Dual Champion Hurdle hero Buveur D'Air still a potent force at the highest level

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Bigbadandbeautiful (IRE)
Five-year-old mare
32-111
Gordon Elliott
Racing Post Rating 116b

Confirmed the promise of her second in a valuable Grade 2 mares’ bumper at Leopardstown in February with comfortable victories at Clonmel in May, Gowran (Listed) in October and Navan (Listed) in November; should hold her own in stronger company.

Verdict: looks very classy bumper mare

Bigmartre (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
3001-56
Harry Whittington
Racing Post Rating 155c

Smart chaser on his day, winning a Grade 2 novice chase at Ayr and running away with a handicap at Perth last spring; had struggled in more competitive handicaps, finishing no better than 11th in three runs over fences when faced with fields of ten or more runners; ran poorly on Aintree reappearance in October and still well below best back there on latest start the following month.

Verdict: not convince in handicap grade

Big River (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
2/F645-P
Lucinda Russell
Racing Post Rating 150c

Staying handicap chaser, hasn’t won since February 2018 but caught the eye a couple of times in the spring, when fourth in the Ultima Handicap at Cheltenham and fifth in Scottish National, staying on quite strongly on each occasion.

Verdict: win long-distance handicap chase

Birchdale (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
1/11P-3
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 147h

Raw chasing type who won twice during a light campaign last season, most notably when taking advantage of Brewin’upastorm’s final-flight fall in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham (would have been close); weakened quickly and pulled up at the last when up in trip for the Albert Bartlett. Outpaced on chasing debut at Ascot.

Verdict: scope to improve over fences

Blackbow (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
1/1152/2
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 136h

Missed last season through injury and made no more than satisfactory debut over hurdles in Naas maiden (2m) in November; had been top of the pecking order among his trainer’s bumper performers two seasons ago according to market moves (shortest price among Cheltenham team when fifth and favourite at Punchestown when second).

Verdict: should do well in staying novice hurdles

Black Corton (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
2221-23
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 168c

Managed first win outside novice company over fences when running away with a Grade 2 chase at Sandown on final run last season; has followed up with two excellent efforts in handicap company, second in the Galway Plate and third under top weight in £100,000 Ascot event in November.

Verdict: hard to place, still improving

Black Corton: a tough and genuine performerCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Black Op (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
33304-12
Tom George
Racing Post Rating 156c

Was let down by his jumping over fences last season but fencing was much more assured when winning well-contested beginners’ chase at Stratford in October; excellent second to Champ at Newbury (2m4f) in Grade 2 novice chase when hampered; not too late to make up for lost time as a chaser.

Verdict: starting to fulfil chasing potential

Black Tears
Five-year-old mare
45-63P2
Gordon Elliott
Racing Post Rating 136h

Bumper winner who showed useful form in novice hurdles (beaten two lengths in Grade 2 mares’ novice at the Cheltenham Festival); outclassed by Honeysuckle in Grade 1 and Punchestown was one run too many; runner-up in Punchestown Listed on return in November.

Verdict: plenty of better mares around

Blue Flight (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
11124-7
Nigel Twiston-Davies
Racing Post Rating 154c

Shot up 30lb in the handicap last season, getting off the mark over fences off 122 at Ascot in January and ending up rated 151 after finishing fourth in the Scottish Grand National; youngest horse in that race and surely open to further improvement; finished tired on Kelso reappearance in October.

Verdict: decent future in staying handicap chases

Blue Sari (FR)
Four-year-old gelding
12-1
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 122h

Top-class bumper performer who won by 11 lengths on debut at Gowran Park before running the unbeaten Envoi Allen to three-quarters of a length in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham; off to winning start over hurdles in Punchestown maiden in November.

Verdict: decent recruit to jumping

Bob And Co (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
6345P3-
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 135c

Leading contender for hunter chases; four-time winner in France, where he has contested many of the country’s top races, over hurdles and fences; he and champion amateur David Maxwell could become a formidable partnership.

Verdict: interesting if relishing new discipline

Bob Mahler (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
811-PP3
Warren Greatrex
Racing Post Rating 143c

Patchy record when sent chasing last season but hit form in the spring, winning novice handicaps at Sandown (beat good subsequent winner Larry) and Cheltenham (by seven lengths); pulled up at Uttoxeter in May and at Cheltenham in October but better form at Haydock in November.

