Fitzdares Peterborough Chase (Grade 2)

Off time: 14:01 | Winning time: 4m 54.10s

Charbel^p³³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: H Cobden| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 152| CD

11/1

In the form of his life when winning this 12 months ago but has been badly out of form on his last four starts. His two runs this season (since wind operation) have not inspired, notably when tailed off at Exeter (2m1½f). Needs to bounce back.

Form: 35P6-76

Aso³⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-4| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 168| D

2/1

An admirable perfomer in Graded company throughout his career, he was a career best second to Frodon in the Ryanair (2m4½f) in March. Weakened late on in the Charlie Hall (3m) but ran well nonetheless and the drop back in trip is ideal.

Form: 5/1162-3

Born Survivor³⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 152| D

16/1

Dual Listed-winner (2m3½f/2m4½f) last season but weakened at Wetherby (2m3½f) on seasonal return off his revised 10lb higher mark. Would be 18lb better off in a handicap with Aso and will need to improve again to win here.

Form: 17141-4

Top Notch^t1²⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: D A Jacob| T: N J Henderson| OR: 161| D

15/8

Versatile gelding; has won 15/28 races, regularly mixing hurdles and fences. Won this in 2017 (at Taunton) and gamely defeated Grade 1 winners Roksana and Vision Des Flos on seasonal debut at Aintree. Conditions no problem and a threat to all.

Form: 1/310P-1

Kauto Riko^t1²⁶⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: David Noonan| T: T R Gretton| OR: 143

100/1

Improved for the switch to fences and was a good winner at Haydock (1m7½f, heavy) last December. Hasn't matched in two starts since, however, and is out of his depth in this line-up.

Form: D5/P138-

La Bague Au Roi³⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-10| J: R Johnson| T: W Greatrex| OR: 150| BF| C| D

11/4

A tremendous mare who has won 14/21 races, including twice here. Won two Grade 1 novice chases last season (2m5f/3m) but ran poorly when pulled up in the Charlie Hall (3m) on her return. Receives weight all round and is likely to set the pace.

Form: 11112-P

Forecasts

Top Notch (15/8), Aso (2/1), La Bague Au Roi (11/4), Charbel (11/1), Born Survivor (16/1), Kauto Riko (100/1)

A cracking renewal of this Grade 2 with the last two winners and one of the best mares' in training. On all known form, it should be a close run thing between La Bague Au Roi, Top Notch and ASO. Preference is for the latter, having ran well on return when not staying the 3m trip (not for the first time). He improved throughout last season and his second to Frodon is a standout piece of form. The drop in trip will also suit. It's very hard to knock Top Notch and conditions will pose no problem for him but can fall short in top-class races whilst La Bague Au Roi needs to bounce back from Wetherby and prove her form in open company against the boys. A fascinating race.