Royal Salute Whisky Clarence House Chase (Grade 1)

Off time: 15:36 | Winning time: 4m 26.70s

Brain Power⁴²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 157| C

7/2

High-class hurdler who made a winning start over fences at Kempton before falling when booked for second in a better race at Sandown. Made much of the running that day and is likely to be played later if Un De Sceaux, as expected, sets off in front.

Form: 1185-1U

Kylemore Lough⁶³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: N D Fehily| T: H Fry| OR: 154| BF| D

8/1

Has won five of his 11 races over fences and boasts a high level of form. Pulled up when favourite for the BetVictor Gold Cup Handicap Chase on his only start this term (first for this trainer) and can do much better.

Form: 1/2554-P

San Benedeto^p,t⁴²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Nick Scholfield| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 157| CD

25/1

Generally progressive performer who was put in his place behind stable companion Politologue in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown last time. Likely to run his usual solid race, but the evidence suggests he will struggle in this top company.

Form: 13-2245

Speredek^p¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: S Bowen| T: N J Hawke| OR: 135| D

16/1

Hugely progressive over fences and hurdles and produced arguably his best performance when beating another in-form rival at Sandown last time. Hard to know the ceiling of his ability, but this is a massive ask.

Form: 111-121

Un De Sceaux⁴¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 167| CD

4/9

Top-class chaser who has won this contest for the last two years and will be a hot favourite to complete the hat-trick. Looked as good as ever on his reappearance at Cork and will surely take all the beating with conditions ideal.

Form: 61112-1

Forecasts

Un De Sceaux (4/9), Brain Power (7/2), Kylemore Lough (8/1), Speredek (16/1), San Benedeto (25/1)

Kylemore Lough is much better than he showed at Cheltenham last time and a bolder show is anticipated following his break. Brain Power was good enough to run in last season's Champion Hurdle and can be forgiven his blip last time when he was ridden too aggressively. He is likely to be held up this time given UN DE SCEAUX is almost certain to blaze off in front as usual. That may well suit the novice better, but it takes a great leap of faith to believe he can beat such a talented and experienced rival at this stage of his career and the Irish star is readily preferred. Speredek is improving at a rate of knots, but faces a huge task against these rivals at level weights, while San Benedeto, admirable performer though he may be, is not quite up to this level and is probably running for place money.