Verdict: emerging from under a cloud

Borice (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
509-111
Gordon Elliott
Racing Post Rating 144c
Bought to join Gordon Elliott last year and got things right in his third crack at a major staying handicap when winning the Galway Plate this summer; also still a novice over hurdles and had looked adept in that discipline with two wide-margin victories prior to Galway.

Verdict: stable successor to Tiger Roll?

Born Survivor (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
17141-4
Dan Skelton
Racing Post Rating 153c
Long held in high regard (sent off 6-4 for a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Warwick in January 2016) but had been largely disappointing until progressing well over fences last season; won his second Listed handicap of the campaign at Ayr in April but raised 10lb; not far below best on Wetherby return in November. Best on a flat track.

Verdict: has to defy higher mark

Boyhood (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
230-163
Tom George
Racing Post Rating 135c

Lightly raced in recent seasons but has run well in several good staying handicap hurdles; missed nearly a year with a splint problem after winning at Cheltenham in January 2018 but returned to be second there again last term; made a winning chase debut in May but hasn’t progressed in two runs since.

Verdict: could win a handicap chase

Brahma Bull (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
6/12161
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 148c

Hasn’t been easy to train but has returned in good form this summer and quickly developed into a useful novice chaser; is now 7-11 over jumps and made successful step-up to Grade 3 company when winning Cork event in November (very good round of jumping).

Verdict: Dependable novice, on upgrade over fences

Brain Power (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
F/41PP-1
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 162h

Has an increasingly patchy record but managed to win last season’s International Hurdle before twice flopping in the spring; had finished second in the Racing Post Arkle in 2018 but was soon switched back to hurdles last term after a disappointing reappearance over fences. Won very valuable Grade 1 hurdle in US on return.

Verdict: talented but highly unpredictable

Brain Power: very talented performer on his dayCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Seven-year-old gelding
111P8-P
Neil King
Racing Post Rating 142h

Useful and progressive Flat stayer who won first three races when switched to hurdles last season, including by nine lengths on handicap debut at Plumpton; disappointing when favourite back there for the Sussex Champion Hurdle after being pulled up in the Supreme.

Verdict: more to come in handicaps

Brave Eagle (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
2113-11
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 162 chase

Took record over fences to four out of five when winning the valuable Summer Cup at Uttoxeter in June off a mark of 152; has run only on good ground since disappointing on soft in the 2018 Martin Pipe Hurdle but had won on heavy at Newbury prior to that.

Verdict: up in weights, stiffer tasks now

Brelan D'As (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
5135-U2
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 145 chase

Slow learner over fences (initial novice chase campaign aborted two seasons ago) but progressed to win at Haydock and Fakenham last term before a fine third in the Grand Annual on handicap debut; again showed liking for Cheltenham on latest start when runner-up in 2m4f BetVictor Gold Cup (much better over shorter and is 0-8 at beyond 2m1f).

Verdict: should win big 2m handicap

Brewin'upastorm (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
4F42-11
Olly Murphy
Racing Post Rating 155c

Very useful novice hurdler last season (fourth in Ballymore at Cheltenham and second in Aintree Grade 1); has made bright start to chasing career, winning hotly contested beginners’ chase (2m, but stays 2m5f) at Carlisle in October and Taunton novice chase (2m2f) the following month. Can improve further and looks very promising.

Verdict: can take high rank among novice chasers

Bright Forecast (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
3/1123-
Ben Pauling
Racing Post Rating 150h

Ran a huge race when third in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham behind City Island and Champ, staying on from the rear; had shown smart form over 2m prior to that but saw out longer 2m5f trip well and looked likely to get further; could go over fences; reported to be suffering from heart condition.

Verdict: on the sick list until new year

Bristol De Mai (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
2/1F34-2
Nigel Twiston-Davies
Racing Post Rating 182c

Has won the Betfair Chase in 2017 and 2018 but also proved himself much more than a Haydock specialist last term with a fine third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup; hard to keep right according to his trainer but has been more consistent since wind surgery in 2018; good second to Lostintranslation when attempting third victory in Betfair Chase on his return.

