Dual Grade 1 winner Reserve Tank looks more potent now chasing

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Quel Destin (FR)
Four-year-old gelding
1115-10
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 147h

Despite having a tough juvenile season (won five in a row including the Grade 1 Finale Hurdle but only fifth in Triumph), returned to post a personal best at Cheltenham in October. Well below that form when unplaced under big weight in Greatwood Hurdle and more improvement needed when tackling open Graded opposition.

Verdict: harder to place from now on

Quick Grabim (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
1141-45
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 146h

Won three of his first four races over hurdles last season, including the Grade 1 Royal Bond, although that race failed to work out; held up by training problems subsequently and below best on comeback runs at Punchestown and Auteuil. Goes chasing.

Verdict: should be Graded level over fences

Ramses De Teillee (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
122P-14
David Pipe
Racing Post Rating 158c

Progressive young staying chaser who won at Chepstow last season (all three victories over fences at that course) before finishing second in the Welsh National and the Grand National Trial at Haydock; won over hurdles on return but disappointing under big weight in Grade 3 Cheltenham handicap chase at November meeting; being aimed at Becher Chase and Welsh National; needs heavy ground.

Verdict: more to come in stamina tests

Ramses De Teillee: solid staying chaser who goes especially well at ChepstowCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Rather Be (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
12/B59P-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 153c

Well fancied for several big handicap chases last season having been beaten a head in the novice handicap at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival but yet to deliver; unlucky when brought down in the BetVictor Gold Cup (going well) but disappointing subsequently.

Verdict: failed to deliver last season

Rathhill (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
2/14-0
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 138h

Held in very high esteem at home and was sent off favourite for last season’s Tolworth Hurdle after an impressive hurdling debut at Newbury; disappointing fourth at Sandown when too green according to his trainer and missed the rest of the season; tailed off on return in Down Royal handicap hurdle.

Verdict: very unexposed, well regarded

Rathvinden (IRE)
Eleven-year-old gelding
U14/13-0
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 163c

Laid out for last season’s Grand National and ran a fine race to finish third behind Tiger Roll at Aintree; came to chasing very late after injury problems but won the National Hunt Chase in 2018 and looked to have progressed again when winning the Bobbyjo Chase impressively.

Verdict: still very useful staying chaser

Real Steel: can be competitive at Grade 1 levelCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Real Steel (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
1162-11
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 159c

Progressive novice chaser last season, winning three times; also took Grade 1 record to 0-6 but came closest when second to Voix Du Reve in the Ryanair Gold Cup and followed up by winning a good novice handicap at Punchestown off top weight on his final start; back from break to post career-best in Grade 2 at Down Royal.

Verdict: competitive below Grade 1 level

Red Indian
Seven-year-old gelding
7/14U00-
Kelly Morgan
Racing Post Rating 149c

Highly promising start to chasing career (successful at Ayr and forth in red-hot Grade 1 novice chase won by La Bague Au Roi) but form took a sharp nosedive subsequently; return to hurdles on final start equally disappointing.

Verdict: has questions to answer

Reikers Island (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
3146P-46
Philip Hobbs
Racing Post Rating 147c

Young chaser who lost his way towards the end of last season but had made an exciting start over fences, winning a good handicap at Wincanton on his second run; might well have followed up when favourite for the Mandarin at Newbury but for a final-fence blunder; better right-handed.

Verdict: win a staying handicap chase

Reserve Tank (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
111-121
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 145c

Looks fine prospect for fences following second in well-contested Listed novice chase at Chepstow and victory in Wincanton Grade 2; massive improver in second half of last season, winning four successive novice hurdles including a Grade 1 double at Aintree and Punchestown; strong likelihood those weren't strong races for the grade.

Verdict: even more potent now chasing

Rhinestone (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
29/142P-
Joseph O’Brien (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 146h

Long held in high regard (sent off just 5-1 when ninth in the 2018 Champion Bumper) and ran his best race when pushing Commander Of Fleet to half a length in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last season; disappointed at Cheltenham for a second time when pulled up in the Albert Bartlett.

