led, headed approaching 3 out, soon ridden, stumbled 2 out, 12 lengths 2nd and held when blundered and unseated rider last, remounted
jumped well, tracked leader, led approaching 3 out, left well clear last, easily
chased leaders, lost touch from 9th, left 2nd at last
Paul Nicholls won this equivalent race last year with subsequent Arkle winner Azertyuiop and he'll be hoping to repeat that formula with Thisthatandtother, who is our selection, with Kalca Mome looking his biggest danger. The selection leapt to the head of the Arkle betting by virtue of impressive wins at Bangor, Cheltenham and Sandown. He was below his best when beaten by Caracciola at Kempton in December but, reported to be back to his best, can reaffirm his Cheltenham credentials at a track he loves. Kalca Mome has won three of his five chases and is certainly useful so the selection will not have things all his own way from the outset. Mister Rex was a fair handicap hurdler before injury set him back while Jahash has won his novice chase but has a bit to find on official ratings. Once again, then, it's Thisthatandtother to get back to winning ways.
