We preview day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2020 – St Patrick’s Thursday.

The seven race card begins with the Marsh Novices, and also features the Ryanair Chase and the Stayers’ Hurdle.

Don’t forget any non-runners you can keep up-to-date via our Non-runners tool

We have detailed run through of every race, including picks from Charlie McCann.

St Patrick’s Thursday – Thursday, March 14 (New Course)

1.30pm Marsh Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) 2m 4f 5y £150,000

The Marsh Novices’ Chase – originally the Golden Miller Novices’ Chase – was introduced to The Festival in 2011. Run over two and a half miles, the contest was upgraded to Grade One status in 2014.

The race has been a good breeding ground for some top horses with Sir Des Champs and Vautour amongst the previous winners.

Confirmed Field:
1 Bapaume (FR) ts 7 11 4 W. P. Mullins IRE Mrs S. Ricci
2 Faugheen (IRE) 12 11 4 W. P. Mullins IRE Mrs S. Ricci P. Townend
3 Itchy Feet (FR) 6 11 4 Olly Murphy Kate & Andrew Brooks Gavin Sheehan
4 Melon p 8 11 4 W. P. Mullins IRE Mrs J. Donnelly Mr P. W. Mullins
5 Midnight Shadow 7 11 4 Sue Smith Mrs Aafke Clarke Danny Cook
6 Mister Fisher (IRE) 6 11 4 Nicky Henderson James and Jean Potter Nico de Boinville
7 Poker Play (FR) bl 7 11 4 David Pipe The Angove Family Tom Scudamore
8 Reserve Tank (IRE) 6 11 4 Colin Tizzard The Reserve Tankers Robbie Power
9 Samcro (IRE) ts 8 11 4 Gordon Elliott IRE Gigginstown House Stud Davy Russell
10 Tornado Flyer (IRE) 7 11 4 W. P. Mullins IRE T. F. P. Daniel Mullins
11 Saint Sonnet (FR) 5 11 3 Paul Nicholls Mr Colm Donlon Harry Cobden
12 Annie Mc (IRE) 6 10 11 Jonjo O’Neill Coral Champions Club Jonjo O’Neill Jr.

Odds:
Itchy Feet (7/2), Faugheen (4/1), Mister Fisher (5/1), Samcro (5/1), Melon (8/1), Reserve Tank (10/1), Bapaume (16/1), Tornado Flyer (16/1), Midnight Shadow (16/1), Saint Sonnet (20/1), Annie Mc (20/1), Poker Play (66/1)

Expert view from Charlie McCann:
This will be the tenth time this race has been run at the Festival and Ireland have landed the prize seven times in the previous nine renewals. The wonderful former 12-year-old former Champion Hurdler Faugheen won a Grade 1 over fences at this trip at Leopardstown last month and did beat Samcro (1.30) at Limerick on heavy ground on Boxing Day. Why then do I think Samcro will reverse the form today?

Samcro has had a wind operation since that tame finishing effort and there is every chance that the ground on the New course today will be no worse than good to soft with no further significant rain forecast. The each way selection – 6/1 – won his first six career starts and was considered a future Gold Cup winner when landing the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle here two years ago. Things have not exactly gone according to plan subsequently, but I just feel we may see a different horse this afternoon.

2.10pm Pertemps Network Final (Handicap Hurdle) (Grade 3) 2m 7f 213y £100,000

The Pertemps Network Final was introduced to The Festival in 1974, replacing the George Duller Handicap Hurdle. Run over three miles, the Pertemps Network Final is the final of the Pertemps handicap hurdle series and is served by qualifiers which are held in Britain, Ireland and France.

Willie Wumpkins entered Festival folklore with three consecutive victories between 1979 and 1981, when aged 11, 12 & 13.

