Minella Indo

Impressive when winning what looked a strong renewal last year but nowhere near that level in three runs this term. Turned over at short odds by Frodon on his reappearance and then forced an overly strong pace in the King George before pulling up.

While it was a better run in the Irish Gold Cup last time when staying on well for second, he was still beaten by a horse rated 18lb lower and it’s hard to get away from the fact that he’s not had an ideal preparation.

A Plus Tard

Didn’t get the run of the race last year behind re-opposing stablemate, Minella Indo, but was only beaten roughly one-length.

Found himself at the head of the market for this race after bolting up in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on his reappearance. Didn’t finish his race as strongly as normal when narrowly denied by Galvin at Leopardstown last time but the yard’s runners were not firing on all cylinders at that point and he may be able to reverse that form now.

Should give last year’s leading jockey at Cheltenham, Rachael Blackmore, another good spin.

Galvin

Having his first crack at this race having won the 3m6f Grade 2 novice chase here last year and seems to always run well at Cheltenham.

Has mixed it at the top level this season and stayed on best to deny A Plus Tard at Leopardstown when last seen.

Comes here fresh and has bags of stamina so he’ll be hoping the pace-setters go at a decent clip.

Al Boum Photo

Two-time winner of this race (2019 and 2020) and ran with plenty of credit when third behind A Plus Tard and Minella Indo last year.

Didn’t jump as well as he can in last year’s renewal and may have preferred the ground a bit softer. Has enjoyed his usual ideal preparation this year recording a facile success in a Grade 3 at Tramore on New Year’s Day (fourth win in the race).

Some might say he’s vulnerable to less exposed sorts at the age of 10 but he’s more solid than many of his rivals.