Sky Bet Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:00 | Winning time: 6m 36.40s

Royale Pagaille⁵⁶

Age: 12| Weight: 12-0| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 159| CD

11/1

Winner of this race in 2021 and 2022 and recorded his fifth course success when landing the Betfair Chase last season, though that was a standout effort of the campaign. Runner-up in latest renewal of the Betfair on return, but would prefer softer ground up against his younger rivals.

Form: 1P56P-2

Johnnywho^t²⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-1| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 146

10/3

Without a win since chasing debut, but still took his form up to a smart level when narrowly denied in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham. Has continued to shape up well since, finishing strongly for a close third in Silver Cup at Ascot (23.8f, good to soft) last time. Enters calculations.

Form: 3325-53

Konfusion²²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Callum Bewley| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 145

10/3

Much improved sent chasing during second half of last season, scoring twice, and successful all 3 completed starts this term, impressing with his jumping when making all in Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby (24.2f, soft). Not taken lightly with more still to offer at this distance.

Form: 12-1U11

Myretown⁴⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-11| J: D R Fox| T: L Russell & M Scudamore| OR: 142| BF

7/2

Coped extremely well with the demands of a big-field handicap when landing the Ultima in good style at last season's Cheltenham Festival. In a good rhythm when falling at the ninth in Coral Gold Cup at Newbury on return, but generally a sound jumper and remains potentially very smart.

Form: 51F11-F

Imperial Saint³⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 10-10| J: Callum Pritchard⁽³⁾| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 141

7/2

Won 3 times over fences at Aintree last term and solid second in a valuable contest at the Grand National meeting during the spring. However, below form both starts this season, sixth of 10 in December Gold Cup at Cheltenham (20.6f, good) 5 weeks ago. Needs to get back on the up.

Form: 1342-56

Richmond Lake⁴²

Age: 10| Weight: 10-3| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 134| C

11/2

Twelve runs since last win in 2023 but made the frame first 4 starts last season, including when runner-up in this contest. Ended the campaign on a low-key note, though took a step back in the right direction when second at Aintree (19.9f, good to soft) 6 weeks ago.

Form: 32P8-32

Non-Runners

Nassalam⁶²

Weight: 11-0| Age: 9

T: G & J Moore J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Konfusion (10/3), Johnnywho (10/3), Imperial Saint (7/2), Myretown (7/2), Richmond Lake (11/2), Royale Pagaille (11/1), Nassalam (50/1)

MYRETOWN created an excellent impression when making most in the Ultima last season and was still going nicely when departing on his return, so he is well worth another chance to build on his Cheltenham success. He can see off the challenge of Konfusion, who has thrived since going chasing and is respected in his hat-trick bid, with Johnnywho also in the mix.