade 1 at Punchestown in April; close to that form when fine second in Grade 2 hurdle at Wetherby on return in November but faded into fourth behind Paisley Park when trying repeat win in Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury next time (3m).

Verdict: still smart despite advancing years

Us And Them (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
222-U37
Joseph O'Brien (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 157c

Won only once last season but ran consistently well in top company, finishing second in four Grade 1 races including the Racing Post Arkle (albeit beaten 13 lengths by Duc Des Genievres); ran a sound race on return in Grade 2 at Gowran in October but not improve on that when seventh in BetVictor Gold Cup.

Verdict: tough but short of top class

Valtor (FR)
Ten-year-old gelding
671P0-1
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 161c

Surprised even his trainer when a 33-1 winner of the Silver Cup at Ascot on his British debut last season; hadn’t won in last 15 starts in France before being bought as a Grand National horse and struggled in two subsequent runs, including when well beaten at Aintree; winning return in novice hurdle back at Ascot (2m5f)

Verdict: one win last 17 starts

Verdana Blue (IRE)
Seven-year-old mare
114151-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 164h

Remarkable mare, hard to beat in 2m hurdles when encountering a fast surface; won Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle but unlucky to encounter soft ground when below her best in Champion Hurdle; came back and thrashed the opposition in Scottish Champion.

Verdict: tough to beat when conditions are right

Vinndication (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
1/1135-1
Kim Bailey
Racing Post Rating 164c

Very smart chaser (7-9 under Rules) who races almost exclusively right-handed; a step-up to 3m was always going to suit and he posted career-best over fences when winning valuable handicap at Ascot in November (first outing following wind surgery); set for successful season.

Verdict: close to being top-class staying chaser

Vintage Clouds (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
1P2F6-5
Sue Smith
Racing Post Rating 151c

Has won only twice in three seasons over fences but has been placed in a string of top staying handicaps; second in the Ultima at Cheltenham last season (had been third in 2018) but fell at the first in the Grand National and was only sixth when favourite for the Scottish version.

Verdict: useful, win record not great

Vision Des Flos (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
310-635
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 154h

Progressing well over hurdles, benefited from going up in trip after wind surgery midway through last season; following further wind op over summer posted career-best effort on return behind Top Notch at Aintree (stiff task under 8lb penalty); resumed chasing (failed to complete only outing over fences last season) when last of five to Champ at Newbury (2m4f).

Verdict: trainer envisages RSA Chase bid

Voix Du Reve (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
13FU1-4
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 159c

Highly tried in novice chases last season and landed a Grade 1 win in the Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse, relishing step up to 2m4f having looked just short of top class over 2m (and again when fourth at Punchestown); going well when unseated three out in the JLT at Cheltenham.

Verdict: may not be easiest to place

Waiting Patiently (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
111/U23-
Ruth Jefferson
Racing Post Rating 171c

Looked to have the world at his feet when winning the Ascot Chase in 2018, making it six out of six over fences, but hasn’t gone on since then, albeit in just three runs; was brought down in the King George last season but below his best twice subsequently; said to need soft ground.

Verdict: not hitting heights once predicted

Wakanda (IRE)
Ten-year-old gelding
P0/541P-
Sue Smith
Racing Post Rating 157c

Has run well in a string of top staying handicaps in recent seasons and won last season’s Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock; did that off 146, won the Sky Bet Chase and finished second in the Rowland Meyrick two seasons ago on only occasions rated lower since 2015.

Verdict: not easy off high mark

Walk In The Mill (FR)
Nine-year-old gelding
31334-P
Robert Walford
Racing Post Rating 148c

Comfortable winner of last season’s Becher Chase over the Grand National fences and ran a cracker in the National itself when fourth behind Tiger Roll; kept on the go in between with two defeats in novice hurdles; likely to have a similar campaign again.

