BetMGM Clarence House Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Lightly raced 8yo who won Grade 2s as a novice hurdler and novice chaser; ran as well as he's ever done when 9l second to top-class Jango Baie in Grade 2 chase here (2m5f, good; handles soft) in November; more needed today but the drop back in trip should not inconvenience him in the slightest.

Hugely likeable chaser who made it 7-9 over fences when slamming Jonbon by 9l in the Grade 1 Tingle Creek at Sandown (1m7f, good to soft; fine on softer) six weeks ago; that represented another personal best and he's the clear pick on the ratings; has excellent credentials.

Formerly dominant in this division, but starting to look vulnerable and was readily outpointed by Il Etait Temps in the Celebration Chase in April and Tingle Creek (wore cheekpieces) in December, both at Sandown; landed the odds in this race 12 months ago but his air of invincibility has since evaporated; partnered for the first time by Harry Cobden.

One of the success stories of the season, improving dramatically for new yard and rattling off four handicap wins (2m-2m3f, all on good); showed high-class form when routing six rivals at Kempton just after Christmas; impossible to discount, but he'll need another personal best in this higher grade and he also has to prove he's as effective on ground softer than good.