Verdict

The selection is the David Pipe-trained Paro with the dangers being Jupon Vert, Native Coommander and Gipsy Cricketer. Paro won by a distance at Taunton last month in the style of a greatly improved horse. He looks to have been found a good opportunity to follow up that success in this Chase. The Ron Hodges-trained Jupon Vert enters calculations after his good run behind O'Toole here at the end of April. He was a little disappointing on his next outing at Exeter but could well bounce back to form. Gary Moore's Native Commander has had plenty of racing recently but his effort here a few days ago behind After Lent showed that he at least retains some ability and he could be a danger here. The Michael Scudamore-trained Gipsy Cricketer would need to improve on his recent efforts to a have a realistic chance. The selection is Paro to carry on the good start made by trainer David Pipe.

Formwatch

Paro (FR) 8-13fav (11-5) Made all, hard ridden when left well clear 2 out, unchallenged after, won at Taunton 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) frm in Apr beating Cool Society (10-7) by a distance, 8 ran.

Native Commander (IRE) 6-1 (10-9) In touch and keen, tracked leader after 4th, led 6th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, one pace, 3rd of 8, 7l behind After Lent (10-8) at N Abbot 2m 1f cnd clm hdl (5) gf.

Jupon Vert (FR) 3-1 (10-12) Raced keenly, held up, headway to track leaders 3rd, hit 8th, soon ridden, one pace from next, 5th of 6, 17l behind Papillon de Iena (11-5) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf.

Gipsy Cricketer 33-1 (10-8) Mid-division, jumped right 4th, ridden and headway 6th, weakened 3 out, 5th of 9, 23l behind Munadil (11-1) at Worcester 2m chs 0-90 (5) gf.