Verdict: not quite hitting heights expected

Riders Onthe Storm: can improve now with Nigel Twiston-DaviesCredit: Caroline Norris

Riders Onthe Storm (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
431FP-1
Nigel Twiston-Davies
Racing Post Rating 142c

Having first run for new connections when winning valuable 2m4f handicap chase at Aintree in November; showed huge promise when beating Impact Factor in a novice chase at Punchestown last term but finished his season on a low note when pulled up behind that rival at Fairyhouse (sent off favourite).

Verdict: up to winning another handicap

River Wylde (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
5/12/FP6-
Ian Williams
Racing Post Rating 157c

Finished third in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2017 but has suffered bad fortune with injuries since making a winning start over fences the following season, running just four times and struggling in hot handicaps last spring; bought for £58,000 at the Grech & Parkin dispersal sale.

Verdict: talented, no luck with injuries

Road To Respect (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
13235-1
Noel Meade (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 170c

Three-time Grade 1 winner in Ireland, including last two runnings of the Champion Chase at Down Royal, but tends to come up short in the very best chases; just pipped by Bellshill in the Irish Gold Cup before coming down in trip to finish third in the Ryanair Chase.

Verdict: few pounds behind very best

Robin De Carlow
Six-year-old mare
F-11P21
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 142c

Talented and consistent mare who has been well placed by her trainer to win eight of her 14 starts; has taken well to fences this summer, winning three from five, the latest coming in a Grade 3 at Tipperary in October.

Verdict: stiffer tasks await from now on

Robinsfirth (IRE)
Ten-year-old gelding
U/421/21-
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 159c

Fragile but talented staying chaser who has run just twice since 2017, finishing second in last season’s Peter Marsh Chase before winning the Grand National Trial back at Haydock; very lightly raced for his age and open to further improvement after just eight runs over fences.

Verdict: further success if staying sound

Rockpoint
Six-year-old gelding
4607-42
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 146c

Promising chasing debut in good-quality Cheltenham novice event in October (first run back after wind operation) and stepped up on that effort when chasing home Wholestone in Class 2 novice chase at the same track in November. Overall profile over hurdles was disappointing, as a record of one win from 14 starts suggests; that solitary success came in a Grade 2 contest last December.

Verdict: proving expensive to follow

Rock The Kasbah: best in the autumn and springCredit: Edward Whitaker

Rock The Kasbah (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
616BP-7
Philip Hobbs
Racing Post Rating 158c

Inconsistent but talented staying chaser who has won good handicaps at Chepstow and Cheltenham in the last two seasons; kept fresh for the Grand National in the spring but struggling when brought down at Aintree and pulled up in the bet365 Gold Cup.

Verdict: operates best in autumn/spring

Rocky's Treasure (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
21352-P
Kim Bailey
Racing Post Rating 155c

Made a terrific start to chasing career last season when beaten only by Santini in first five runs over fences, making all in a Grade 2 at Doncaster by 17 lengths; slightly disappointing he didn’t win again, though ran well when second under a big weight in a Cheltenham handicap.

Verdict: tough, should win a handicap

Roksana (IRE)
Seven-year-old mare
2/312-25
Dan Skelton
Racing Post Rating 156h

Fortuitous winner of last season’s Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham after Benie Des Dieux’s final-flight fall but proved herself a high-class mare in her own right when second in a 3m Grade 1 at Aintree behind If The Cap Fits; likely to be aimed at same two races; fine return at Aintree but disappointing fifth to If The Cap Fits in Ascot Hurdle (2m4f) next time.

Verdict: smart mare, not run often

Romain De Senam (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
1412-14
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 154c

Consistent handicap chaser, who slipped to a good mark when winning Taunton handicap in January on favoured good ground; on a break and will be prepared for spring campaign, when preference for decent ground and a flat track make National bid a possibility.

Verdict: set for fruitful spring campaign

Ronald Pump: progressive, prolific hurdlerCredit: Patrick McCann

Ronald Pump
Six-year-old gelding
11411-1
Matthew Smith (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 152c

Massive improver last season, winning four of his last five races and climbing 43lb in the handicap; most effective when stepped back up to 3m; has continued his progress now switched to fences, running out impressive winner on debut in Fairyhouse beginners’ event in November; sure to go on to better things.

