Eildon Hill Stables Open Hunters' Chase

Off time: 15:45 | Winning time: 6m 22.60s

Al Co²⁴⁰

Age: 13| Weight: 12-6| J: Mr Peter Bryan⁽⁷⁾| T: M Bowen| OR: 129| D

13/2

2014 Scottish National winner in his pomp and so stays 4m. Also acts with cut, though struggled in four starts last season, dropping 10lb to this mark in the process. Would have to be back to somewhere near his best to win it, which is unlikely.

Form: 1U0P0-7

Cultram Abbey³⁶

Age: 11| Weight: 12-6| J: Mr R O Harding| T: N G Richards| OR: 139

5/4

Has been limited to just 21 starts under rules, so despite his age there are few miles on the clock. Well being confirmed with an Alnwick point-to-point win last month. Stays 3m2f and acts with cut. Looks a leading player.

Form: 75F2-P1

Vivaldi Collonges^t²⁶⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 12-6| J: Mr D Maxwell⁽³⁾| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 139| CD

6/4

In good form in 2015 and 2016, winning over C&D (heavy) in a handicap chase from a mark of 134 and later that season from 143 at Ayr. Badly off the boil since then. Has the ability if trainer has managed to revive him, so check market for clues.

Form: 11/3PPP-

Winged Crusader³⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 12-2| J: Amie Waugh⁽³⁾| T: Miss A Waugh| OR: 114| C

18/1

Comes here on the back of a Ladies Open point-to-point win at Alnwick last month and acts on soft ground. However, well below the level of majority of the field and it would be a surprise if he proved up to winning this.

Form: F12P3-1

Thomond^t¹⁴²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: Mr Kit Alexander| T: N W Alexander| OR: 116

14/1

Former Noel Meade inmate who makes his debut for this trainer today. Stays 3m, though best form has been on better ground than this and he is another whose ability is significantly below what will be required if the big guns fire.

Form: 63-2665

Forecasts

Cultram Abbey (5/4), Vivaldi Collonges (6/4), Al Co (13/2), Thomond (14/1), Winged Crusader (18/1)

We should get a gauge on whether Vivaldi Collonges has been showing signs of a revival at home from the market here and if he has then a win would be no surprise, but he can't be recommended on what we saw last year and therefore the solid option looks to be CULTRAM ABBEY, his equal on official ratings and one who has proved his well being with a recent success between the flags. Al Co was another who struggled last term and if he misfires then Thomond might complete the frame.