Daily Mirror Chase (Grade 2)

Off time: 14:55 | Winning time: 5m 6.20s

Secret Investor^t²⁰³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 150| D

5/1

Progressive sort who followed up win at Wincanton in March with victory in Grade 2 Future Champions Novice Chase at Ayr in April. Rested since then but goes well fresh and looks a player for top British yard.

Form: 122411-

Mengli Khan^t⁹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Keith Donoghue| T: G Elliott| OR: 154

10/3

Pleasing novice campaign last term, keeping good company from 2m-2m4f after winning debut at Punchestown in November. Hard to suggest he relished the longer trip in Galway Plate when last spotted and drop in trip seems way to go.

Form: 43334-9

Real Steel¹⁸³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 158

4/5

Three-time winner over fences last term, well held in Grade 1s at Cheltenham and Fairyhouse before taking a Punchestown handicap (2m5f) on final start. Could be more to come as second-season chaser for champion trainer.

Form: F1162-1

Minella Fair^t²⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-1| J: Sean Flanagan| T: N Meade

5/1

Improved form on second chase run when easily taking beginners' contest at Limerick (2m6f) on heavy ground this month (despite saddle slipping mid-race); has plenty more on his plate now but entitled to keep improving for last year's winning team.

Form: 1531/6-1

Non-Runners

Ben Dundee¹⁸⁵

Weight: 11-5| Age: 7

T: G Elliott J: D N Russell

Forecasts

Real Steel (4/5), Mengli Khan (10/3), Secret Investor (5/1), Minella Fair (5/1), Ben Dundee (14/1)

Real Steel was impressive from the front at Punchestown on his final start last term and can have a major say, though he might not get it all his own way up front with Mengli Khan in the field. The Elliott runner should be suited back down in distance here while Minella Fair is a possible improver for last year's winning connections. SECRET INVESTOR is progressing nicely over fences, goes well fresh and can ensure Britain's champion trainer Paul Nicholls doesn't leave here empty-handed.