Weatherbys Portman Cup Chase

Off time: 14:52 | Winning time: 7m 25.10s

Present Man^t⁴²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Bryony Frost| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 151

11/4

Very likeable sort, often gives a bold display of jumping from the front and has made that pay twice in the competitive Badger Ales chase at Wincanton. Stays well, all ground seems to come alike and every chance if getting loose early.

Form: 1043-18

Regal Flow²³

Age: 12| Weight: 11-2| J: Sean Houlihan| T: R H Buckler| OR: 138| CD

16/1

Last year's Midlands Grand National winner has yet to really catch fire this season, but is now only 3lb higher than that win, so is coming back to a winnable mark. Needs to refind his better form to get involved now though.

Form: 10-06U0

Thomas Patrick²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Alan Johns| T: T Lacey| OR: 147| BF

6/1

Improving sort that was well fancied to make his mark in the valuable Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury but ultimately disappointed. Moderate again last time out too, and unless he gets the better of Present Man early here, may be on the back foot again.

Form: 411-2P8

Royal Vacation^b⁴²

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: Aidan Coleman| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 146| C

6/1

Has some quality form to his name and showed he's still capable when second to Rock The Kasbah in a valuable Cheltenham Grade 3 handicap last November. Not the most consistent around but conditions fine here and chances if on a going day.

Form: P50P-26

Tea For Two²⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 10-12| J: Chester Williams| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 153

9/2

High class chaser at best, winner of the Grade 1 Betway Bowl at Aintree in 2017 and taking a rare sortie out of Graded races here. Undoubtedly has the class for this and conditions of the race favour him, so has to take high rank as a likely winner.

Form: P76-P36

The Last Samuri²⁸

Age: 11| Weight: 10-12| J: S Bowen| T: H Fry| OR: 154

7/2

Well known Aintree regular, although pulled up in last year's Grand National. Back for new yard with a decent effort at Ascot, looking in need of the run (and further), will come on for that and conditions here ideal. Big player.

Form: 2243P-5

Vicente⁶³

Age: 10| Weight: 10-12| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 147

13/2

2017 Scottish Grand National winner, stays really well but not the most consistent and probably needs top of the ground conditions to really show his best. Bit to find at the weights but if the rain stays away, could grab a place.

Form: 1/2UP5-P

Forecasts

Present Man (11/4), The Last Samuri (7/2), Tea For Two (9/2), Royal Vacation (6/1), Thomas Patrick (6/1), Vicente (13/2), Regal Flow (16/1)

Present Man and Thomas Patrick have the ability to win this but they need to be careful not to get into a front-running duel, or it will harm both of their chances. Tea For Two is arguably the class act of this field and might take some beating if over his King George exertions but THE LAST SAMURI stays all day long and the quicker they go up front, the happier he will be late on. A drop of rain would certainly be in his favour too. He's taken to grind them down late in the day.