Verdict

A pretty ordinary looking handicap chase which can be taken by Royal Beluga. Still only a five-year-old, he is open to improvement, and certainly will relish the cut in the ground, having won on good to soft in France and also on heavy at Bangor last time out. He will get the trip, and though he would have to produce a career best to win, his yard is in great form and he is taken to do just that. Top weight Night Fighter is also from an in-form stable, but does not look to have the scope of the selection. However, this is only his third start over fences and he might still have some more to come. He would prefer better ground than this though and probably a longer trip, so is passed over on this occasion. Dual Hexham winner Kimdaloo looks to be exposed, but specialises at the trip. However, the ground is also against him as he would really prefer it faster. Bottom weight Hombre has a definite chance. An easy winner on soft at Sedgefield last time, he is a stone lower than when winning at Wetherby almost two years ago. One who likes cut, the major doubt about him is over the trip, which looks too short here, while he has also run poorly on all three of his previous starts over the course.