Virgin Bet Cotswold Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:22 | Winning time: 6m 39.74s

Bristol De Mai⁷⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-6| J: D A Jacob| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 169| C| D

9/4

Fine record at Haydock Park and won the Betfair Chase for a third time in 4 years in November. Found only Santini too strong in this last season and can go well again with deep ground ideal.

Form: 34/229-1

Lake View Lad⁶³

Age: 11| Weight: 11-6| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N W Alexander| OR: 162| D

20/1

Resumed winning ways in the Grade 2 Many Clouds Chase at Aintree (25f) 8 weeks ago, seeing off Santini and Native River with 9 of the 19 fences not jumped. Likeable type but he clearly needs more now.

Form: 3P/533-1

Native River^b⁶³

Age: 11| Weight: 11-6| J: R Johnson| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 168| D

13/2

2018 Gold Cup winner who added 2 Grade 2s to his tally last term and should have come on plenty for his Aintree return behind Lake View Lad when neither his jumping nor stamina was tested. Respected.

Form: 234/11-3

Santini^p⁴²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: Aidan Coleman| T: N J Henderson| OR: 170| CD

5/2

Impressive when outstaying Bristol de Mai in this last year before an agonising defeat in the Gold Cup. Not seen to best effect either start this season and hopes high here if it becomes a test.

Form: 2/112-25

Saint Calvados⁴²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: G Sheehan| T: H Whittington| OR: 167

11/2

Improved again last term, pushing Min close in the Ryanair. Didn't seem to stay 3m despite running well in the King George (pulled hard) on return and this will reveal more regarding stamina.

Form: 7/1422-4

Yala Enki¹⁴

Age: 11| Weight: 11-0| J: Bryony Frost| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 161| D

5/1

Tough stayer who finished a fine third in the Welsh National before resuming winning ways at Taunton a fortnight ago. This a different assignment but he seems sure to give it another good go.

Form: 13-2F31

Forecasts

Bristol De Mai (9/4), Santini (5/2), Yala Enki (5/1), Saint Calvados (11/2), Native River (13/2), Lake View Lad (20/1)

SANTINI saw off Bristol de Mai (in receipt of 2 lb) in this race at its usual home last year, and in the expectation this becomes a good test of stamina, he can repeat the trick. His old rival has the deep ground he excels on and is feared most, though Saint Calvados is dangerous getting weight from that pair if seeing out 3m fully.