Confirmed Field:
1 Sire du Berlais (FR) bl,ts 8 11 12 Gordon Elliott IRE Mr John P. McManus Barry Geraghty
2 Unowhatimeanharry ts, p 12 11 10 Harry Fry Mr John P. McManus Aidan Coleman
3 The Storyteller (IRE) 9 11 9 Gordon Elliott IRE Mrs Pat Sloan Davy Russell
4 Jatiluwih (FR) 6 11 8 Philip Hobbs David Maxwell Racing Limited Mr David Maxwell (3)
5 Rocket Lad (IRE) h,ts 7 11 4 Emmet Mullins IRE Paul Byrne/Emmet Mullins Mr P. W. Mullins
6 A Great View (IRE) p 9 11 2 Denis W. Cullen IRE Mr John P. McManus Mark Walsh
7 Stoney Mountain (IRE) 7 11 2 Henry Daly Mr Trevor Hemmings Sam Twiston-Davies
8 Third Wind 6 11 1 Hughie Morrison Mouse Hamilton-Fairley Tom O’Brien
9 Kilbricken Storm (IRE) ts 9 11 0 Colin Tizzard A Selway & P Wavish Harry Cobden
10 Dingo Dollar (IRE) p 8 11 0 Alan King M Warren J Holmes R Kidner & J Wright Tom Cannon
11 Skandiburg (FR) p 6 10 13 Olly Murphy Kate & Andrew Brooks Gavin Sheehan
12 Fred The Foot (IRE) ts, p 8 10 12 John McConnell IRE Ms Caroline Ahearn Donal McInerney (3)
13 Welsh Saint (FR) 6 10 12 Nicky Henderson Walters Plant Hire & Potter Group Nico de Boinville
14 Dream Berry (FR) ts 9 10 12 Jonjo O’Neill Mr John P. McManus Jonjo O’Neill Jr.
15 Burrows Park (FR) 8 10 11 Venetia Williams Venetia Williams Racehorse Syndicate III Charlie Deutsch
16 Relegate (IRE) 7 10 11 Colm A. Murphy IRE Mr Paul McKeon P. Townend
17 Tout Est Permis (FR) p 7 10 10 Noel Meade IRE Gigginstown House Stud E. Walsh (7)
18 Rapper 6 10 10 Henry Daly The Home Farm Partnership Richard Johnson
19 Copper Gone West (IRE) 7 10 10 Tim Vaughan Mrs L.Bowtell & Mr P.Bowtell Alan Johns
20 Royal Thief (IRE) p 6 10 9 Henry de Bromhead IRE Gigginstown House Stud Hugh Morgan (5)
21 Guitar Pete (IRE) 10 10 9 Nicky Richards Mrs Pat Sloan Ryan Day
22 Sunset Showdown (IRE) bl 7 10 8 Rebecca Curtis Mr John P. McManus Richie McLernon
23 Kansas City Chief (IRE) p 11 10 7 Neil Mulholland Anthony Bloom Tom Scudamore
24 Doubly Clever (IRE) 8 10 5 Johnny Farrelly Mrs G. Morgan Mr Liam Harrison (7)
R25 Anytime Will Do (IRE) p 7 10 5 Dan Skelton Surrey Racing (AT) Harry Skelton
R26 Mighty Thunder v,ts 7 10 5 Lucinda Russell Allson Sparkle Ltd Blair Campbell (3)

Odds:
Relegate (11/2), The Storyteller (6/1), Sire Du Berlais (7/1), Welsh Saint (8/1), Skandiburg (10/1), Tout Est Permis (12/1), Third Wind (12/1), A Great View (14/1), Kilbricken Storm (14/1), Jatiluwih (16/1), Dream Berry (20/1), Burrows Park (20/1), Royal Thief (20/1), Stoney Mountain (20/1), Dingo Dollar (25/1), Rapper (25/1), Sunset Showdown (25/1), Rocket Lad (25/1), Fred The Foot (33/1), Copper Gone West (33/1), Unowhatimeanharry (33/1), Guitar Pete (33/1), Kansas City Chief (33/1), Doubly Clever (66/1)

Expert view from Charlie McCann:
Former Champion Bumper winner Relegate (2.10) left the yard of Willie Mullins ahead of his belated seasonal reappearance when I thought he ran an eye-catching fourth in the Punchestown qualifier for this race last month. The booking of Mullins’ stable jockey Paul Townend catches the eye and his new trainer Colm Murphy has handled two of my favourite horses of all time in Big Zeb (2010 Champion Chase winner) and Brave Inca who landed the 2004 Supreme Novice and 2006 Champion Hurdle. The each way selection is 7/1.

