Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:33 | Winning time: 3m 57.90s

Altior³²³

Age: 10| Weight: 11-6| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 172| CD

1/1

Outstanding four-time Cheltenham Festival winner who has met with defeat just once over fences (on return last season). Successful at Newbury when last seen in February and very much the one to beat.

Form: 1111/21-

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Global Citizen⁵⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: Aidan Coleman| T: B Pauling| OR: 151| CD

20/1

Smart front-running hurdler who matched that form over fences when beating Rouge Vif in the Wayward Lad on this card last year. Reappearance effort at Exeter was poor, though, and bit to prove now.

Form: 17/414-P

Rouge Vif^t²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: G Sheehan| T: H Whittington| OR: 163| D

9/2

Smart novice last term and looked very good when demolishing useful field in 2m Cheltenham handicap in October. By no means disgraced in the Tingle Creek since and should make his presence felt.

Form: 4213-13

Duc Des Genievres^t⁴²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 160| D

13/2

2019 Arkle winner for Willie Mullins and was second to Bun Doran in this race last year. Solid effort when runner-up on return/debut for new yard at Cheltenham and should give another good account.

Form: 482F5-2

Nube Negra^t³²³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 152| BF| D

20/1

Took to fences well last season, winning first 2 starts in this sphere prior to solid efforts in defeat in graded races at Sandown and Warwick. However, he has plenty to find in this company.

Form: 36/1122-

Sceau Royal¹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: D A Jacob| T: A King| OR: 163| D

9/2

Back over hurdles with a bang this term after a wind op, winning Welsh Champion at Ffos Las and Elite at Wincanton. Creditable fourth in Cheltenham Grade 2 latest and respected back in this sphere.

Form: 25-1124

Forecasts

Altior (1/1), Rouge Vif (9/2), Sceau Royal (9/2), Duc Des Genievres (13/2), Nube Negra (20/1), Global Citizen (20/1)

Things didn't go to plan for ALTIOR last season and he's not getting any younger, but he was well on top at the finish when landing the Game Spirit on his latest start in February and should prove very hard to beat. Duc Des Genievres and Sceau Royal, second and third respectively in this race 12 months ago, may again fill the places, though Rouge Vif is also likely to play a part.