Verdict: may enter Grand National calculations

Bun Doran (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
35/122-5
Tom George
Racing Post Rating 155 chase

Has a poor strike-rate but has consistently run well in top 2m handicap chases over the last two seasons; finally won a good race at Cheltenham last term and improved again when second twice more at the track, including in the Grand Annual in March.

Verdict: deserves to win a big handicap

Burbank (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
79/204-1
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 137c

Quite highly tried over hurdles (best effort fourth in 2017 Grade 1 Neptune Novices’); fencing career has been stop-start but looks the type to improve with further experience; bloodless Kempton victory in May, on only his third run in a chase.

Verdict: more to offer over fences

Burrows Edge (FR)
6yo gelding
1126/23-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 133h

Quite a useful handicap hurdler who looked set for a profitable spring before being forced out through injury; placed in two point-to-points in Ireland and is the sort to improve when going over fences.

Verdict: scope to be better as a chaser

Burrows Saint (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
3/4111-5
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 155c

Impressive winner of last season’s Irish Grand National on just his fourth start over fences; had won over 2m4f and 3m prior to that and should have no problems dropping back in trip having travelled strongly at Fairyhouse; fifth in the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris.

Verdict: smart, versatile chaser, still unexposed

Buveur D'Air (FR)
8yo gelding
121F2-1
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 173h

Won the Champion Hurdle in 2017 and 2018 but lost his air of invincibility last season when twice beaten either side of a fall in his hat-trick bid at Cheltenham; got back on track with a Grade 1 win at Punchestown on his final run, albeit in a modest race for the grade.

Verdict: still potent force in Grade 1s

Buveur D'Air: will bid to win back his Champion Hurdle crown this seasonCredit: Mark Cranham

Seven-year-old mare
P74-F21
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 146c

Looked rapidly improving mare when jumping soundly and routing opposition in Munster National at Limerick in October; raised 16lb in ratings but among ante-post favourites for Ladbroke Trophy (first bonus race), which her trainer won in 2017.

Verdict: set for further handicap chase success

Cadmium (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
344121-
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 165c

Owners are barred from having runners. Took a long time to build on promise of runaway win at Punchestown in April 2018 but flourished in another big handicap when landing the Topham at Aintree in April; had previously looked best at 2m; being aimed at Graded chases.

Verdict: can cope with rise in class

Caid Du Lin (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
027-24P
Dr Richard Newland
Racing Post Rating 150c

Took well to fences last autumn and won a valuable 2m1f handicap chase at Ascot; mixed form since but ran good races at Ascot in March and on return at Chepstow in October (went through soft okay but said not to appreciate it).

Verdict: will benefit from shrewd placing

Calett Mad (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
1/94522-
Nigel Twiston-Davies
Racing Post Rating 152c

Has long shaped like an out-and-out stayer and improved when stepped up to marathon distances last season, finishing a half-length second in the Borders National at Kelso and filling the same spot in the Classic Chase at Warwick; effective on good and heavy ground.

Verdict: more to come in stamina tests

Calipto (FR)
Nine-year-old gelding
5U131P-
Venetia Williams
Racing Post Rating 151 chase

Lost his way having once looked a promising youngster for Paul Nicholls but coaxed back to form by Venetia Williams last season, winning handicaps at Wincanton and Ascot; still not very fluent with his jumping and let down by mistakes in top handicaps.

Verdict: lack of jumping fluency a hindrance

Call Me Lord (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
321/73-2
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 164h

Lightly raced since moving from France as a juvenile and has had five out of eight runs at Sandown due to reported need for a right-handed track, winning three times and being placed in the last two runnings of the Imperial Cup; didn’t stay 3m when favourite for the Long Walk and outpaced by If The Cap Fits on Ascot return.

Verdict: smart, vulnerable at top level

Capeland (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
2284-D1
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 154c

In process of running career-best over fences when carried out by stablemate at last fence in Listed handicap at Ascot in November and gained revenge two weeks later.

