Nicholls banking on Ibis Du Rheu in Classic Chase conundrum

McCoy Contractors Civil Engineering Classic Handicap Chase (Grade 3) | 3m5f | 5yo+ | ITV4/RTV

You have to go back to 2007 to find the last winning favourite of the Classic Chase, when 9-2 shot Ladalko defeated future Grand National hero Mon Mome.

Ladalko was trained by Paul Nicholls and he is responsible for today's big-race fancy, Ibis Du Rheu, in this year's edition of the 3m5f handicap chase.

Having secured a belated first chase win at Cheltenham two starts ago, Ibis Du Rheu was not as effective over a furlong further at the track last time out, finishing a well-beaten runner-up behind The Worlds End.

Nicholls's assistant Harry Derham said: "It was a funny race at Cheltenham last time because they went slow and then fast down the back straight – I couldn’t really get my head around it.

"If we could drop him in and let him find a rhythm just hunting away, you'd like to think that this sort of race would suit him well."

Can Hales have a winner to remember?

While Ibis Du Rheu is owned by John Hales, there is another Hales hoping to win the race as trainer Alex Hales relies on the unexposed Duel At Dawn, who has been the recipient of support over the last week.

The nine-year-old ran well to be second in a Listed Chase on this card last year and could be set for a bold bid off a low weight under rider Kielan Woods.

Duel At Dawn: reappears in Haydock's Tommy Whittle Chase on SaturdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

A victory for Duel At Dawn would be the biggest of Hales's training career so far, and he said: "He ran well enough at Haydock on his reappearance, but possibly needed it. He's run well at Warwick before and the extended trip should suit him.

"I'm quite looking forward to running him on better ground."

Can Milansbar retain his crown?

Milansbar gave Bryony Frost one of her breakout moments last season when winning this race for Neil King, and the 12-year-old is back for another crack.

With Frost required to ride for boss Paul Nicholls at Kempton, the spare ride has been picked up by Gina Andrews, who takes off 3lb and will be hoping for some more Milansbar magic.

Andrews said: ""I'm really pleased to be riding him although it's a shame for my brother Jack, who should have got the ride but can't do the weight.

"It was quite a big ask after not having run for such a long time and on soft ground over that trip but he still didn't run badly and he should have come on a lot for that," said Andrews. "If he can get in a good rhythm I think he can go well again."

King is hoping Milansbar can build on last month's reappearance in the London National when fifth, and said: "He's been in tremendous form all autumn and I thought he'd win at Sandown on his comeback but he just never got into a good rhythm jumping and I hope we can put a line through that.

"The good, good to soft ground is fine for him and he's an out-and-out stayer."

Ground looks perfect for Destrier

Twelve-year-old Milansbar may be the oldest runner in the field but there is no shortage of experience in opposition, with a further six competitors aged ten or over.

Among them is Carole's Destrier, who returned to winning ways last time at Newbury. Trainer Neil Mulholland said of the 11-year-old: "He's quite ground dependent. Ideally we wanted more time, but we've got to run when the ground and trip is right."

Mulholland is double-handed in the race with Impulsive Star, and added: "He had a nice time around Plumpton for his seasonal debut and has come out of it well. He's schooled well since."

What they say

David Pipe, trainer of Un Temps Pour Tout
He's got topweight, which makes it difficult, but he's in good form at home. We're on bit of a fact-finding mission as he was very ring-rusty at Aintree. We're hoping for a good show and that he's got his old sparkle back. He seems like he does at home but he's got to go and do it on the racetrack. He won't mind the ground.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Calett Mad and Cogry
Calett Mad ran very well at Kelso the other day and hopefully has a good chance. Cogry only went up 3lb for winning at Cheltenham and hopefully the extra trip will help with that rise – I think he's better over further.

Caroline Bailey, trainer of Crosspark
He ran a really good race when fourth in this last year. He probably pulled too hard early and didn't quite see it out but I'm hoping he's a bit more relaxed as he's got older. We thought off a low weight we'd give it a go, whether he's quite good enough we'll see.

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