Verdict: hold his own in Graded company

Rouge Vif (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
2113-14
Harry Whittington
Racing Post Rating 141c

Winning debut over fences in well-contested novice event at Market Rasen in October; showed improvement, despite finishing last of four, in Grade 2 Arkle Trial at Cheltenham in November; won three novice hurdles last season, most notably when making all in a Grade 2 at Kelso; fair third behind Felix Desjy when stepped up to Grade 1 level.

Verdict: progressive, further success awaits

Royal Rendezvous (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
5111-P1
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 140h

Won by 16 lengths on hurdling debut last season, adding to two bumper victories, but was out for seven months before being pulled up at Punchestown on his return in May; described by his trainer as having “huge potential” in his Racing Post column. Easy win of beginners' chase at Thurles (2m2f) on return to action in November

Verdict: talented, easy winner of first novice chase

Royal Vacation (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
614P-53
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 156c

Ended a losing sequence stretching back two years when winning valuable staying conditions chase at Taunton; earlier good second to Rock The Kasbah in Cheltenham handicap; has been dropped to latest winning mark and posted good effort latest in Badger Beers Handicap Chase at Wincanton.

Verdict: poor win record is off-putting

Saint Calvados (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
1337-14
Harry Whittington
Racing Post Rating 165c

Came up short in top company last season but has won five of six races over fences below Grade 1 level, including a Grade 3 at Naas last season (Footpad beaten when falling at the last); first run back from breathing operation when making successful return at Cheltenham in October (close to career best); last of four in Grade 2 Shloer Chase at same track but far from disgraced.

Verdict: misses out in top company

Saldier (right): beat Champion Hurdle antepost favourite Klassical Dream (middle) on reappearanceCredit: Alain Barr

Saldier (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
1531/F-1
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 160h

Smart Flat horse (competed up to Group 2 level in 2017) who finished fifth to Farclas in 2018 Triumph Hurdle on second run over jumps and reversed that form when winning at Punchestown; missed last season through injury but returned in brilliant style to win Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown in November.

Verdict: major player in top Grade 1s

Samcro (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
1F/225-1
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 140c

Lot of the old sparkle returned when he made impressive start to chasing career in beginners’ event at Down Royal in November; former brilliant novice hurdler but failed to make the grade in top 2m hurdles; was affected by physical issues (found to have a lung infection) and has had breathing operation; hopefully problems behind him.

Verdict: make up for lost time over fences

Sametegal (FR)
Ten-year-old gelding
21/2338/
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 153c

Useful and consistent 2m4f chaser when right, has spent two long periods on sidelines in last three years; biggest success came in 2016 Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury; later that year was a good third in Grand Sefton Chase; returns this autumn; goes well fresh.

Verdict: can win handicap chase when healthy

Sammy Bill
Six-year-old gelding
2535-1
Oliver Sherwood
Racing Post Rating 127c

Placed in a point-to-point and hinted at ability in 2m maiden/novice hurdles; had very much caught the eye making late headway on final start; comfortable winner of novice handicap at Kempton on chasing debut in November; will face hike in handicap but is lightly raced and open to further improvement.

Verdict: can win again over fences

Sam Spinner
Seven-year-old gelding
U428-11
Jedd O'Keeffe
Racing Post Rating 141c

Has made solid start to chasing career with two Wetherby wins (extended 2m3f much too short first time); developed into a top staying hurdler two seasons ago but had been disappointing before bouncing back to his best when second to Paisley Park in last season’s Stayers’ Hurdle; remain potent force over fences when stamina at a premium.

Verdict: should win staying novice chases

Sams Profile
Five-year-old gelding
3/1225-2
Mouse Morris (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 150h

Smart novice hurdler last season; finished second behind Battleoverdoyen and Reserve Tank in 2m4f Grade 1 races, though beaten 15 lengths into fifth in the Ballymore at Cheltenham; point-to-point winner and likely to go novice chasing.

Verdict: fences should be making of him

San Benedeto (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
0173-64
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 164c

Gained an overdue win in last season’s Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury having run well in defeat since previous victory in a Grade 1 novice chase at Aintree in April 2017; proved stamina having done much of his racing over 2m and should have more options just below the top level.

Verdict: may struggle off current handicap mark

Santini
Seven-year-old gelding
31/132-1
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 166c

High-class staying novice chaser last season; found 3m at Kempton too sharp when third behind La Bague Au Roi but stepped up on that when close second in a hot-looking RSA Chase (form has taken some knocks); raced lazily on Sandown return (well below novice form).

