BetMGM Clarence House Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:31 | Winning time: 4m 8.66s

Gidleigh Park⁵⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Bryan Carver| T: H Fry| OR: 156| D

7/1

Improved significantly on his hurdles form when taking the notable scalp of Caldwell Potter in Grade 2 Windsor novice chase this time last year and made a solid start to this campaign when second in 1965 Chase at this course (21.1f) 56 days ago. Will need more to take a hand here, however.

Form: 16/P12-2

Il Etait Temps^h,t⁴²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 172| D

2/5

Successful 3 times in Grade 1 company as a novice but took his form up another notch when taking the Celebration Chase in April and has returned in tremendous form this term, scoring at Clonmel before an impressive victory in Tingle Creek (Jonbon well held) at Sandown last month. Hard to oppose.

Form: 311/11-1

Jonbon^p⁴²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-10| J: James Bowen| T: N J Henderson| OR: 166| CD

6/1

Top-class chaser who added this contest to his impressive CV last season before landing the Melling Chase at Aintree for the second time in April. Rather been put in his place by Il Etait Temps twice since but looks sure to run well again.

Form: 1212-22

Thistle Ask^h,t²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 158| D

9/1

Dual winner for James Ewart but has left that form well behind since joining Dan Skelton this term, winning all 4 starts including the Haldon Gold Cup and Desert Orchid Chase, the latter in highly impressive fashion. Steps into Grade 1 company now but another bold bid is anticipated.

Form: 21-1111

Forecasts

Il Etait Temps (2/5), Jonbon (6/1), Gidleigh Park (7/1), Thistle Ask (9/1)

IL ETAIT TEMPS cemented his position as the leading 2m chaser with a smooth victory in the Tingle Creek at Sandown last month and his hold-up style should be suited to the likely strong pace here. He should prove hard to beat. Thistle Ask has been a revelation this season and could be the one to provide the chief threat.