Coral Silviniaco Conti Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

5YO plus | Class 1 | 2m 4f 110y | 4 Runners | Turf

Age: 10| Weight: 11-8| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 161| CD

High-class chaser who won this event in 2023 and lost little in defeat when runner-up to Banbridge in last season's renewal. Didn't need to be at his best when winning 4-runner 1965 Chase at Ascot (21f) on return in November and is clearly the one to beat.

Form: 1/121P-1

Martator¹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 151| BF| D

Upwardly-mobile handicap chaser who brought up the 5-timer with plenty to spare at Ascot (16.7f) in November. Not at same level when third at this course (16f) latest but return to longer trip is in his favour and he looks sure to give a good account.

Form: 111-113

Unexpected Party^t⁵⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-6| J: Tristan Durrell| T: D Skelton| OR: 145| D

Enjoyed his finest hour when landing Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Not disgraced when 13¼ lengths last of 4 to Jonbon in Shloer Chase at Cheltenham (15.9f) in November but faces another stiff task here.

Form: 91P-524

Hitman^p,t⁷⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Freddie Gingell| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 156| D

Not the most consistent but started this campaign with creditable second in Old Roan Chase at Aintree (20f, good to soft) in October and receives weight all round here. Could prove dangerous if putting his best foot forward.

Form: 09283-2

Forecasts

Pic D'Orhy (4/9), Hitman (9/2), Martator (9/2), Unexpected Party (25/1)

It's hard to get away from PIC D'ORHY, who has a fine record at this venue and may well get an uncontested lead here. Martator is just preferred to Hitman for the forecast spot.