This is not a deep race and there is no need to overcomplicate it. Powerofjet is the one with the strongest recent chase profile and he sets the standard.
He took well to fences earlier in the season, improving from his first run over them to win at Newcastle over 2m on good to soft. His latest run at Catterick can be marked up a bit as well. He was coming back from a break, shaped as though he needed it, and now drops back in trip in a race that looks no stronger than average for the grade. In a five-runner Class 5, that is a solid base to work from.
The obvious danger is Intenzo. Timeform’s pace view is a big part of the case. He looks the most likely leader and may get an easy time in front, which always matters at Sedgefield in a small-field chase. He is unexposed and this opening mark is not harsh if he takes to fences. The concern is that he is making his chase debut and that is never a formality round here, even in a weak race.
Tanking Along will have supporters because Brian Hughes is booked and the horse has course-and-distance form. The HRB figure is also strong enough to put him right in the mix on paper. The issue is that his best recent effort came over hurdles. His chase form is less convincing and he has had chances to show more than he has.
Clean Getaway is a familiar type for this level and has the course form to give him a squeak, but he has become hard to trust. There have been enough ordinary efforts in recent starts to make him opposable unless the market speaks very strongly in his favour.
Blue Bear looks the outsider for a reason. He has not shown enough since returning and would need a major revival.
There is also a small but useful race trend here. Recent winners have generally been older, more experienced handicap chasers. That does not rule out Intenzo, but it does make life a bit harder for a 5yo making his first start over fences.
The race looks set up for a straightforward answer. Powerofjet brings the best mix of proven chase form, recent promise and suitability for the trip. If Intenzo jumps and gets an easy lead he could make this interesting, but on balance Powerofjet is the percentage call.
Verdict: Powerofjet
Main danger: Intenzo
Place shout: Tanking Along