Chanelle Pharma 1965 Chase (Grade 2)

Off time: 14:05 | Winning time: 5m 22.4s

Real Steel²⁵³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 166| D

3/1

High-class chaser who notched a second Grade 2 success of 2019/20 at Thurles in January. Excelled himself when sixth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup final outing and form pick on debut for Paul Nicholls.

Form: 1141P6-

Imperial Aura^t²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 157| D

13/8

Capped fine novice campaign over fences with victory in Northern Trust Company Novices' Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. Tongue tied and picked up where he left off when successful at Carlisle.

Form: 31221-1

Itchy Feet²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: G Sheehan| T: O Murphy| OR: 155| BF

9/2

Smart over hurdles and even better over fences last term, winning Grade 1 novice at Sandown. Let down by jumping at Cheltenham Festival but ran with great credit when third in the Old Roan.

Form: 4/411U-3

Black Corton^t²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-1| J: Bryony Frost| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 160| C| D

11/4

Classy chaser but failed to win last season. Had a breathing operation prior to a fourth-place finish in handicap company over 3m here 3 weeks ago. Danger to all if coming on for that.

Form: 23242-4

Forecasts

Imperial Aura (13/8), Black Corton (11/4), Real Steel (3/1), Itchy Feet (9/2)

REAL STEEL ran a fine race in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on his final start for Willie Mullins, finishing sixth as his stamina ebbed. Back in trip starting out for Paul Nicholls, he is just preferred to the upwardly-mobile Imperial Aura in a race in which a case can be made for each of the runners.