Verdict: trainer reckons more to come

Capitaine (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
102-329
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 142 hurdle

Onetime smart novice chaser who operates over hurdles nowadays; physical frailties prevented him fulfilling potential but still useful (won Taunton handicap hurdle in February); well beaten all subsequent starts off higher marks. Satisfactory return following summer break and a breathing operation but failed to build on that next time.

Verdict: pop up somewhere in handicap hurdle

Captain Cattistock
Six-year-old gelding
3131-72
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 147c

Progressed fairly well in first season over fences, albeit at a modest level; won twice on a decent surface but much better with give underfoot (gained three hurdles wins on soft or heavy); showed he relishes a stamina test when pipped in Southern National (extended 3m3f) at Fontwell in November.

Verdict: could win a long-distance handicap

Carefully Selected (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
1123/1-3
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 147h

Missed nearly all of last season but made a winning start over hurdles at Limerick in March before coming third to Minella Indo in a 3m Grade 1 at Punchestown; had been a top-class bumper performer, finishing second in the 2018 Champion Bumper. Goes over fences.

Verdict: decent 3m chaser in the making

Casablanca Mix (FR)
Seven-year-old mare
2930-11
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 154c

Largely disappointing last season but came good this summer, easily winning the Summer Plate at Market Rasen; said to love fast ground by her trainer but ran well on only run on soft since arriving from France (set to win a novice chase easily until falling at the last).

Verdict: rating rise makes life harder

Cascova (IRE)
Four-year-old gelding
120-P
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 110 bumper

Flat-bred, showed useful form in bumpers for Martyn Meade last sason, but without progressing; outclassed in Champion Bumper but that form working out well; expected by new connections to make successful transition to hurdling.

Verdict: win if not too highly tried

Cash Back (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
22/12-51
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 140h

Late starter over hurdles last season having missed more than a year after move from France but soon made an impression, easily winning a maiden hurdle at Thurles and finishing second in Grade 2 at Fairyhouse; despite jumping errors, made a winning debut over fences at Navan in November (2m1f).

Verdict: scope to relish switch to fences

Castlegrace Paddy (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
5/14F6-3
Pat Fahy
Racing Post Rating 159c

Made it three wins out of four over fences with winning reappearance in a Grade 2 last season and acquitted himself well in face of some stiff tasks subsequently; not beaten far in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown over Christmas and a fair sixth in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham.

Verdict: enjoy further success at Grade 2 level

Cat Tiger (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
341-212
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 126h

Among the leading young chasers in France last year; changed hands at Arqana Autumn Sale for euro180,000 and new owner (amateur champion David Maxwell) won £100,000 chase at Auteuil on him few days later; raced over inadequate trip (2m) on return in novice hurdle and suited by 2m6f when winning at Exeter; well held dropped to 2m4f at Lingfield latest (1-3 favourite).

Verdict: win again if upped in trip

Cepage (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
3414/2-2
Venetia Williams
Racing Post Rating 155c

Progressive handicap chaser who ran a huge race on sole outing last season when second to subsequent Ryanair hero Frodon in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup, pulling 15 lengths clear of the third; ran a belter under top weight on reappearance in valuable Aintree handicap.

Verdict: deserves to win big prize

Chacun Pour Soi (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
1253/1-1
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 165c

Hadn’t run for nearly two and a half years before winning at Naas in March but quickly proved arguably the best 2m novice chaser of last season, beating Cheltenham Festival winners Defi Du Seuil and Duc Des Genievres at Punchestown; being aimed at Champion Chase.

Verdict: potential champion if staying sound

Chacun Pour Soi: being aimed at the Champion ChaseCredit: Patrick McCann

Champ (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
1121-11
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 153c

Former smart novice hurdler, jumped soundly in the main when making smooth transition to fences in well-contested beginners’ event at Newbury in November (2m6f); almost veered off the course when following up in Grade 2 novice chase at Newbury (2m4f); will be suited by step-up to 3m; ante-post favourite for RSA Chase (Ten to Follow bonus race).

Verdict: go to top over fences

Champagne Champ
Seven-year-old gelding
2/64821-
Rod Millman
Racing Post rating 141 hurdle

Useful dual-purpose performer, put up best effort over hurdles on latest start when running away with Ffos Las handicap; 11lb rise could prove stiff, so connections have the option of going over fences.

