Shloer Chase (Registered As The Cheltenham Chase) (Grade 2)

Off time: 14:26 | Winning time: 4m 10.01s

Politologue^h,t²²⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 166| DWS

5/2

Yet to win here, but finished well to be beaten just 1¾L into second by Altior in the Champion Chase over C&D (soft), and filled the same spot at Aintree in April. No reason why he shouldn't go very well given fine record fresh.

Form: 1/14422-

Simply Ned⁴²

Age: 12| Weight: 11-6| J: B S Hughes| T: N G Richards| OR: 159| D

20/1

Regular in this contest, where he has finished 24242 since 2014. Retains all his enthusiasm despite his veteran status, and will strip fitter for a run at Kelso last month.

Form: 12/421-4

Saint Calvados²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: G Sheehan| T: H Whittington| OR: 159| CD

85/40

Didn't go on after a good start last term, but back on the up when defying top weight in a C&D handicap last month. That proves he handles the track and doesn't need to lead, so may be able to keep progressing.

Form: 4/1337-1

Defi Du Seuil¹⁹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: B J Geraghty| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 162| BF| CD

11/8

Top-notch novice chaser last season, winning Grade 1 Scilly Isles and JLT Chase from Lostintranslation. Caught a tartar in Cacun Pour Soi at Punchestown, and only worry is that he has a moderate record fresh.

Form: 51211-2

Forecasts

Defi Du Seuil (11/8), Saint Calvados (85/40), Politologue (5/2), Simply Ned (20/1)

A cracking contest despite the small field, and preference for last season's Champion Chase runner-up POLITOLOGUE is only marginal. Defi Du Seuil will be a big stumbling block to the selection if fully fit, but he has needed a run in recent seasons, and perhaps recent C&D winner Saint Calvados will prove the biggest danger with his fitness guaranteed.