Trainer - Nigel Twiston-Davies
Jockey - Daryl Jacob
Stunning winner of the Betfair Chase on ground that appeared to be unfavourable beforehand.
This year's Triple Crown contender would surely be a 2/1 favourite if this race was run at Haydock, but has won just once away from the Merseyside track since February 2016.
Was beaten far too easily in this contest last year, and a better effort required.
Trainer - Paul Nicholls
Jockey - Harry Cobden
Always runs with great credit in top contests, and seems to be in contention two or three fences from the finish.
Despite always running into a place, he never ends up a real threat to the leaders, and is yet to win a graded affair.
Others with much better profiles.
Trainer - Mark Bradstock
Jockey -
Never really been in the same order since his incredible win in the Gold Cup back in 2015.
Suffered with injuries, and has had plenty of pull ups, but his recent third off top weight in the BetVictor at Cheltenham suggests a return to form could potentially be on the cards.
Off level weights here, it'll be interesting to see how the old boys fares up to the best in the business.
Trainer - Tom George
Jockey -
A previous course and distance winner, also only finished a length down to Might Bite in this contest twelve months ago.
Fell at the first on his reappearance in the Charlie Hall which cannot really be counted as his return run, so deem that his runner-up spot at Aintree. He finished four lengths down to Definitly Red, and is expected to come on from that here.
Chances.
Trainer - Nicky Henderson
Jockey - Nico de Boinville
The favourite is last year's winner Might Bite, who really disappointed on his respective return in the Betfair Chase.
Claims that the fences were too high may of been the issue, but he has plenty of questions to answer, as he looks to defend his crown, and thus keep his Gold Cup claims in hand.
Serious contender if back to his peak.
Trainer - Colin Tizzard
Jockey - Richard Johnson
It does not seem right that last year's Gold Cup winner is as big as 7/1 having just had the one run since, where he was second to Bristol de Mai at Haydock.
However, he is very much ground dependent, and requires the heavens to open to surely take his place here.
Outstanding stayer would look to set a brisk pace on a track that does not favour his interests.
Major player if he runs.
Trainer - Paul Nicholls
Jockey - Sam Twiston-Davies
The hidden gem in the field, Politologue won on his return at Ascot in the Christy 1965 Chase.
That was over 2m5f and appeared to stay the distance, but if staying further to three miles, he is surely in with a great shout here.
Unknown territory, but his qualities are well known to all.
Interesting.
Trainer - Jane Williams
Jockey - Lizzie Kelly
Third on return at Huntingdon in the Peterborough Chase suggested he needed that run, and has potential to repeat his fine third from last year.
Never seems to hack it at Cheltenham, and this seems his sort of season.
Gave Lizzie Kelly a memorable day in the Betway Bowl 18 months ago, and possibilities of re-discovering that tale.
Trainer - Colin Tizzard
Jockey - Tom Scudamore
Colin Tizzard has admitted this could be the 2016 King George winner's last chance to win a Gold Cup before potential retirement after many injury problem has halted his progressed.
However, his trainer and owner would of been delighted with his third in the Betfair, and with better jumps could of serious landed a blow on the winner.
Good fourth last year, and must build on that effort.
Trainer - Ruth Jefferson
Jockey -
The unknown in the field, and very much the dark horse.
Won a Listed contest round here at the beginning of the year, before his stunning victory in the Ascot Chase in February.
Off since, and the long lay-off would be the worry, but could be anything and a potential new star in the stayers chasing division.
Exciting prospect.
Trainer - Gordon Elliott
Jockey -
Ireland's representative is also the only mare in the field - Shattered Love.
Winner of the JLT at Cheltenham, and ran into two good rivals on his two starts this season - most recently Min in the John Durkan.
Solid chances for this gutsy female.