Verdict: lightly raced, further improvement possible

Champagne Classic (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
11/32-11
Gordon Elliott
Racing Post Rating 145c

Missed Cheltenham Festival last season due to pulled muscle but could be heading there this time after oozing class in Fairyhouse beginners’ chase and Wexford Listed event, both in October; should successfully step up in grade.

Verdict: rapidly making up for lost time

Champagne Mystery (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
2/0222-1
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 149c

Maiden over hurdles (raced too keenly) but chasing will be his game after he ran rivals ragged on debut in novice handicap at Aintree (2m4f) in November; raised 15lb but capable of holding his own in better company; has plenty of pace and will have no problem dropping back to 2m.

Verdict: further chase success awaits

Champagne Platinum (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
1/11-5
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 134 hurdle

Won first two novice hurdles impressively last season but missed the Cheltenham Festival with a foot problem and only fifth of six when returning in a Grade 1 at Punchestown; described by his trainer as a “fantastic novice chase prospect”.

Verdict: reach high level over fences

Chantry House (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
U11-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 121 bumper

Winning Irish pointer last December, bought shortly after for £295,000; lightly raced since but created good impression with facile bumper victory at Warwick in March; suffered a setback after; big individual, may go straight over fences.

Verdict: unexposed, obvious novice-chase potential

Charbel (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
35P6-76
Kim Bailey
Racing Post Rating 163c

Plagued by jumping issues and has lost his way last four starts but had underlined his talent with some big performances early last season; ran Politologue to half a length at Ascot before hacking up by eight lengths in the Peterborough Chase.

Verdict: needs to bounce back

Charmant (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
1141F-4
James Ewart
Racing Post Rating 144c

Took to fences brilliantly last season, showing much-improved form as he won three times at around 2m; stepped up to 2m4f at Carlisle on final run but stamina yet to be tested when fell five out (still going well); had otherwise looked an assured jumper. Shaped promisingly on Aintree return in November.

Verdict: staying ahead of the handicapper

Chesterfield (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
3/2231-2
Seamus Mullins
Racing Post Rating 145 chase

Smart 2m handicap hurdler (first and third in successive Scottish Champion Hurdles) before belatedly being sent over fences last season; twice ran well in defeat before getting off the mark at Kempton; seen by trainer as a live Arkle outsider before being ruled out by injury; booked for fourth on return in Carlisle graduation chase in November before two late fallers.

Verdict: so consistent, weighted up to best

Chidswell (IRE)
Ten-year-old gelding
P/5311P-P
Nicky Richards
Racing Post Rating 138 chase

Handicap chaser, took advantage of slipping mark when returning to winning form at Kelso in January and followed up in valuable Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster; after two poor subsequent runs he remains on a decent mark.

Verdict: win a staying handicap chase

Chosen Mate (IRE)
6yo gelding
1215-P6
Gordon Elliott
Racing Post rating 145 hurdle

Grade 2 novice hurdler winner last season, ran like a non-stayer over 2m4f in Grade 1 at Aintree; badly impeded when pulled up in Galway Hurdle but sound effort when beaten four lengths in valuable Listowel Handicap Hurdle; may go novice chasing.

Verdict: should win 2m novice chases

Chris's Dream (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
1215-P1
Henry de Bromhead
Racing Post Rating 146 chase

Has looked good in winning two novice chases and two novice hurdles in the last two seasons, most notably a 3m Grade 2 chase against Champagne Classic in February; disappointing in all three runs at Grade 1 level, doing best when a moderate fifth at Aintree in April; returned with smart success in valuable Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan (3m1f) but may be lightly campaigned.

Verdict: scope to progress in handicap chases

Christopher Wood (IRE)
Four-year-old gelding
113-04
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 140h

Mile winner on the Flat (rated 85) who took well to hurdles last season, winning his first two races and not beaten far when third behind Triumph winner Pentland Hills in a Grade 1 at Aintree; disappointing when taking on older horses for the first time in the Swinton. Needed first run back in Wincanton Grade 2 and should be sharper next time.