2.50pm Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) 2m 4f 184y £350,000

It was one of several new races introduced at the Festival when a fourth day was added to the meeting in 2005. Prior to this there had been a similar event at the Festival called the Cathcart Challenge Cup.

The Ryanair Chase has been established as one of the National Hunt’s big races and attracts big names, most recently the likes of Balko Des Flosis, Albertas Run and Un De Sceaux have won.

Confirmed Field:
1 A Plus Tard (FR) 6 11 10 Henry de Bromhead IRE Cheveley Park Stud Rachael Blackmore
2 Aso (FR) bl 10 11 10 Venetia Williams The Bellamy Partnership Charlie Deutsch
3 Duc des Genievres (FR) ts 7 11 10 W. P. Mullins IRE Sullivan Bloodstock Limited Robbie Power
4 Frodon (FR) ts 8 11 10 Paul Nicholls Mr P. J. Vogt Bryony Frost
5 Min (FR) 9 11 10 W. P. Mullins IRE Mrs S. Ricci P. Townend
6 Riders Onthe Storm (IRE) 7 11 10 Nigel Twiston-Davies Carl Hinchy and Mark Scott Sam Twiston-Davies
7 Saint Calvados (FR) 7 11 10 Harry Whittington Kate & Andrew Brooks Gavin Sheehan
8 Shattered Love (IRE) ts, p 9 11 3 Gordon Elliott IRE Gigginstown House Stud Mark Walsh

Odds:
A Plus Tard (7/4), Min (5/2), Frodon (4/1), Riders Onthe Storm (7/1), Duc Des Genievres (16/1), Aso (20/1), Saint Calvados (20/1), Shattered Love (25/1)

Expert view from Charlie McCann:
The Grade 1 Ryanair Chase is a cracker which I believe will go back across the Irish Sea and preference for Min (2.50) over A Plus Tard is marginal. The selection is three from four over today’s two-and-a-half-mile trip and I liked the way he was staying on behind Chacun Pour Soi over an extended two miles last time. We weren’t able to put that form to the test with the defection of the winner from the Champion Chase on Wednesday, but Min looked to be crying out for a return to further last time.

A Plus Tard beat Chacun Pour Soi first time out and turned last year’s Novices’ Handicap at the Festival into a procession. It might be folly to ignore the outstanding Henry De Bromhead/Rachel Blackmore partnership, but I just favour Min who is 11/4.

3.30pm Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 7f 213y £325,000

First run in 1912, it was dropped a couple of times but in recent times has been established as the leading long-distance hurdle event in the National Hunt calendar, and it is the feature race on the third day.

It has produced some amazing stories over the years with most recently the likes of Barcacouda, Inglis Drever and four-time winner Big Buck’s becoming legends off the back of winning this race.

Confirmed Field:
1 Ask Dillon (IRE) p 7 11 10 Fergal O’Brien 4 The Fun Partnership Paddy Brennan
2 Bacardys (FR) 9 11 10 W. P. Mullins IRE Shanakiel Racing Syndicate Mr P. W. Mullins
3 City Island (IRE) ts 7 11 10 Martin Brassil IRE Sean & Bernardine Mulryan Mark Walsh
4 Donna’s Diamond (IRE) 11 11 10 Chris Grant D&D Armstrong Ltd Thomas Dowson
5 Emitom (IRE) 6 11 10 Warren Greatrex The Spero Partnership Ltd Gavin Sheehan
6 L’Ami Serge (IRE) 10 11 10 Nicky Henderson Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Daryl Jacob
7 Lisnagar Oscar (IRE) 7 11 10 Rebecca Curtis Racing for Fun Adam Wedge
8 Paisley Park (IRE) 8 11 10 Emma Lavelle Mr Andrew Gemmell Aidan Coleman
9 Penhill 9 11 10 W. P. Mullins IRE Anthony Bloom P. Townend
10 Ronald Pump h,ts 7 11 10 Matthew J. Smith IRE Laois Limerick Syndicate B. J. Cooper
11 Summerville Boy (IRE) 8 11 10 Tom George Mr R. S. Brookhouse Jonathan Burke
12 The Jam Man (IRE) 7 11 10 Ronan M. P. McNally Northern IRE Ronan M. P. McNally Sean Flanagan
13 Tobefair 10 11 10 Debra Hamer Down The Quay Club Tom Bellamy
14 West Approach p 10 11 10 Colin Tizzard John and Heather Snook Harry Cobden
15 Apple’s Jade (FR) bl,ts 8 11 3 Gordon Elliott IRE Gigginstown House Stud Richard Johnson