Verdict: his season revolves around Aintree

Walt (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
1P6-651
Neil Mulholland
Racing Post Rating 142c

Lost his way in the spring but slipped to more favourable mark and took advantage when bouncing back to form in Taunton handicap chase in November; progressive form last season, notably when winning the valuable 888Sport Handicap Chase at Kempton from Double Shuffle after a wide-margin success at Taunton; has gained all three chase victories on good ground.

Verdict: on better mark now for handicaps

Warriors Tale
Ten-year-old gelding
P/41P0P-
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 154c

Bought by Trevor Hemmings for the Grand National after finishing second in the 2018 Sky Bet Chase but has been pulled up in the last two runnings; looks much better back over distances short of 3m and won over the National fences in Grand Sefton. Aiming for repeat.

Verdict: only one win since 2017

Warthog (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
7/1P3P-3
David Pipe
Racing Post Rating 142c

Useful though inconsistent chaser who is 1-12 under Rules; returned from a breathing operation to show improved form when third in BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham; runs well fresh and failed to progress last season after first-time-out win.

Verdict: win record is off-putting

Wenyerreadyfreddie (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
2117P-7
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 153c

Looked a very smart recruit to fences when twice winning at Ascot early last season, hacking up in a novice handicap off 130 and claiming the scalp of Kildisart when conceding 5lb; three times disappointing subsequently, including when looking a non-stayer over 2m6½f.

Verdict: needs to bounce back

West Approach
Nine-year-old gelding
2966-21
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 149c

Has spent most of the last two campaigns over fences but appreciated a return to hurdles midway through last season, finishing second behind Paisley Park in the Long Walk Hurdle and the Cleeve; back over fences but only sixth when favourite for the bet365 Gold Cup; ran much better on return at Cheltenham in October and ended long losing sequence when winning Grade 3 handicap chase at same track at November meeting.

Verdict: has returned in fine fettle

Western Ryder (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
330-331
Warren Greatrex
Racing Post Rating 137c

Two novice hurdles victories in late 2017 and proved a smart 2m hurdler last season; made costly mistakes on chasing debut at Sedgefield in October but ran better in warm beginners’ chase at Uttoxeter in November behind Summerville Boy (still not fluent) before winning Ludlow (2m4f) beginners' chase, finishing lame.

Verdict: may do better now has found winning thread

Whatswrongwithyou (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
621178-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 144c

Useful hurdler (third in the 2018 Imperial Cup) who won a couple of small-field novice chases last season; aimed at top 2m handicaps subsequently and stayed on into a fair seventh in the Grand Annual (got too far back) before disappointing at Aintree.

Verdict: could improve upped in trip

White Moon (GER)
Seven-year-old gelding
5144-FP
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 145c

Has the look of a chaser but yet to convince over fences; took time to get over a nasty fall on chasing debut, but has failed to build on a confidence-boosting win in four subsequent outings; connections have not lost faith (beaten favourite both outings this season).

Verdict: jury is still out

Who Dares Wins (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
033/353/
Alan King
Racing Post Rating 151h

Smart dual purpose performer; very useful form in staying handicap hurdles, notably when fifth in Pertemps Final at 2018 Cheltenham Festival; won fiercely competitive Northumberland Plate in June and fourth in Group 1 Prix du Cadran; suited by good ground or softer; has taken well to fences and narrowly lost out in Kempton beginners' chase (2m2f) in November.

Verdict: versatile, interesting in novice chases

Who Dares Wins: intriguing novice chaser

Wholestone (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
950-121
Nigel Twiston-Davies
Racing Post Rating 153c

Has taken well to fences and following easy task on debut ran a very good second to Mulcahys Hill in well-contested novice chase at Cheltenham (race often throws up some smart performers); once again showed his liking for that track when winning novice chase at November meeting (five of his last six wins have come there).

Verdict: fences seem to have perked him up

Wide Receiver (IRE)
Four-year-old gelding
1-
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post rating 93ptp

Easy winner of his only start in a maiden Irish point-to-point in February; changed hands for £410,000 at Tattersalls Cheltenham February Sale; very highly regarded by connections and expected to make a big splash in bumpers.

