JORDANS CROSS could have a shade more progress to come over fences, following a comfortable Aintree success over two miles on reappearance.

The Berkshire gelding was running on chase debut that day, and warmed to his jumping task – asserting in the closing stages. The rise in distance ought to help and he brings a thoroughly unexposed profile to the race. His trainer arrives in solid form, which boosts confidence. 

If point-to-point winner, BUD FOX, replicates his impressive Punchestown festival bumper success, then he is firmly the one to beat. He dispatched a large field with ease that day, beating Celestial Tune by 4.75 lengths, and that form has been boosted highly since.

Celestial Tune won the flat race on yesterday’s card, and the selection is likely to have too much speed for his rivals, for a notable trainer/jockey combination.

If there is a runner in this handicap chase who may have been let in lightly by the handicapper, it is surely KIM ROQUE. He is a dual hurdle and a chase winner in France, and races from an opening handicap mark of 122, debuting for Joseph O’Brien.

The half-brother to a trio of French jumping winners could build on a fine second in Listed Company last time, and has winning form on soft ground. 

This handicap chase over two miles is tricky to decipher, considering there are multiple potential improvers. TORNEO is certainly one of those, having finished a fine runner-up on seasonal bow at Wetherby.

The Toronado gelding was progressive last term and has winning form on soft ground. He may be able to rank higher over fences after eight chase starts. His trainer arrives in excellent form and I’m hoping for a positive performance. 

I’m confident that the completely unexposed, and lightly raced, TANGANYIKA, can run a huge race on seasonal debut. The Venetia Williams-trained Martaline gelding has two wins from five chase starts to his name – with a fine second in the Midlands National over the marathon 4m2f journey. 

He has scored three times on heavy ground, so ought to relish this test, and is receiving heaps of weight from his more experienced rivals. 

MIRABAD has caught my eye for the potent Skelton team, who won this prestigious race in 2021. The new recruit had a fine 3-8 record for his previous yard, which included an impressive 2m1f success at this venue.

With the potential of further improvement, it would be sensible to suggest he will go close after a wind operation. I expect the son of Gleneagles to be well supported in the market.