Odds:
Paisley Park (4/6), Summerville Boy (8/1), Emitom (10/1), Penhill (10/1), City Island (12/1), Apple’s Jade (14/1), Bacardys (20/1), Lisnagar Oscar (20/1), Ronald Pump (25/1), L’Ami Serge (25/1), West Approach (33/1), The Jam Man (50/1), Tobefair (50/1), Donna’s Diamond (66/1), Ask Dillon (100/1)

Expert view from Charlie McCann:
The Stayers’ Hurdle is likely to go to Paisley Park, but he makes little appeal at 4/6 and I have backed a couple each way although I appreciate the favourite will need to have an off day for us to take gold.

Summerville Boy (3.30) was coming back at Paisley Park in the Cleeve Hurdle last time on his first start over 3m, and I wonder if Jonathan Burke will ride the selection more aggressively from the front with his stamina for the trip now, seemingly, guaranteed. The each way selection is a best-priced 9/1. I have also had a little bet each way on Emitom although I appreciate, he will have to improve dramatically on his last start when winning at Haydock.

4.10pm Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate (Grade 3) 2m 4f 184y £110,000

The contest was formerly known as the Mildmay Of Flete Handicap Chase and was first staged in 1951. Only two horses have taken the title twice in the shape of The Tsarevich and Elfast.

Confirmed Field:
1 Snow Falcon (IRE) 10 11 12 Noel Meade IRE Mrs Patricia Hunt E. Walsh (7)
2 Mister Whitaker (IRE) p 8 11 7 Mick Channon Mr T. P. Radford A. P. Heskin
3 Death Duty (IRE) 9 11 6 Gordon Elliott IRE Gigginstown House Stud
4 Siruh du Lac (FR) 7 11 5 Nick Williams John White & Anne Underhill Lizzie Kelly (3)
5 Robin des Foret (IRE) 10 11 5 W. P. Mullins IRE Byerley Racing Syndicate P. Townend
6 Simply The Betts (IRE) 7 11 4 Harry Whittington Kate & Andrew Brooks Gavin Sheehan
7 Spiritofthegames (IRE) p 8 11 4 Dan Skelton Mr N. W. Lake Bridget Andrews
8 Happy Diva (IRE) ts 9 11 4 Kerry Lee Mr Will Roseff Richard Patrick (3)
9 La Bague Au Roi (FR) 9 11 4 Warren Greatrex Mrs Julien Turner & Mr Andrew Merriam Richard Johnson
10 Clondaw Castle (IRE) 8 11 4 Tom George J French, D McDermott, S Nelson, T Syder Jonathan Burke
11 Kauto Riko (FR) ts 9 11 2 Tom Gretton Mr and Mrs J.Dale and Partners David Noonan
12 Vision des Flos (FR) ts 7 11 2 Colin Tizzard Ann & Alan Potts Limited Robbie Power
13 Ben Dundee (IRE) ts 8 11 2 Gordon Elliott IRE C. Jones Davy Russell
14 Oldgrangewood 9 11 2 Dan Skelton Chris Giles & Sandra Giles Harry Skelton
15 Imperial Presence (IRE) 9 11 0 Philip Hobbs Sir Christopher & Lady Wates James Best
16 Deyrann de Carjac (FR) 7 11 0 Alan King Mr J. Law Tom Cannon
17 Louis’ Vac Pouch (IRE) 8 10 13 Philip Kirby The Vacuum Pouch Company Limited Thomas Dowson
18 Livelovelaugh (IRE) 10 10 13 W. P. Mullins IRE Mrs S. Ricci Brian Hayes
19 Charmant (FR) 8 10 12 James Ewart Mr A Phillips & Mr&Mrs Sperling Denis O’Regan
20 Highway One O One (IRE) 8 10 12 Chris Gordon Mr Anthony Ward-Thomas Adam Wedge
21 Blazer (FR) 9 10 12 W. P. Mullins IRE Mr John P. McManus Mark Walsh
22 Springtown Lake (IRE) 8 10 11 Philip Hobbs Tim Syder Tom O’Brien
23 Royal Village (IRE) p 8 10 10 Ian Williams R Triple H Tom Scudamore
24 Not Another Muddle 9 10 9 Gary Moore Saloop Jamie Moore
R25 The Bay Birch (IRE) ts 9 10 9 Matt Sheppard Mr Tony Scrivin Stan Sheppard
R26 Garde La Victoire (FR) 11 10 9 Philip Hobbs Mrs Diana L. Whateley

