4.50 1m. 7f. 199yds. 16 Declared. Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (GBB Race) (Class 1 ) of £125,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €70,338.00 2nd - €26,500.00 3rd - €13,262.00 4th - €6,625.00 5th - €3,325.00 6th - €1,662.00 7th - €825.00 8th - €425.00
FormscanBy Alan Magee - A furious pace looks assured with a number of front-runners in the line-up and perhaps AMARILLO SKY can continue his progressive profile this season. The Colin Tizzard-trained gelding made amends for a fall at Newbury when scoring in great style at the same venue last month and can defy an 8lb hike in the ratings. Before Midnight is also on an upward curve over fences this term and beat Sky Pirate in decisive fashion over course and distance back in October. He only went down by a length to the smart Funambule Sivola at Doncaster last time. Editeur Du Gite was only taken out of the Champion Chase at the final declaration stage and will be seeking a hat-trick of course and distance wins having scored here in November and December. Andy Dufresne tackles handicap company for the first time and comes here fresh after finishing second to Captain Guinness at Naas last autumn, while Sky Pirate bids to repeat last year’s win off a 4lb higher mark.