Timeform take a look at the runners and give their expert tips for the Classic Chase at 3.40 Warwick on Saturday.
Hey Big Spender is a very smart chaser when keeping mistakes to minimum, putting it all together when landing Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle in November. However, jumping frailties resurfaced in Welsh National latest.
Blazing Bailey enjoyed a renaissance last season, winning twice. