Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Graduation Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:15 | Winning time: 4m 10.64s

Classic Maestro^p²⁵⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: Luke Scott| T: J Candlish| OR: 132| BF| D

28/1

Enjoyed highly productive campaign last term, readily bagging fourth success (cheekpieces fitted) of that season in a 5-runner handicap chase at Leicester (2m, heavy) in February. However, well held at Catterick later that month and his record when fresh isn't the best.

Form: 113413-

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Hombre De Guerra^t²⁹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: Sean Quinlan| T: N W Alexander| OR: 128| D

18/1

Ayr maiden hurdle winner in March 2024 and made a seamless transition to this fences last season, chasing home subsequent Grade 1 winner Caldwell Potter over this C&D prior to bagging back-to-back Ayr handicaps. Bit to find with some of these on form, but he's unexposed as a chaser.

Form: 317/211-

Path D'oroux^p,t¹⁹²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-11| J: Keith Donoghue| T: G P Cromwell| OR: 143| D

13/2

Off the mark over fences in a small-field Cheltenham novice last October and fine second in a valuable Fairyhouse handicap at the start of this year. Not quite in the same form in 3 subsequent appearances, but goes well fresh and this Irish raider holds strong claims.

Form: 13204P-

Unexpected Party^t¹⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-11| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 149| D

9/4

Won the Grand Annual at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival and fine second when bidding for a repeat in that race during the spring. Reappearance fifth back at Cheltenham caught the stewards' attention (jockey that day was given a 10-day ban following a running and riding inquiry) and he's a major player.

Form: 24225-5

Steel Ally^t1²²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Dylan Johnston| T: S Thomas| OR: 143

8/11

Built on reappearance second last season when going one better in a Haydock handicap. Pulled up on 2 of his 3 subsequent starts, but went down narrowly in the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell (19f, heavy) in February and a reproduction of that on this chase debut would give him a real chance.

Form: 3/21P2P-

Forecasts

Steel Ally (8/11), Unexpected Party (9/4), Path D'oroux (13/2), Hombre De Guerra (18/1), Classic Maestro (28/1)

STEEL ALLY is a half-brother to a chase winner and, in receipt of weight from each of his four rivals, he's appealing now tackling the larger obstacles himself. The 7-y-o scaled new heights when going close in a Grade 2 over hurdles on the penultimate run of his 2024/25 campaign and he'll take some pegging back if his jumping passes the test. Unexpected Party sets the standard on chase form and is a much-respected main danger ahead of Irish raider Path d'Oroux and unexposed Hombre de Guerra.