Verdict: shaping more like long-distance stayer

Santini: ran lazily on his return at SandownCredit: Edward Whitaker

Saturnas (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
186/052-
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 154c

Won a Grade 1 as a novice hurdler at the end of 2016 but failed to reach similar heights over fences the following season; got back on track when a neck second in the 2018 Kerry National only to miss the rest of last term through injury.

Verdict: balance of chase form disappointing

Scaramanga (IRE)
Four-year-old gelding
3212-8
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 129h

Useful and progressive juvenile hurdler last season; got off the mark by nine lengths at Taunton and looked unlucky when second on handicap debut at Ascot (favourite for a fiercely competitive race) having been given plenty to do; well below best on reappearance.

Verdict: should win a handicap hurdle

Scarlet Dragon
Six-year-old gelding
29/154-1
Alan King
Racing Post Rating 140h

Useful Flat handicapper and lightly raced hurdler, put up improved effort on latest start when winning quite valuable Market Rasen handicap hurdle (good) in September; needs quick ground and likes a sharp track; remains unexposed.

Verdict: should be decent 2m handicap hurdler

Sceau Royal (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
1/14232-
Alan King
Racing Post Rating 169c

Proved himself a high-class 2m chaser last season; won the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham before finishing third in the Champion Chase and chasing home Altior in the Celebration Chase; well placed to take advantage of that horse’s potential step up in trip.

Verdict: could win 2m Grade 1 chase

Sebastopol (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
11/43-14
Tom Lacey
Racing Post Rating 137h

Lightly raced former point-to-point and bumper winner who has quickly developed into a promising handicap hurdler; raised 10lb for facile Wincanton success in October and was well held off revised mark in Huntingdon handicap hurdle.

Verdict: life harder off new mark

Secret Investor (yellow): can win at Grade 2 levelCredit: Mark Cranham

Secret Investor
Seven-year-old gelding
22411-2
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 155c

Completed a hat-trick in last season’s Persian War Novices’ Hurdle and gradually reached a similar level over fences after initial jumping problems; much better in that department when winning a Grade 2 at Ayr on his final run; only a few pounds below his best on return in Down Royal Grade 2.

Verdict: should win at Grade 2 level

Seddon (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
133373-
Tom George
Racing Post rating 137h

Both career wins have come first time out; quite useful form in novice hurdles (twice placed at Grade 2 level) but needs to learn to relax if going to fulfil his potential; has the scope to jump fences.

Verdict: fences may help him settle better

Settie Hill (USA)
Six-year-old gelding
1/82/1U1-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 139h

Looked a fine prospect when sent hurdling last term and would have landed an early-season hat-trick but for a late fall at Market Rasen; has recovered from season-ending setback that followed subsequent win at Newton Abbot in June.

Verdict: pick up where he left off

Shantou Flyer (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
2P/5112-
Richard Hobson
Racing Post Rating 162c

Smart hunter chaser, runner-up in Foxhunter at Cheltenham Festival and often the bridesmaid nowadays (second on last four appearances at Cheltenham including when beaten a neck in 2018 Ultima Handicap Chase).

Verdict: never discount at Cheltenham

Sharjah (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
1311B-4
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 168h

One of the surprise packages of last season when landing a Grade 1 double in the Morgiana and Ryanair Hurdles; brought down early in the Champion Hurdle; only fourth to Saldier on reappearance when trying for repeat win in Morgiana Hurdle.

Verdict: possibly more to come in Grade 1 hurdles

Shattered Love: won well when last seenCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Shattered Love (IRE)
Eight-year-old mare
209P-51
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 159c

High-class mare who won two Grade 1 novice chases two seasons ago, including the JLT at Cheltenham; unable to win in open company last season and form tailed off, even after wind surgery midway through the season; welcome confidence-booster when dropped in grade to Clonmel Listed on latest start in November.

Verdict: needs to avoid Grade 1 opposition

Shishkin (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
3/11-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 112b

Big, raw individual who is all about potential; looked impressive on only start in a Kempton bumper in March; reportedly done well physically and expected to progress now going novice hurdling.