Odds:
Simply The Betts (9/2), Ben Dundee (8/1), Oldgrangewood (12/1), La Bague Au Roi (12/1), Clondaw Castle (14/1), Deyrann de Carjac (14/1), Mister Whitaker (14/1), Blazer (14/1), Robin Des Foret (14/1), Spiritofthegames (14/1), Vision Des Flos (16/1), Springtown Lake (16/1), Not Another Muddle (16/1), Death Duty (16/1), Siruh Du Lac (16/1), Happy Diva (20/1), Snow Falcon (25/1), Louis’ Vac Pouch (25/1), Livelovelaugh (25/1), Charmant (25/1), Royal Village (25/1), Kauto Riko (33/1), Imperial Presence (33/1), Highway One O One (33/1)

Expert view from Charlie McCann:
A big run from Emitom would be a boost to the chances of La Bague Au Roi (4.10) who came back to something like her best form when fifth in the Irish Gold Cup at Punchestown although I don’t think she got on particularly well with Mark Walsh on that occasion. The drying ground is a plus and I hope to see Richard Johnson – who had a disappointing first day – get a better tune out of the mare who is a best-priced 14/1.

The form of Simply the Betts C&D win here back in January has been well and truly franked and a 9lbs hike in the weights may not prevent him following up. He looks a big danger, but the mare gets each way vote.

4.50pm Daylesford Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (G2) 2m 179y £90,000

Introduced at The Festival in 2016, the Grade Two Trull House Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle offers an opportunity for novice mares to compete against their own sex. Run over two miles and a furlong and open to four-year-olds and upwards.

