Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:30 | Winning time: 3m 57.25s

Captain Guinness⁷⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 159| D

12/1

Landed his first success at Grade 2 level in Fortria Chase at Navan on return in November and creditable effort when runner-up in Grade 1 Paddy's Rewards Club Chase over Christmas. That was further evidence that he's vulnerable at this level, however.

Form: 316-412

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Editeur Du Gite⁴⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: N F Houlihan| T: G & J Moore| OR: 166| CD

13/2

Dual winner at this venue last term but has cranked it up another notch this season, landing the Desert Orchid at Kempton and ridden to perfection when accounting for both Edwardstone and Energumene in Clarence House in January. Sure to give it a good go from the front.

Form: 14P-311

Edwardstone⁴⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King| OR: 170| BF| CD

15/8

A thoroughly likeable sort who won 5 in a row last season (including Arkle). Displayed top-class form when commanding winner of Tingle Creek on return and back on song after rare jumping blip when runner-up to Editeur du Gite in Clarence House in January. Bold bid anticipated.

Form: 112-1U2

Energumene⁴⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 175| BF| CD

6/5

Top-class chaser who has tasted defeat only twice in his career over fences, both in the Clarence House (latest when staged at this venue in January). That was a first below-par effort, and having been an authoritative winner of this contest last season, he holds major claims once again.

Form: 121-113

Funambule Sivola³²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 157| D

50/1

Progressed well in open company last season, finishing runner-up to Energumene in this corresponding event. Bounced back to form to take Game Spirit for second year running at Newbury last month but will need to crank things up again if he's to get involved in this year's renewal.

Form: 2P-6451

Greaneteen³²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 169| BF| D

25/1

Fourth in this race back in 2021 and developed into a top-class chaser soon after, winning a trio of Grade 1 contests. Haldon Gold Cup scorer on reappearance but unable to live with Edwardstone in Tingle Creek and wasted a golden opportunity when third to Funambule Sivola in Game Spirit since.

Form: 251-123

Nube Negra^t⁷⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 163| CD

28/1

Hasn't stood much racing in recent times but arguably unlucky not to win this in 2021. Completed a simple task without alarm when Grade 2 winner on return here in November but below his best when runner-up to Editeur du Gite in Desert Orchid at Kempton over Christmas. Freshened up since.

Form: 3/143-12

Forecasts

Energumene (6/5), Edwardstone (15/8), Editeur Du Gite (13/2), Captain Guinness (12/1), Greaneteen (25/1), Nube Negra (28/1), Funambule Sivola (50/1)

Potentially the race of the week featuring the 1-2-3 from the rearranged Clarence House Chase here in January, EDWARDSTONE getting the verdict to emerge on top this time and master reigning champion Energumene, who posted his first ever below-par effort when 6½ lengths back in third. Editeur du Gite was ridden to perfection that day and Gary Moore's bold-jumping front runner may have to settle for bronze on this occasion, in what promises to be a tactically-intriguing affair.