Verdict: can improve for breathing op

Ch'tibello (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
569213-
Dan Skelton
Racing Post Rating 158h

Back on track after wind surgery last season and made the most of a lenient handicap mark to win last season’s County Hurdle having dropped 11lb from his peak; close third in the Aintree Hurdle next time when placed in a Grade 1 or Grade 2 for the fifth time. On career-high mark now.

Verdict: hard to place (One win from last 13 starts)

Ciel De Neige (FR)
Four-year-old gelding
44/53-
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 135h

Showed ability when in frame over hurdles in France (including behind leading juvenile Pic D’Orhy); very promising debut for Willie Mullins when third in Fred Winter Handicap at Cheltenham; should put experience to good use.

Verdict: not remain a maiden for long

Cilaos Emery (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
51/42/1-1
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 154c

Talented but fragile two-miler who has run just four times since beating Melon in a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Punchestown in April 2017; hugely impressive when winning a beginners’ chase at Gowran Park in January; missed big spring targets through injury but returned in November with impressive Grade 3 win over Ornua; big potential if avoiding further health issues.

Verdict: Grade 1 potential if injury-free

City Island (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
1D111-6
Martin Brassil
Racing Post Rating 155h

Easily won a couple of ordinary novice hurdles before stepping up in class with aplomb when too strong for dual Grade 1 winner Champ in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham; well below par when only sixth on only subsequent run at Punchestown. Goes chasing.

Verdict: Festival win may flatter him

City Island: winner of the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle last seasonCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Claimantakinforgan (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
1352/13-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 150h

High-class bumper performer and novice hurdler who produced an eyecatching chase debut at Carlisle last season before a distant third at Cheltenham; missed the rest of last season but subsequently bought by Highflyer Bloodstock for £100,000 to stay with Nicky Henderson.

Verdict: lacks experience, needs careful placing

Clan Des Obeaux (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
41152-2
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 176c

Progressed into a top-class staying chaser last season and gained his most notable victory in the King George at Kempton; only fifth when well fancied for the Gold Cup, taking Cheltenham record to 0-5, and no match for Kemboy when second at Aintree; sound return in Down Royal Grade 1; better right-handed.

Verdict: obvious candidate for bonus races

Clarendon Street (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
4/215-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 127 hurdle

Built on promise of his hurdling debut (second to Grade 2-winning stablemate Birchdale) when winning easily at Wetherby; not suited by tight track when below that form at Market Rasen on only other start; plenty of scope for chasing.

Verdict: type to improve for fences

Class Conti (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
62UP/1-P
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 152c

Half-brother to Silviniaco Conti; has spent much of his career in France but made a spectacular debut for Willie Mullins last season when winning by 23 lengths at Thurles (only two finishers in gruelling contest); scoped dirty when a pulled-up favourite on next run at Punchestown.

Verdict: able but lacks consistency

Cliffs Of Dover
Six-year-old gelding
11/P/831-
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 141h

Former prolific-winning juvenile hurdler; lightly raced nowadays but still capable; back to best when winning handicap hurdle in January; off the track since due to “minor niggles, nothing serious”; returns for handicap hurdles from Christmas onwards.

Verdict: still competitive in handicap hurdles

Clondaw Castle (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
21144-2
Tom George
Racing Post Rating 147c

Progressive novice chaser last season; won twice before a huge run when stepped sharply up in class for the Racing Post Arkle, finishing fourth having been closest to Duc Des Genievres for much of the closing stages; flattered on Ascot return but it was still a sound effort.

Verdict: has a future in handicaps

Cloth Cap (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
3113-43
Jonjo O'Neill
Racing Post Rating 142c

Took really well to fences last season, winning handicaps at Stratford and Catterick in November before returning from a break to finish a fine third in the Scottish Grand National in just his fourth chase; unsuited by soft ground and conditions against him on Chepstow return.

Verdict: still unexposed in staying handicaps

Cloudy Dream (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
22235/3-
Donald McCain
Racing Post Rating 162c

Smart novice chaser three seasons ago (second behind Altior in the Arkle) for Malcolm Jefferson but became something of a bridesmaid in open company; switched to Donald McCain last season and finished a good third in the Old Roan at Aintree on his only start.

Verdict: frustrating record, retains ability

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