Ladbrokes Champion Chase (Grade 1)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 6m 32.10s

Alpha Des Obeaux^b,t¹⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 159| D

14/1

Grand servant, won a Listed event and twice placed in Graded company last season over fences. Race fit having finished second in Punchestown Grade 3 this month; fourth in this in 2017, similar outcome would be an excellent effort.

Form: 21422-2

Clan Des Obeaux²¹²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 170| D

7/4

Last year's King George hero, well held in Cheltenham Gold Cup and at Aintree subsequently; connections feel he'll be better going right-handed and Britain's champion trainer has won this five times. Big contender.

Form: 3/41152-

Delta Work^h,t¹⁸⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Keith Donoghue| T: G Elliott| OR: 163| C| D

2/1

Lost little caste in defeat when third to Topofthegame in a strong renewal of the RSA at Cheltenham in March, his sole defeat in five as a novice chaser. Ended term with Grade 1 rout at Punchestown and likely to be on upgrade this season again.

Form: 2/1113-1

Road To Respect²¹²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Sean Flanagan| T: N Meade| OR: 166| CD

5/2

Convincing winner of this contest last year, with 16L in hand having gone off 6-4f on seasonal bow. Kept to Grade 1 company in four runs after, he was consistent without winning before underwhelming in Aintree Bowl (6L behind Clan Des Obeaux).

Form: 3/13235-

Snow Falcon²⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: J M Moore| T: N Meade| OR: 160| C| D

9/1

Winner of a Grade 2 over shorter at this meeting a year ago and wasn't spotted again until Fairyhouse in April when disappointing. Came up well short in Punchestown Gold Cup and something to prove at Grade 1 level.

Form: 4114-61

Forecasts

Clan Des Obeaux (7/4), Delta Work (2/1), Road To Respect (5/2), Snow Falcon (9/1), Alpha Des Obeaux (14/1)

Road To Respect won this decisively last season but on reflection that may not have been the strongest renewal. Numbers are fewer now but the opposition is stronger. King George hero Clan Des Obeaux aims to give Paul Nicholls a sixth success and should be suited going right-handed again but DELTA WORK looks to be destined for the top. He scored in bloodless fashion on his final novice start at Punchestown and can remain on the up this term in open company.