Verdict: should win novice hurdles

Silver Streak (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
22235-1
Evan Williams
Racing Post Rating 157h

Won the Swinton Hurdle and Welsh Champion Hurdle last season before bridging the gap to Graded company, finishing second in two Grade 2 contests and a fine third in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham; easy winner of Kempton Listed event on return but may have been flattered.

Verdict: few pounds below top class

Singlefarmpayment
Nine-year-old gelding
2/4208-4
Tom George
Racing Post Rating 152c

Hugely consistent in top staying handicaps at Cheltenham in recent seasons but has compiled a remarkable record of near misses; beaten a head by Cogry last season to go with short-head defeats in each of the previous two campaigns; still handicapped to win a big one.

Verdict: 13 runs without a win offputting

Sire Du Berlais (green and white): landed a huge gamble at CheltenhamCredit: Patrick McCann

Sire Du Berlais (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
48/8618-
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 154h

Landed a big gamble when winning last season’s Pertemps Final, staying on strongly to get up late; hadn’t previously won in two seasons for Gordon Elliott but had only stepped up to 3m for the first time when qualifying with an eyecatching sixth at Leopardstown.

Verdict: still unexposed over 3m

Siruh Du Lac (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
3/1111-P
Nick Williams
Racing Post Rating 151c

Hugely progressive chaser over the last two seasons, winning six out of eight over fences including all four last term as he climbed 27lb in the handicap; last two victories came at Cheltenham, including the Plate in March; didn't jump as well as he can when disappointed in BetVictor Gold Cup on return (not given hard time when beaten).

Verdict: major improver, possibly progress again

Sizing John
Nine-year-old gelding
1111/17/
Jessica Harrington (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 173c

Cheltenham Gold Cup win the highlight of a stunning treble in 2017 as he also won at Leopardstown and Punchestown, proving himself the dominant staying chaser of the season; has barely run since flopping at Leopardstown that year but trainer retains the faith.

Verdict: restricted appearances a concern

Slate House (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
4528-1F
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 148c

Promising career blighted by breathing problems but showed the benefit of a second wind op when posting much-improved effort in novice handicap at Cheltenham in October (first victory over fences) and was travelling very well when falling two out in BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham following month.

Verdict: can win a big handicap

Snugsborough Hall (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
3311C-1
Liam Cusack (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 145c

Sharply progressive novice chaser last season and made it three wins in his last four races when winning a competitive handicap at Punchestown by 11 lengths (going well when carried out at Fairyhouse in between); raised 16lb for that win but still on the upgrade.

Verdict: improving chaser, more to come

Sofia’s Rock (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
131-532
Dan Skelton
Racing Post Rating 145h

Smart Flat horse (peak mark of 100) and took well to hurdles last season, winning two of his first three races; thrown in at the deep end for his handicap debut in the Swinton at Haydock and ran a cracker to be beaten less than four lengths having gone off fast in front. Outclassed on Kempton return in October and ran right up to best in Huntingdon handicap hurdle latest start.

Verdict: promising, probably more to come

Some Chaos (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
12511-4
Michael Scudamore
Racing Post Rating 149c

Massive improver last season following change of yard and switch to fences, winning four times and rising 43lb in the handicap; signed off with biggest success at Kelso in a valuable handicap; gained all four wins on good ground and trainer would have reservations on soft. Had pipe-opener over hurdles (jumped moderately) in October.

Verdict: more to offer when conditions are right

Soul Emotion (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
5/PF11/5-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 150h

Joined Nicky Henderson from France two seasons ago and won both subsequent starts in 2m4f handicap hurdles at Sandown; very lightly raced since; could go further over hurdles but seems likely to go chasing (fell and pulled up in two attempts in France).

Verdict: talented at best, potential improver

Southfield Stone
Six-year-old gelding
217-223
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 144c

Useful novice hurdler last season, winning three times including when beating Angels Breath in a Grade 2 at Kempton, though that form didn’t work out as well as expected. Chasing debut (jumped left) was no better than satisfactory and then beaten fair and square by Brewin’upastorm at Taunton; similar level of form when third in novices' limited handicap chase (2m) at Newbury latest start.

