One of the biggest staying handicaps of the spring, and as ever, it’s deep and fiercely competitive. The pace setup is forecast to be even, which should give hold-up types a fair shot, though it may not be truly run. Proven stamina, Cheltenham spring festival form, and the ability to handle a large-field tempo are crucial here.

🏆 Strongest Contender – CATCH HIM DERRY

Trainer: Dan Skelton | Rating: 147
A standout profile for a trainer who targets this race like clockwork, having won 3 of the last 6 runnings. Catch Him Derry was a fast-finishing third in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham, coming from far off the pace in a race where the first two had a tactical edge up front. He’s only up a couple of pounds, remains well-handicapped, and shapes as if this sharper track will suit.

🗣️ Pertinent Timeform Comment:

“Came from much further back than the front pair in the Pertemps Final… should go well again.”

His jumping is slick, he travels smoothly, and he’s been campaigned with this in mind. Could easily be thrown in off 129 if that Pertemps line holds up.

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⚠️ Main Dangers

🥈 JERIKO DU REPONET (146) – Nicky Henderson

Put up a huge effort when runner-up in the Pertemps, travelling like the winner before getting run down by Doddiethegreat. Lightly raced, classy, and still looks unexposed at 3m. His jumping let him down over fences, but back over hurdles he’s rock solid.

🗣️ Timeform Insight:

“Career-best in cheekpieces when second in the Pertemps Final… stays 3m well… let down only by jumping over fences.”

Concerns? He needs to reproduce that peak run just three weeks later.

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🥉 TIMMY TUESDAY (146) – Gordon Elliott

A real dark horse. Has won both handicap starts impressively, and was particularly eye-catching when clearing away at Down Royal over 2½m in a good time. Up to 3m now — a big stamina test awaits — but he shapes as though it’ll suit. Lightly raced and thriving.

🗣️ Timeform Note:

“Totally unexposed as a stayer… clocked a decent timefigure… more to come up in trip.”

Could easily keep climbing the ranks if he stays — a big player from off the pace.

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💥 ACT OF AUTHORITY (149) – Olly Murphy

Rattled home in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham from a near-hopeless position, looking like he’d relish this longer trip. A strong traveller who’s now proven in big-field chaos. He’s got the finishing kick for this sort of race, especially with a late patient ride.

🗣️ Timeform Comment:

“Still had plenty to do after 2 out… likely to stay further based on that Cheltenham run.”

Sits mid-division and pounces late — ideal for this setup.

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🎯 DOUBLE POWERFUL (146) – Neil Mulholland

Has been defying the handicapper all season and ran another cracker last time out when third after a 12-week break. Might be peaking again at just the right time. Strong traveller, holds up well, and fits the “relentless improver” profile.

🗣️ Timeform Note:

“Progressed again when third to Aston Martini at Kempton… upsides when mistake 2 out… can run well again at an each-way price.”

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🔎 Additional Notables

• BO ZENITH: Tried in first-time headgear over a new trip — Timeform hint he could bounce back.
• BILL JOYCE: Solid novice form but didn’t fully convince in deeper waters last time.
• PUSH THE BUTTON: Unlucky in running last time, could be one for placepot players.