Key questions as RSA hero Topofthegame tests king-size reputation in the Mildmay

2.50 Aintree
Betway Mildmay Novices' Chase (Grade 1) | 3m1f, 5yo+| ITV/RUK

How good is Topofthegame?

A confident Paul Nicholls has reported the strapping Topofthegame to be in prime condition as the seven-year-old goes in search of another Grade 1 prize following his RSA Chase victory at Cheltenham last month.

After defeating Santini and Delta Work at the festival, the Kauto Star Novices' Chase runner-up faces six rivals in a possibly weaker contest, as he looks to stamp his authority on the staying chase division heading into next season.

"He won the RSA and seems to have come out of the race well," Nicholls said on Thursday. "This probably doesn't look as hot as that and we'd be hopeful he'll win again."

Nicholls, who has a good record in the Mildmay having won it with Silviniaco Conti in 2012 and Saphir Du Rheu in 2015, added: "He's learning and maturing all the time and will come on for his last run. We're looking forward to next season with him."

A longer trip the key to Lostintranslation?

Assistant trainer Joe Tizzard is hopeful the "ultra-consistent" Lostintranslation can benefit from stepping up to three miles for the first time.

The seven-year-old, set be ridden by regular partner Robbie Power, was last seen finishing runner-up to old rival Defi Du Seuil in the 2m4f JLT Novices' Chase at Cheltenham, but Tizzard said a step up to this longer trip had been in the offing for some time.

Lostintranslation: steps up to three miles for the first timeCredit: Mark Cranham

"He's come out of Cheltenham really well," Tizzard said. "We've been looking forward to stepping him up in trip, it's been coming for sure. We just didn't want to do it at Cheltenham in the RSA.

"He ran over an extended two mile and six first time out this season and it was always going to be Aintree where we stepped him up. We didn't even give him an entry in the two-mile-four-furlong race because we knew three miles was going to be the plan.

"We want to test his stamina and I'm sure it will suit. Everything he shows us at home and on the course points us in that direction."

Lostintranslation has been a model of consistency this saeson, with three seconds and a third supplementing victory in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham in January. Tizzard, whose father Colin won this in 2016 with Native River, added: "He's not been unlucky, just ultra-consistent against the best of the best this season. He's a very good horse."

Numbers game

Since 2010, no winner of the Mildmay has been priced bigger than 6-1, with five joint or outright favourite. The likelihood is that only two horses will start shorter than that.

What they say

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Chris's Dream
He's had a good season, winning two of his three races and seems in great form. He stays and we're looking forward to a good run.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Crucial Role
He ran okay at Cheltenham but is taking on a lot here. If he can put in a clear round and others don't I'm sure we could pick up something, but he would like softer ground as well.

Rebecca Curtis, trainer of Drovers Lane
The ground's fine now but should they get lots of rain it wouldn't be ideal. We thought about dropping him in trip but I was worried about him getting run off his feet over two and a half miles in that grade.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Mr Whipped
It's a competitive race but he's a very good horse. He had a setback after his last run but he's in good shape, the cheekpieces should sharpen him up and he should run well.

Phil Kirby, trainer of Top Ville Ben
He came out of Cheltenham fine. I wanted to get another run into him before Aintree and it went very well. He’s in really good form at home. I think he’ll keep improving and touch wood, his jumping has been really good all season other than at Cheltenham. More rain would play into his hands, he handles soft and even heavy so the weather should only help him.

Spotlight verdict

The giant Topofthegame can follow up his RSA win and cement his good credentials for top staying chases next season, when he could easily develop into a leading Gold Cup contender. Stepping up from 2m4f, Lostintranslation looks the biggest threat to the selection. Chris's Dream and Mr Whipped may prove best of the remainder.

For the must-have offers for the Aintree festival tap the free bets button on the racecard page or search racingpost.com/free-bets