Sceau Royal makes chasing debut

Sceau Royal, an exciting recruit to fences this season, makes his debut in Warwick’s 2m novice chase (3.20), and Daryl Jacob can’t wait to continue his partnership with the gelding.

A 154-rated hurdler who finished sixth to Buveur D’Air in the Champion Hurdle after landing the Grade 2 Elite Hurdle at Wincanton last term, Sceau Royal is 25-1 in the ante-post Racing Post Arkle Chase betting.

The five-year-old faces just four rivals at Warwick, including Charlie Longsdon’s Musselburgh Listed hurdle winner Forth Bridge. Jacob said: “I’m looking forward to riding him. It’s a nice place to start him off - Alan [King] does well with his novice chasers round there.”

He added: “Sceau Royal was a high-class hurdler, and hopefully he can develop into a really nice novice chaser this season. I’ve schooled him, and he jumps okay at home.”

Flying Chetan bids for four-timer

Chetan, who is in the form of his life, bids for a four-timer in Chelmsford’s mile handicap (7.15).

The Charlie Wallis-trained five-year-old has gone up a total of 20lb for his three victories - two at Kempton, and most recently at Chelmsford.

He steps up from Class 6 to Class 4 company, but is in such good shape that few would be surprised if he did not continue in winning vein, and the form of his latest success has been boosted by the exploits of runner-up Prince Jai, who has won both his starts since.

Wallis said: “Going up 20lb clearly makes life much harder for Chetan, but he goes into the race in peak form.

“He’s a lovely horse who has won eight races for us. Josh [Bryan] is doing a wonderful job with him.”

Cross chasing repeat for Doyle

A suitability to Tramore's seaside configurations can count for plenty around the Waterford track and trainer Eoin Doyle will be hoping his recent course-and-distance winner Ardera Cross can continue his winning ways in the 2m5f handicap hurdle (3.45).

Having been raised 6lb for his latest success, the Kilkenny handler is content with his charge's condition as he bids to defy the handicapper's say.

Doyle said: "Ardera Cross's two career wins have come at Tramore, and even though he's gone up a few pounds he should hopefully be there or thereabouts.

"He's in good order," the handler added. "He won well last time and has a live chance if all goes right.

"We tried him in cheekpieces for the first time on his last start to help him at the start and we will keep them on again - he's fine once he gets going."

Read exclusive previews from 6pm daily on racingpost.com