Confirmed Field:
1 Ard Abhainn (IRE) 6 11 7 Gordon Elliott IRE Mrs M. Gittins Davy Russell
2 Emmas Joy (IRE) 7 11 7 Dan Skelton Julian Howl & Ian Tyrrell Harry Skelton
3 Floressa (FR) 5 11 7 Nicky Henderson Just Four Men Nico de Boinville
4 Minella Melody (IRE) 6 11 7 Henry de Bromhead IRE Mr K. Alexander Rachael Blackmore
5 Colreevy (IRE) 7 11 2 W. P. Mullins IRE Mrs N. Flynn P. Townend
6 Concertista (FR) 6 11 2 W. P. Mullins IRE Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede Daryl Jacob
7 Dolcita (FR) 5 11 2 W. P. Mullins IRE Sullivan Bloodstock Limited
8 Fort Worth Texas (IRE) p 6 11 2 Colin Bowe IRE Mr L. McArdle Mr Barry O’Neill
9 Full of Surprises (FR) 5 11 2 Neil Mulholland Mr John P. McManus Barry Geraghty
10 Getaway Totherock (IRE) 7 11 2 Alastair Ralph James, Archer, Ralph & Gentech Liam Treadwell
11 La Feline (FR) 5 11 2 Paul Nolan IRE Kilcommon Or Bust Syndicate B. J. Cooper
12 Mount Ida (IRE) ts 6 11 2 Gordon Elliott IRE KTDA Racing Mark Walsh
13 Rayna’s World (IRE) 5 11 2 Philip Kirby Ace Bloodstock & Rayna Fitzgerald Thomas Dowson
14 Rhythm Divine (IRE) 6 11 2 T. Gibney IRE Thomas J. O’Connor/Walter O’Connor
15 Rosie And Millie (IRE) 7 11 2 Michael Scudamore Mrs Lynne Maclennan Brendan Powell
16 Timetochill (IRE) 7 11 2 Kelly Morgan Mr J. R. Weatherby Adam Wedge
17 Vienna Court (IRE) 5 11 2 Nigel Twiston-Davies James & Jean Potter Ltd Sam Twiston-Davies
18 Whitehotchillifili (IRE) 6 11 2 Harry Fry Chasing Gold Racing Club Jonathan Burke
19 Yukon Lil 6 11 2 W. P. Mullins IRE Mrs John Magnier
20 Midnights’ Gift 4 10 13 Alan King Pitchall Stud Partnership Tom Cannon
21 Anna Bunina (FR) ts 4 10 8 John McConnell IRE Ms Caroline Ahearn Donal McInerney
22 Red Archangel (IRE) 4 10 8 Richard Spencer Phil Cunningham

Odds:
Minella Melody (5/2), Colreevy (5/1), Floressa (6/1), Dolcita (7/1), Concertista (8/1), Ard Abhainn (12/1), Yukon Lil (14/1), Emmas Joy (14/1), Getaway Totherock (20/1), Whitehotchillifili (20/1), Mount Ida (25/1), Vienna Court (25/1), Midnights’ Gift (25/1), Fort Worth Texas (25/1), La Feline (33/1), Rosie And Millie (33/1), Timetochill (50/1), Anna Bunina (50/1), Full Of Surprises (50/1), Rayna’s World (66/1), Rhythm Divine (66/1), Red Archangel (100/1)

Expert view from Charlie McCann:
Willie Mullins has saddled the winner of the Mares’ Novices event each year since its inception in 2016 courtesy of three odds on favourites and a 50/1 shot 12 months ago. The Irish handler has four of the 22-runner field this afternoon, but I have long been a big fan of Floressa (4.50) and hope she can give Britain their first winner of the race.

The each way recommendation did not get the run of the race behind the admirable Lady Buttons at Doncaster last time in a race that developed into something of a sprint. She is a fast, fluent jumper and at 6/1 I would be disappointed if she didn’t run a big race.

5.30pm Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Amateur Riders’ Handicap Chase 3m 2f 75y £70,000

The Kim Muir Amateur Riders’ Chase was introduced to the National Hunt Meeting in 1946. Recently leading amateur Jamie Codd has won four of the last nine runnings.

