Weatherbys General Stud Book Online Graduation Chase

Off time: 15:30 | Winning time: 5m 13.40s

Clan Des Obeaux²⁰⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 148| D

5/4

Not quite top drawer but still a smart performer who won a Grade 2 over hurdles at a similar trip last year. Made a good start over fences with a debut win at Exeter in March and still plenty of time on his side to do better, but tough today.

Form: 412514-

Whisper²²⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-9| J: D N Russell| T: N J Henderson| OR: 157| D

4/6

High-class over both hurdles and fences, winning a Grade 2 over the latter last season and going very close in the RSA Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Has a decent record when fresh and should have too much for his opponent.

Form: P8/1122-

Forecasts

Whisper (4/6), Clan Des Obeaux (5/4)

With experience and that touch more class on his side, dual Grade 1 novices' chase runner-up and Grade 1 hurdle winner WHISPER should be able to outpoint his opponent here. Clan Des Obeaux can't be ruled out, especially as these types of race can be muddling and it would not be a huge shock if he caught Nicky Henderson's runner cold, but on paper he has 9lb to find and that ought to be enough to tip the scales against him.