Weatherbys Portman Cup Chase

Off time: 14:50 | Winning time: 7m 37.00s

Daklondike^v²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: David Noonan| T: D Pipe| OR: 142| BF

9/1

Last win came in December 2018 in Haydock's Tommy Whittle Chase in heavy ground, and was fifth in last month's renewal. Solid form previous two starts this term in good company and eased 3lb since last outing. Handles testing ground.

Form: 1UR-205

Regal Flow¹⁴

Age: 13| Weight: 11-0| J: Sean Houlihan| T: R H Buckler| OR: 130| CD

33/1

Grand veteran staying chaser who won 2018 Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter on heavy ground so has stamina in spades. Failed by just a short-head in hot veterans race at Sandown latest over 3m and step back up in trip this previous C&D winner.

Form: 6-03F52

Rock The Kasbah^p³⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 11-0| J: T J O'Brien| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 150

4/1

Classy chaser invariably thereabouts in good company. Failed by just a short-head in Grade 3 over 3m2f at Cheltenham last month and should again give good account of himself of his 1lb higher mark. Stable in good form at present.

Form: 16FP-72

Royal Vacation^b⁴²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-0| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 146| CD

13/2

Won this race last year off same mark and was rock solid third in Wincanton Listed chase in November when last in action. Revels in testing conditions and appears top have been saved since for this attempt to defend his crown.

Form: 14P-53V

Valtor³⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 11-0| J: James Bowen| T: N J Henderson| OR: 153

5/1

Smart chaser at best, running away with Ascot Listed chase in December 2018. Won Ascot 2m5f novice hurdle in November then outpaced in Grade 2 hurdle at Cheltenham latest. Back to fences now and handles conditions.

Form: 71P0-15

Yala Enki²²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-0| J: Bryony Le Clerc| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 157| D

11/10

Talented mudlark who has been thrid in last two renewals of Welsh National, including last time behind Potters Corner. Prominent racing style may suit here and has decent chance on official figures.

Form: 1357-03

Forecasts

Yala Enki (11/10), Rock The Kasbah (4/1), Valtor (5/1), Royal Vacation (13/2), Daklondike (9/1), Regal Flow (33/1)

A select field for this £50,000 prize includes last year's hero Royal Vacation, who should again be right in the thick of the action and appears to have been laid out for a repeat bid. Assuming he is none the worse for his exertions though, recent Welsh National third YALA ENKI gets a marginal call with the ground in his favour. He may try to dominate this from the front. Valtor is feared as he is very talented when on his game and has done well over timber so far this term, while Rock The Kasbah, so narrowly denied in Grade 3 company at Cheltenham last time, is also a player if things go his way. The other two have plenty to find on official figures.