Timeform provide expert tips and a runner-by-runner guide to Saturday's feature contest at Cheltenham, the Spinal Research The Atlantic 4 Gold Cup.
Woolcombe Folly confirmed himself a high-class 2m chaser last term. Turned in a laboured performance behind Gauvain here last time, but cheekpieces may well perk him up now going beyond 19f for first time.
Great Endeavour has given connections some major success at Cheltenham with wins in the Byrne Group Plate (2010) and PP Gold Cup. Fine effort before stamina gave away in the Hennessy, but up another 6 lb.
Medermit was one of last season's leading novice chasers. Successful, if perhaps fortunate, return in Haldon Gold Cup, but jumping let him down behind Master Minded at Ascot. More needed to land this.
Roberto Goldback landed 3m listed chase at Cork in April and might have followed up but for unseating at the last in Grade 1 at Punchestown. Should come on for last month's return for new yard on this handicap debut.
Ghizao twice conquered Arkle winner Captain Chris last season, but jumping let him down since, admittedly not given hard time in Haldon on return. Tongue tie he wore then left off and unproven over 21f.
I'msingingtheblues ended losing run when beating subsequent winner Rileyev in 17f Ascot handicap last month, held up off strong pace. Never a threat in last week's Tingle Creek and up against it from this mark.
Calgary Bay is winless since routing good handicap field at Doncaster 2 years ago. Jumping starting to let him down and never dangerous in PP Gold Cup last month. 1st preference Doncaster 3.20.
Tatenen was a ready winner of Ascot handicap off 8 lb lower mark last season for new yard. Put in his place in valuable events after, though, and record here since his win as a novice doesn't inspire confidence.
Quantitativeeasing is a dual novice chase winner who has improved in handicaps, chasing home Divers at the Festival and rallying well behind Great Endeavour in the PP Gold Cup. Not fully exposed.
Roudoudou Ville is a progressive chaser who returned with impressive effort to win 2½m Sandown handicap, asserting readily. Well worth his place in this more competitive affair.
Finger Onthe Pulse is an inconsistent chaser who won 2½m Listowel minor event in September. Put in his place in PP Gold Cup, though, and these handicaps probably just beyond him these days.
Divers made further improvement when winning 2½m Centenary Novices' Handicap at the Festival from Quantitativeeasing and fine effort from unpromising position behind that rival in PP Gold Cup. Respected.
Sunnyhillboy finished third in this last season and unlucky not to win Irish National after. Eye-catching effort behind Dynaste over Fixed Brush hurdles on last month's reappearance and leading claims.
Matuhi made immediate gains for David Pipe last season, starting and ending it with victory in handicap chases around 2½m. Was going well until falling at the last in Galway Plate when last seen in July.
Nomecheki is a useful handicap chaser who usually comes up short at this level. Pulled up over National fences last weekend and poor record at this track makes it easy to look elsewhere.
Salut Flo made a fine start for new yard in 2009/10, winning 19f Doncaster handicap chase impressively. Good second at Haydock next time before missing last season with leg injury. Very interesting.
Mad Moose was successful twice over fences this summer. Respectable efforts since, not given hard time behind Bobs Worth latest start, but looks up against it back in handicap this competitive.
Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Sunnyhillboy
2. Quantitativeeasing
3. Salut Flo
Timeform Verdict: The first 3 in the PP Gold Cup, Great Endeavour, Quantitativeeasing and Divers lock horns again and shouldn't be far away, but last year's third Sunnyhillboy is reunited with A. P. McCoy after an eyecatching effort over hurdles on his return and looks the one to be with. Salut Flo would be interesting if attracting support returning from a long absence.
