bet365 Charlie Hall Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 6m 28.83s

Ahoy Senor²⁰⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: D R Fox| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 169| CD

3/1

Landed the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January before falling in the Gold Cup next time. Enhanced his fine record at Grand National Festival when runner-up in the Aintree Bowl 6 months ago and while he's prone to the odd error, this front runner looks a major player on reappearance.

Form: 5351F2-

Bravemansgame¹⁹²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 172| CD

10/11

Commanding winner of this corresponding event and the King George last year. Lost no caste in defeat when bumping into Galopin Des Champs in Cheltenham Gold Cup next time and that effort presumably left a mark when only third in Punchestown Gold Cup. Looks set for another fruitful campaign.

Form: 14/1123-

Midnight River^t²⁰³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 156| C

10/1

Useful novice hurdler who gained third chase success gamely at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. Failed to meet expectations in Magners Plate at the Festival next time but took his form up another notch when scoring at Aintree 6 months ago. Has gone well fresh but more needed at this level.

Form: 3/13101-

Gentlemansgame³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Darragh O'Keeffe| T: M F Morris| OR: 154| D

7/2

Lowered the colours of subsequent Irish Grand National winner I Am Maximus at Fairyhouse on his chasing debut last winter and shaped well after 9 months off when runner-up to Easy Game in PWC Champion Chase at Gowran (20f, heavy) 5 weeks ago. Interesting contender with race fitness on his side.

Form: 0713/1-2

Forecasts

Bravemansgame (10/11), Ahoy Senor (3/1), Gentlemansgame (7/2), Midnight River (10/1)

An intriguing renewal despite the small field with BRAVEMANSGAME and Ahoy Senor locking horns for a sixth time over the larger obstacles. Preference is for the former, who gave his yard a fifth success in this contest 12 months ago and Paul Nicholls' 8-y-o is strongly fancied to repeat the feat. Gentlemansgame has race fitness on his side and could profit should either of the top pair fluff their lines.