DELTA WORK
Arguably the classiest horse in the race, DELTA WORK is a Grade 1 winner over fences and sets a clear form standard coming into the race. He has generally struggled at Cheltenham in recent seasons, so it was particularly impressive to see him put things up to Tiger Roll in the Cross-Country 3-weeks ago. The Elliott yard has used the Cross-Country race as a prep run for both Nationals won by Tiger Roll and Delta Work looks to have been carefully campaigned to take on that famous double. The front 2 pulled over 20-lengths clear of 2 solid Cross-Country yardsticks at Cheltenham and although he has a big weight to shoulder, it is not impossible to think that he can repeat that performance. He should take to the fences and if keeping put of trouble, he looks to have a solid chance.
ECLAIR SURF
The fact that the weights for this race come out in February can often leave horses very well treated and that is certainly the case for ECLAIR SURF. He is officially rated 4lbs higher than the mark of 143 that he gets in with after a 2nd placed finish to subsequent Scottish Grand National Winner Win My Wings in the Eider Chase at Newcastle. On that form alone, he looks extremely well treated on the same mark and it also answers the question of his stamina, which many of the other contenders have yet to confirm. He sneaks in at the bottom of the weights and as a confirmed front runner, he should be clear of most of the trouble in behind. This is a much deeper race than anything else he has previously experienced, but he is a Warwick Classic Chase winner, a race won by One For Arthur in 2017 before coming to win here.
BURROWS SAINT
Willie Mullins won 10 of the 28 races at the Cheltenham festival and although he doesn’t have a standout National candidate this year, he does look to have a solid chance with last year’s 4th BURROWS SAINT. He gets in on the same mark as when 4th last season and has been given a relatively quiet campaign this season, presumably with a view to coming back for this race. With conditions sure to suit, he is some solid each-way value in the famous Ricci colours.
