randoxhealth.com Henry VIII Novices' Chase (Grade 1)

Off time: 13:47 | Winning time: 3m 53.40s

Brain Power¹²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: D J Mullins| T: N J Henderson| CD

15/8

Trainer won this with Altior last year, his fourth win in the race. Developed into Champion Hurdle contender last year with two impressive wins but flopped there before close fifth at Punchestown. Hacked up on chase debut at Kempton, top prospect.

Form: 81185-1

Capitaine⁴⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 149| D

8/1

Best run over hurdles came when 5L second to Finian's Oscar here in a Grade One. Won on chase debut at Newton Abbot and then very impressive after break at Market Rasen. Taller order here but suspect he will be a much better chaser than hurdler.

Form: 24P1-11

Finian's Oscar²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: R M Power| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 155| CD

13/8

Won Grade One hurdle races here and at Aintree before losing for only time by a short-head at Punchestown. Already won impressively over fences at both Chepstow and Cheltenham. Step back to 2m not ideal but classy enough to overcome it.

Form: 1112-11

North Hill Harvey²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 149| D

11/2

Won the valuable Greatwood Handicap at Cheltenham over hurdles before below-par efforts at Cheltenham and Aintree. Narrowly got the better of Sceau Royal on chase debut at Cheltenham before bolting up at same venue. Respected.

Form: 4/100-11

Sceau Royal¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: D A Jacob| T: A King| OR: 153| D

11/1

Had a good second season over hurdles unlike many top juveniles and sixth in Champion Hurdle no disgrace. Won twice over fences already at Warwick but narrowly behind North Hill Harvey in-between under a penalty although rival was first-time out.

Form: 369-121

Forecasts

Finian's Oscar (13/8), Brain Power (15/8), North Hill Harvey (11/2), Capitaine (8/1), Sceau Royal (11/1)

In a race bringing together most of the main British Arkle contenders a chance is taken on FINIAN'S OSCAR. Colin Tizzard's outstanding youngster shouldn't have any problem stepping back in trip as a Grade One winner over this distance over hurdles and he is very much in the 'could be anything' category. Brain Power will provide a very stern test however. Nicky Henderson's six-year old didn't do himself justice in Cheltenham and Punchestown Champion's but he was scintillating on his chase debut at Kempton. None of these five can realistically be dismissed and of the rest Capitaine is favoured despite being a little short of these over hurdles. His trainer Paul Nicholls has won this race six times.