Horse by horse guide to Betfred Classic Chase

MISSED APPROACH: Ran well in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury when last seen, having looked a big threat three out, and potentially more to come. Stays well and handles heavy ground so shortlist material – despite top weight.

SIR MANGAN: Jumped well when winning at Bangor last time and will run his race again but a four pounds rise for that success means the handicapper is closing in.

GOODTOKNOW: Failed to complete on last two starts and beaten miles in Grand National at Aintree but second to Oneforarthur in this last season from a two pounds lower mark and recent market support suggests he’s been primed for another bold bid.

COGRY: Jumping didn’t stand the test when upped in class for the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury but capable front-runner on his day. Lots of competition for the lead here though and he’ll definitely need to be on his A Game to hold his position.

CRESSWELL BREEZE: Won Southern National at Fontwell and third in London National at Sandown last time despite a mistake at the final fence. Arrives here in peak form and another front-runner who will give a bold sight.

CROSSPARK: Two-time winner last season and shaped well on reappearance at Newbury only to pull up on next start at the same track. Handles heavy ground but unproven over marathon trips and others are more convincing.

MILANSBAR: Was already struggling when unseating rider at the 12th in last week’s Welsh National and while he has a tendency to race lazily, was hard to see him much making impact at Chepstow. Not hard to look elsewhere.

EMPEROR’S CHOICE: Well backed for the Welsh National but got no further than the first fence that day which is hardly an ideal prep for this. Did win at Haydock last month but now seven pounds higher and will find life tougher.

BALLYCROSS: Well backed for this last year but made no show however not hard to make case for him this time around. Back to form when beaten just over four lengths by Wild West Wind at Chepstow last time where he looked a major player going to the last. Alfie Spinner and Buywise have franked the form and first-time cheekpieces are applied here. Loves testing ground and potentially more to come.

TOPPER THORNTON: Fifth in the London National on second start for new connections and not out of it on that form but has been unreliable in the past and not sure to be in quite the same mood this time around.

ON THE ROAD: Unseated at the fourth in the Welsh National and while he’s a prolific winner potentially capable of more improvement, he’s unproven at anything resembling this trip. With testing ground and a strong pace guaranteed, any stamina limitations will be exposed.

KRACKATOA KING: Caught close home at Wincanton last time and a thorough stayer who will relish conditions. No surprise to see him trading at a single-figure price.

INDIAN CASTLE: Running out of excuses for him but again shaped well when sixth at Cheltenham in November. Has plenty of ability but an unconvincing overall profile. Respected nonetheless.

RUSSE BLANC: Has a tendency to make mistakes which is a worry going into this and needs a clear round and a career-best to land the valuable pot at the age of 11.

ITSTIMEFORAPINT: (Non-runner)

VERDICT: A very difficult puzzle to solve. Missed Approach is much respected despite top weight and Goodtoknow should run another big race but BALLYCROSS could finally be getting his act together with first-time cheekpieces the final piece of the jigsaw. Nigel Twiston-Davies' charge will relish the ground and has the ability to go very close with the excellent Zac Baker taking five pounds off.

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