Verdict: potential to be Champion Bumper material

William Henry (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
144/P14-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 156h

Fragile but talented hurdler who won last season’s Coral Cup under 11st 10lb on first run following wind surgery; beaten 11 lengths into fourth behind If The Cap Fits when stepped up to Grade 1 level at Aintree; pulled up on only run over fences two seasons ago.

Verdict: not certain to enjoy chasing

Windsor Avenue (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
1412-11
Brian Ellison
Racing Post Rating 155c

Former winning hurdler and point-to-pointer who has made an instant impact since switching to fences this season; faced simple task in Sedgefield beginners’ chase in October and showed improvement three weeks later when beating useful Ballymoy comprehensively in Carlisle novice event.

Verdict: handle step up to Grade 2

Winter Escape (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
153-P36
Aidan Howard (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 157c

Lost his way for Alan King having once looked an exciting prospect but was rejuvenated by switch to Ireland last season and claimed the notable scalp of A Plus Tard when completing a hat-trick in a Grade 3 at Punchestown in January; regressed since the spring.

Verdict: new lease of life petered out

With Discretion (IRE)
Eight-year-old mare
6/U3/11/4
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 139h

Lightly raced mare, quite useful hurdler; needs soft ground and conditions never right to get her started over fences last winter (only run came in Punchestown Grade 1 mares’ hurdle, when well beaten); has scope to take to fences.

Verdict: can win mares’ novice chases

Wonder Laish
Seven-year-old gelding
1/7110-
Charles Byrnes (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 146h

Smart Flat performer (premier handicap winner) who translated that form to hurdles last season, winning handicaps at Navan and Fairyhouse (beat subsequent Galway Hurdle winner Tudor City); disappointed on only subsequent run in a valuable handicap at Leopardstown.

Verdict: could win another big handicap

Worthy Farm (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
1017-76
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 128c

Lightly raced jumper who showed improved form when staying on dourly to land handicap hurdle at Ascot in February; not show much sparkle on first two outings over fences, will be suited by stern test of stamina.

Verdict: early signs not encouraging

Yala Enki (FR)
Nine-year-old gelding
66/1357-
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 162c

Very smart handicap chaser who has run well in a string of gruelling tests of stamina in recent seasons; won the Grand National Trial at Haydock in 2018 when favoured by heavy ground; not beaten far when third in the Welsh Grand National last season. Recently changed stables.

Verdict: capable staying handicapper on soft

Yalltari
Eight-year-old gelding
11/21F3-
Venetia Williams
Racing Post Rating 149c

Won last three over hurdles two seasons ago and continued to progress when sent chasing last season, winning a novice handicap at Chepstow; good third when stepped up in class for the Reynoldstown at Ascot, beaten less than five lengths having travelled notably well.

Verdict: win a slog in the mud

Yorkhill (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
2-0U1P4
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 166c

Won nine of his first ten races under rules, including twice at the Cheltenham Festival, but victory at Galway this summer was his first since the JLT Novices’ Chase in 2017; has had plenty go wrong and question marks remain.

Verdict: operates at lower level nowadays

Zanza (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
101-P16
Philip Hobbs
Racing Post Rating 140h

Talented but inconsistent handicap hurdler; won novice hurdles at Chepstow and Taunton last season (flopped on heavy ground in between) and finished by winning handicap in first-time hood, having run too free in Betfair Hurdle. Ran poorly on reappearance but bounced back to post career-best at Newbury three weeks later; not disgraced when sixth in Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham on latest outing.

Verdict: good handicap hurdler but inconsistent

Zero Ten (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
11112-11
Emmet Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 126c

Exciting novice chase prospect who won three out of four in novice hurdles last season following Galway bumper win, with sole defeat a close second in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse over Easter; won again at Galway this summer, this time making a successful chase debut.

Verdict: potentially Graded level over fences

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