'He's come out of Cheltenham well, conditions should be perfect for him and we're expecting a big run'

Dan Skelton has won two of the last three renewals and is doubly represented this time with Be Aware and Listentoyourheart.

Harry Skelton opts for Be Aware who was a warm order for last month’s Coral Cup when beaten eight lengths. He had to endure a rough trip in rear out wide that day and is by no means not the first well-fancied, lightly raced horse to find that particular test too demanding.

Stablemate Listentoyourheart looks like a potential improver stepping up in trip on her handicap debut with promising conditional Harry Atkins taking off 7lb.

A mistake at the last probably cost Wreckless Eric this year's renewal of Sandown’s Imperial Cup. He rallied strongly in the closing stages to be beaten just half a length after that error. The five-year-old has plenty of form on a sound surface and has often given the impression a step up to this sort of trip would be in his favour.

More of a stamina test may also help Helnwein. He has been a beaten favourite in each of his last three starts, but Alan King’s runner gave the impression his future would lie over 2m4f when getting the better of Be Aware at Sandown last season and his pedigree suggests as much.

Tintintin caught the eye in this year’s Imperial Cup when beaten a length (half a length behind Wreckless Eric). He was the only one to make any significant ground from rear but has stamina to prove at this sort of trip after disappointing on his penultimate start at Ascot.

Kopeck De Mee was another short-priced beaten favourite at the festival last month in the Martin Pipe when he finished tailed off. There is a suspicion he’ll show more when returned to softer ground given that his standout effort at Auteuil came on a very testing surface.
Analysis by Phill Anderson

What they say

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Impose Toi
He ran really well in the Coral Cup and he's come out of Cheltenham well. Conditions should be perfect for him and we're expecting a big run.

Sam Thomas, trainer of Steel Ally
He'll definitely be suited by the two and a half miles. It's been a long season for him, but I couldn't be happier with him. It'll be tough giving all that weight away though. There's no concern about any ground, he goes on everything, and as a good moving horse this surface might suit him better.

Alan King, trainer of Favour And Fortune, Off The Jury and Helnwein
Favour And Fortune has been crying out for this step up in trip. He was outpaced in the Morebattle and he's better than he was able to show that day. The trip could also help Helnwein. The ground was too quick at Ascot last weekend and we're trying something different. Off The Jury showed he could cope with a large-field handicap in the EBF Final and we've come here rather than the Grade 1 Mersey.

Helnwein: trip is expected to suitCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Dan Skelton, trainer of Be Aware and Listentoyourheart
Be Aware was a bit disappointing in the Coral Cup. He was in the right place turning in he just never really picked up. Maybe a different track on a different day he can outrun what he did at Cheltenham. We think he's well handicapped and he's definitely going well at home. Listentoyourheart has been trained for the race since Christmas. She ran really well at Kelso and we're taking 7lb off which gives her a nice low weight. I think she's got a great each-way chance.

Lucinda Russell, trainer of Serious Operator
He's been off since a moderate run last year, when the ground went really soft. He doesn't quite go on soft, so you can put a line through that and I think he'll get his ground now. He's been in training, but he got an injury to the side of his pastern at the wrong time. He's got his right conditions here, he'll love the flat track and although he's a big price I think he's well worth backing each-way. 

Olly Murphy, trainer of Wade Out
He's got a great profile for the race and looks to be improving. He's got a workable mark and seems straightforward so should have a good each-way chance. The ground would be fine for him and he's been kept fresh for this.

Fergal O'Brien, trainer of Tintintin
He's fine and I'm glad we've got him in the two and a half. I think this will suit him, particularly on the drying ground. He was very good around Sandown last time, so he deserves to take his chance. He's been very consistent all year. 

Henry Daly, trainer of Blenkinsop
He ran very nicely at Uttoxeter, it was an encouraging run. The ground will be fine for him and hopefully he can run a nice race.
Reporting by James Stevens

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