More positives than negatives as Vicente bids to defend crown

Keltus 1.40
This looks a really competitive contest, but Keltus showed that he could more than hold his own in Class 2 company over fences when second to Coologue at Cheltenham in October. The better ground will suit him, and he returns from a break fresh and well.

Clan Des Obeaux 2.10
I'm really looking forward to riding Clan Des Obeaux. Paul Nicholls has won this Grade 2 several times, including with Le Mercurey 12 months ago and Pacha Du Polder five years ago, and Clan Des Obeaux looks the right type for the race. It looks a deep contest despite there being just five runners, but we know the horse possesses plenty of ability and his Exeter win last month will have served as a nice confidence-booster.

Zubayr 2.45
Since it became a handicap it has always been a tough race to win, but my mount boasts the right credentials and has been dropped 2lb since finishing sixth of 22 at Aintree behind Rather Be. I thought he'd go close that day and felt he was a bit disappointing. It's a step down in trip from 2m4f to 2m so the plan will be to ride him handier this time.

Romain De Senam 3.20
He has been eased 1lb in the weights for that fifth of 14 to Double W's and this £40,000 race jumped out as a suitable target. I will be surprised if he doesn't go close.

Vicente 3.35
When you look through his form there are definitely more positives than negatives. He competes off the same mark as when beating Alvarado by two and three-quarter lengths last April, comes right in the spring and relishes decent ground. He is a fresh horse after getting no further than the first in the Grand National at Aintree and if he can get into that familiar rhythm which served him so well at Ayr last year he ought to make another bold bid.

Connetable 4.30
Connetable has been a little frustrating this season. We thought he'd enjoy jumping fences, but things didn't really pan out for him and he's been back over hurdles lately. He had an official rating of 150 when he lined up for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham 13 months ago and that figure is now down to 139. He will need to step up on the form he has shown recently to make a major impact but is a capable performer on his day.

Cap St Vincent 5.40
A four-year-old son of Muhtathir, he has shown ability at home and it looks a good starting point for him.