Verdict: should win over fences

Speaker Connolly (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
8613UF-
Alan Fleming (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 143c

Took time to get to grips with fences last season but bolted up on his handicap debut at Leopardstown despite still not jumping fluently; good third next time but making no impression when unseating in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham and fell back over hurdles at Wexford.

Verdict: concerns over jumping persist

Speredek (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
24F6-67
Nigel Hawke
Racing Post Rating 161c

Smart 2m chaser who was second in a valuable handicap at Ascot last season having finished second to Un De Sceaux in the Clarence House Chase earlier in 2018; won over 2m7f over hurdles but yet to complete in four runs beyond 2m2f over fences (pulled up three times); tame effort on both runs this season at Ascot.

Verdict: classy, not easy to place

Spiritofthegames: well capable of landing a good prizeCredit: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

Spiritofthegames (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
4335-P0
Dan Skelton
Racing Post Rating 154c

Didn’t win again after impressive chasing debut at Chepstow last season but maintained consistent record in top handicaps; twice finished third at Cheltenham, including behind Siruh Du Lac in the Plate; had breathing operation in summer; faded disappointingly when fancied for BetVictor Gold Cup on return (usually goes well fresh) and again when tailed off at Newbury (2m4f) latest start.

Verdict: could win a big handicap

Springtown Lake (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
245P-7P
Philip Hobbs
Racing Post Rating 150c

Not disgraced on Ascot return (3m, better at 2m4f) but poor round of jumping when pulled up in BetVictor Gold Cup; useful novice chaser last season and ran a fair race when fifth in the novice handicap at the Cheltenham Festival; unsuited by good ground at Aintree and better on soft according to trainer.

Verdict: can win a 2m4f handicap on soft

Steely Addition (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
8/3141-4
Philip Hobbs
Racing Post Rating 153c

Strong stayer who shaped as if first run at Sandown was badly needed; produced a big performance when winning a novice handicap chase at Chepstow last season (runner-up won next time off 7lb higher); below par back there next time and didn’t need to run to his best to win at 1-2 at Hereford; being aimed at Welsh National.

Verdict: handicapper may make life difficult

Step Back (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
11/76P3-
Mark Bradstock
Racing Post Rating 153c

Brilliant 15-length winner of the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown in 2018; trained for the Grand National last season but lost far too much ground by jumping right-handed and was pulled up; good step back in the right direction when third in the bet365 Gold Cup.

Verdict: seems to come alive in April

Stormy Ireland (FR)
Five-year-old mare
222-261
Willie Mullins (IRE)
Racing Post Rating 147h

Thoroughly consistent mare who has won the last two runnings of the mares’ Listed hurdle at Punchestown in November; last season went on to be runner-up four times behind top-class performers – Espoir D’Allen, Laurina, Roksana and Benie Des Dieux; below her best when facing stiff task in Auteuil Grade 2 in June.

Verdict: could win Graded hurdle at 2m4f

Summerville Boy: looks to have been revitalisedCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Summerville Boy (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
1/474-61
Tom George
Racing Post Rating 153c

Was returning from wind surgery when making winning debut over fences in hotly contested beginners’ event at Uttoxeter in November; former top-class novice hurdler but had his physical problems last season; will need to brush up on jumping to progress over fences.

Verdict: fences look like sparking revival

Sunshade
Six-year-old mare
1139/51-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 138h

Quite a useful mare who suffered a frustrating time last season; she threw a splint that kept her off for a year, bounced back to land a Listed mares’ handicap hurdle at Cheltenham in April before the ground became too quick to risk her again.

Verdict: scope to win mares’ chases

Supasundae
Nine-year-old gelding
22271-2
Jessica Harrington (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 165h

Classy and versatile hurdler who has won three Grade 1 races and finished second in seven more over the last two seasons; ideally suited by 2m4f, winning the Aintree Hurdle over that trip last term, but has won big races over 2m and finished second in the 2018 Stayers’ Hurdle.

Verdict: consistent hurdler at top level

Surin (FR)

Four-year-old filly
1213-211
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 142h

Chasing plans have been shelved following three outings over hurdles that confirmed she’s a progressive filly; Naas Grade 3 win on latest start in November was a career-best; can find rich pickings in Graded mares’ events or hold her own against the geldings; effective 2m to 2m4f.

Verdict: improving filly on upward curve

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