Paddy Power Cotswold Chase (Grade 2)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 6m 59.15s

Bristol De Mai⁶³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: D A Jacob| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 170| BF

9/4

Top-class stayer, third in last year's Gold Cup and lost little in defeat on first run of this year when narrowly denied at his beloved Haydock by Lostintranslation in the Betfair Chase; on form, one of the main players; handles most ground.

Form: 2/1F34-2

Mister Whitaker^p²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: J J Burke| T: M R Channon| OR: 152| C

20/1

Has some good efforts at Cheltenham to fall back on, but they are mainly in handicap company and he's taking a huge step up in class here; no form over this trip either, and all in all, he might find he's biting off a bit too much here.

Form: 144P1-5

De Rasher Counter⁵⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Adam Wedge| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 158

12/1

Improved chaser, took the Ladbrokes Silver Trophy on second start this season, showing plenty of stamina reserves into the process; possible to knock that form though, and he needs another step up if he's to match a few of these.

Form: 7121-61

Santini⁷⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 163| C| DWS

13/8

Has looked a thorough stayer over both hurdles and fences, and likely we've not seen the best of him; second in the RSA here last season (just in front of Delta Work) is good form, can race lazily though and drying ground probably not in his favour.

Form: 31/132-1

Top Ville Ben^h³⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Thomas Dowson| T: P A Kirby| OR: 164

8/1

Making up into a classy chaser, took the Grade 3 Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby last time out with another bold jumping display, showing more adaptability tactically in the process; gets a chance to grab an easy lead here, and has a squeak.

Form: F13-531

Slate House^t³⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: R M Power| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 156| C

4/1

Possibly a bit unlucky in the Bet Victor here in November, fell two out when still looking to have plenty left in the tank; made amends with two wins since then, including the G1 Kauto Star at Kempton; this is the acid test for this novice, though.

Form: 28-1F11

Forecasts

Santini (13/8), Bristol De Mai (9/4), Slate House (4/1), Top Ville Ben (8/1), De Rasher Counter (12/1), Mister Whitaker (20/1)

This is where we see if Santini holds genuine Gold Cup credentials. He has plenty of attributes you look for in a Gold Cup winner, but whether he will have the tactical speed on what will be drying ground could be his sticking point. BRISTOL DE MAI is the proven performer at this level and although he has to give 2lb away to Santini, he looks easier to train and may come out on top here. Top Ville Ben cannot be dismiseed easily as an improving performer, but for himself and Slate House this represents a tougher contest than the ones they have been winning, and both need to step up. Similar comments apply to De Rasher Counter too.