Betfair Chase (Grade 1) (Registered As The Lancashire Chase) (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 6m 50.8s

Bravemansgame²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: D A Jacob| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 172| BF| C

8/11

Top-class chaser who won Charlie Hall at Wetherby and King George VI at Kempton last season. Also excellent second in Cheltenham Gold Cup. Unable to land the odds in this year's renewal of the Charlie Hall on return 3 weeks ago but it was still a decent effort. Excellent chance.

Form: 4/1123-2

Corach Rambler^t²⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: D R Fox| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 159

18/1

Notched second successive win in the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival in March before a fine performance to land the Grand National at Aintree the following month. Looked very much in need of the run at Kelso on reappearance and better expected now, though does need to step forward again.

Form: 1/5411-5

Protektorat^t²⁵³

5/2

Recorded a second Grade 1 success of his career in this race on his return last season. Not quite at that level in Cotswold and Cheltenham Gold Cup both starts since, but big run expected now as he bids to defend his crown.

Form: 134/145-

Royale Pagaille²²⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 160| CD

5/1

Very smart chaser whose 2 best performances came when winning the Peter Marsh here. Creditable 14 lengths second to Bravemansgame in King George on his reappearance last season before respectable sixth in Cheltenham Gold Cup. Let down by jumping in Irish National final start. Ideally wants the mud.

Form: 255/26F-

Forecasts

Bravemansgame (8/11), Protektorat (5/2), Royale Pagaille (5/1), Corach Rambler (18/1)

BRAVEMANSGAME proved himself to be a top-class chaser when winning the King George VI at Kempton last season and should prove hard to beat after a decent reappearance in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby 3 weeks ago. Last year's winner Protektorat is the obvious threat.