P.P. Hogan Memorial Cross Country Chase

Colour Squadron's trainer has a masterful record in this contest, with six wins in the last ten years. He looks an interesting recruit to the Banks course and merits plenty respect but preference is for stablemate AUVERGNAT. He was running a big race at Cheltenham in this sphere last week when unseating his rider and is given another chance to land a blow under a useful claimer. Ballyboker Bridge is chasing a hat-trick in this contest and while he has it all to do at the current weights, he does have the benefit of a supreme horseman to aid his cause and isn't likely to give up without a fight. The third runner from the yard is Love Rory, who really needs to prove he still relishes the game but useful chaser First Lieutenant is an interesting recruit to this sphere and is worth watching. Usuel Smurfer is another notable based on his eye-catching second in a point-to-point last month on his first run for this yard. 1. Auvergnat 2. Colour Squadron 3. Ballyboker Bridge