Weatherbys Hamilton Graduation Chase

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 4m 12.97s

Hell's Kitchen^h,t¹⁹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: B J Geraghty| T: H Fry| OR: 154

4/1

Excellent fourth behind Altior in Champion Chase in March but didn't match that in two subsequent starts at Grade 1 level. Has highest BHA rating and is feared but has never won first time out in four previous attempts so may be vulnerable.

Form: P/7144-5

Louis' Vac Pouch^h³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: Dave Crosse| T: Henry Oliver| OR: 145| D

22/1

Won novice chases at Ludlow and Catterick last term prior to fine second in Grade 2 Future Champions Novice Chase at Ayr in April. Better for recent spin over hurdles where finished strongly into fifth but needs to improve to win.

Form: 11F2-U5

Nuts Well³⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: R D Day| T: Mrs A Hamilton| OR: 136| BF| CD

40/1

Won this race two years ago but hasn't hit the target since then despite a number of good efforts in defeat. Shaped well in Kelsp handicap chase last month on reappearance until tiring after 2 out so should be fit, but this looks tougher than 2017.

Form: 2F446-5

Djingle^h⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Adrian Heskin| T: J Queally| OR: 135| D

6/4

Irish raider who comes here on a hat-trick after wins at Listowel and Roscommon in September, the latter a Grade 3 contest. Hard to equate the form with British rivals but clearly enjoying chasing and market may well guide as to stable confidence.

Form: UP-3311

Chesterfield³⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: B S Hughes| T: J W Mullins| OR: 143| D

12/1

Won Grade 2 Scottish Champion Hurdle in 2017 and third in that race last year. Shown decent form in three starts over fences and won nicely at Kempton last November. Had a spin on Flat at Windsor last month, running well, and is not out of it.

Form: 43/2231-

Midnight Shadow¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Danny Cook| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 155| D

2/1

Dual Grade 2 winner over hurdles, inclduing Scottish Champion Hurdle and last season's Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham. Quiet start when third of five here on chasing bow last month but will strip fitter and is favoured by the weights. Every chance.

Form: 20110-3

Forecasts

Djingle (6/4), Midnight Shadow (2/1), Hell's Kitchen (4/1), Chesterfield (12/1), Louis' Vac Pouch (22/1), Nuts Well (40/1)

A terrific graduation chase. Hell's Kitchen, fourth to Altior in the Champion Chase, sets a high standard but usually needs a run or two to reach his peak, so in receipt of 11lb MIDNIGHT SHADOW is fancied to overcome his chasing inexperience to score. Last term's Relkeel Hurdle winner has a proper engine and his yard does so well with its chasers. Irish raider Djingle is very interesting going in search of a hat-trick, while Chesterfield and Louis' Vac Pouch are respected, along with the 2017 winner Nuts Well.