Betfair Denman Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 5m 34.50s

Eldorado Allen^p1,t⁴⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-8| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 162| CD

5/2

Landed Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter and this event (beat Royale Pagaille) last season. Good runner-up efforts in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby and Betfair Chase at Haydock this term before finding King George at Kempton on Boxing Day too much (beaten early). Can bounce back in first-time cheekpieces.

Form: 137-224

Does He Know⁹⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 158

15/2

Made up into a smart novice chaser last term when a 3-time winner, including in Ascot Grade 2. Fell at the first in Kelso handicap on his return but showed no ill effects when defying top weight in handicap at Cheltenham in November. More needed here but not taken lightly back from a break.

Form: 1210-F1

Sam Brown^p1,t⁷⁰

Age: 11| Weight: 11-6| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: A J Honeyball| OR: 159| C| D

14/1

Signed off last term with a career-best win in Grade 3 handicap at Aintree. Returned with a good third in Charlie Hall at Wetherby (behind Eldorado Allen) but not in the same form in the Many Clouds since. Cheekpieces now applied.

Form: 32P1-35

Fanion D'estruval^p1⁴⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 158| C

10/3

Improved performer last season, taking 2½m handicap here and also third in Grade 1 Ascot Chase. Never figured in Coral Gold Cup here on return but stepped up on that when third in Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby. Deutsch back aboard now and fitting of headgear another probable plus.

Form: 1234-73

Hitman^t⁴⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 160| C

9/4

Very talented sort who was the easy winner of a 21.5f Haydock graduation event in November. However, reportedly bled when pulled up in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day so comes with risks attached at the head of the market (stamina for this trip also remains unproven).

Form: 232-21P

Kalashnikov^b1,t⁴⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-2| J: J M Quinlan| T: Miss A Murphy| OR: 150| C

20/1

Without a win since landing Grade 1 event at Aintree in 2018/19 but has run some good races in defeat since and shaped as if retaining ability after 22 months off at Wetherby on Boxing Day. Blinkers now fitted and this likely to be more revealing as to his late-career prospects.

Form: 57234/6

Zanza^b⁴⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: T J O'Brien| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 143| C

16/1

Enhanced his excellent record here when winning class 2 handicap (22.4f) in November. However, took little interest at Wetherby next time and plenty to find in this company even if back to his best.

Form: 8P-6217

Forecasts

Hitman (9/4), Eldorado Allen (5/2), Fanion D'estruval (10/3), Does He Know (15/2), Sam Brown (14/1), Zanza (16/1), Kalashnikov (20/1)

FANION D'ESTRUVAL ran up to his best when third in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby despite finishing with running left, which suggests he has a bigger performance in him over this sort of trip with Charlie Deutsch back on board and with headgear applied. Hitman is the form pick on these terms but he comes with risks attached having reportedly bled in the King George. Last year's winner Eldorado Allen gains top marks for reliability so should make another bold bid despite a 6 lb penalty.