Looks a very promising stayer for a yard that do well with such sorts. Ought to get the ground he requires and beat the rest comfortably enough after finishing second to Bristol De Mai last time at Haydock. Leading claims.
Won a Grade 2 at Kempton two years ago but missed the following season and while he seems to have retained most of his ability, he needs more from this kind of mark.
Ran okay in an Ascot Grade 2 last time but likely to need plenty more here and it was an unconvincing effort on only other attempt at this sort of trip.
Often runs well around here and has won twice over C&D. Good third last time on faster ground but is versatile with regards to going and place chance once again from 1lb higher mark than he has ever won off.
C&D winner who was a repsectable fourth in the Welsh National last time but probably wants faster ground than what he'll get today and others appear to be better handicapped.
Recorded back-to-back wins at the start of the season but disappointed at Newbury when a beaten favourite last time. That run too bad to be true and went left on occasions so he may prove better returning from a short break and the trainer, who has a fine record around here, holds him in the highest regard.
Looked a typical Tizzard staying chaser when dispatching Ericht with aplomb over just shy of 2m4f at Newbury in November. Raised 8lbs for that and could only finish third at Kempton last time. Probably better over a shorter trip than this.
Three-time chase winner for Willie Mullins in Ireland but not won for two years and hard to fancy in current form (pulled up on three of his last five starts).
Forecasts
Beg To Differ (11/4), Otago Trail (4/1), Irish Saint (4/1), Rock The Kasbah (5/1), Loose Chips (9/1), Antony (12/1), Sandy Beach (12/1), Turban (33/1)
ANTONY's run last time out was too bad to be true and Gary Moore has a fine record around here so he should be able to bounce back after being given a break. Otago Trail looks the type to thrive for this trainer and his form with Bristol De Mai reads well in the context of this race. Beg To Differ doesn't appear to have much in hand off this mark and may want faster ground but he is a C&D winner and he's worthy of respect.
1. Antony
2. Otago Trail
3. Beg To Differ