Confirmed Field:
1 Le Musee (FR) v 7 11 12 Nigel Hawke Mrs K Hawke, W Simms & Dragonfly Racing Mr Kieren Buckley (5)
2 Le Breuil (FR) 8 11 12 Ben Pauling Mrs Emma Palmer Mr J. J. Codd
3 Cabaret Queen 8 11 12 W. P. Mullins IRE Syndicates.Racing Mr M. J. O’Hare
4 The Young Master p 11 11 11 Neil Mulholland Mike Burbidge & The Old Masters Mr Sam Waley-Cohen
5 Flying Angel (IRE) v 9 11 11 Nigel Twiston-Davies Mr R. J. Rexton Mr Zac Baker
6 Deise Aba (IRE) 7 11 9 Philip Hobbs Mr Trevor Hemmings Mr William Biddick
7 Fitzhenry (IRE) bl 8 11 9 Paul Nolan IRE Mr John P. McManus Mr P. W. Mullins
8 Go Another One (IRE) ts 8 11 9 John McConnell IRE Ms Caroline Ahearn Mr J. C. Barry
9 The Kings Writ (IRE) 9 11 8 Kayley Woollacott Mr D Stevens & Mrs S Stevens Mr Joshua Newman (3)
10 Ami Desbois (FR) bl,ts 10 11 8 Graeme McPherson The Reserved Judgment Partnership Miss Lilly Pinchin (3)
11 Milan Native (IRE) ts 7 11 8 Gordon Elliott IRE Gigginstown House Stud Mr Robert James (7)
12 Bob Mahler (IRE) bl 8 11 7 Warren Greatrex Bolingbroke, Bunch, Howard & Sutton Mr N. McParlan
13 Militarian 10 11 7 Andrew Martin Mr Andrew J. Martin Mr James Martin (3)
14 Ardlethen (IRE) 7 11 7 Dan Skelton Mike and Eileen Newbould Miss Gina Andrews
15 Plan of Attack (IRE) p 7 11 7 Henry de Bromhead IRE Mr A. Halsall Mr Barry O’Neill
16 Fingerontheswitch (IRE) p 10 11 6 Neil Mulholland Cahill, Atwell & Crofts Miss Millie Wonnacott (5)
17 Like The Sound (FR) ts 9 11 5 Charlie Mann STG Racing Partnership Mr James King
18 Kilfilum Cross (IRE) p 9 11 5 Henry Oliver Andy Bell & Fergus Lyons Mr Alex Edwards
19 Champagne Platinum (IRE) p 6 11 5 Nicky Henderson Mr John P. McManus Mr Derek O’Connor
20 Thomas Patrick (IRE) p 8 11 4 Tom Lacey Mr David Kellett Mr Tommie M. O’Brien
21 Coup de Pinceau (FR) p 8 11 4 Paul Nicholls Mr Colm Donlon Mr Angus Cheleda (5)
22 Cloth Cap (IRE) 8 11 4 Jonjo O’Neill Mr Trevor Hemmings Mr Richard Deegan
23 Just A Sting (IRE) p 8 11 3 Harry Fry Nigel & Barbara Collison Mr Michael Legg
24 One Style (FR) 10 11 2 Venetia Williams Miss V. M. Williams Miss Lucy Turner (5)
R25 Another Venture (IRE) v 9 11 2 Kim Bailey Racing For Maggie’s Partnership Mr Liam Harrison (5)
R26 Just Your Type (IRE) p 8 11 1 Charlie Longsdon Mr Tyrone Hanlon Mr Jack Andrews (3)

Odds:
e Breuil (6/1), Champagne Platinum (7/1), Plan Of Attack (8/1), Milan Native (10/1), Kilfilum Cross (10/1), Deise Aba (10/1), Fitzhenry (10/1), Bob Mahler (16/1), Ardlethen (16/1), Cabaret Queen (16/1), Fingerontheswitch (20/1), Cloth Cap (20/1), The Young Master (20/1), Ami Desbois (25/1), Like The Sound (25/1), Thomas Patrick (25/1), Just A Sting (25/1), One Style (25/1), Flying Angel (25/1), Go Another One (25/1), The Kings Writ (25/1), Le Musee (33/1), Coup De Pinceau (33/1), Militarian (50/1)

Expert view from Charlie McCann:
Fingerontheswitch has done us a couple of favours in recent months but the Kim Muir is a stiff test of stamina and I remember Just A Sting not getting home in this corresponding race 12 months ago. The each way vote goes to Cloth Cap (5.30) who finished third in the Scottish National last spring and will be well served by the drying ground. At 25/1 he might be a shade overpriced for Jonjo O’Neill who can certainly get them ready for the big day.

Without that information I feel No Comment (5.30) can reward each way support for Philip Hobbs at 10/1 with BetVictor. Mark O’Hare didn’t have much luck aboard Chef des Obeaux in the NH Chase earlier in the week, but he is a talented pilot and I would be disappointed if he didn’t have a very good spin. Sky Pirate is another to consider in a another hugely competitive handicap.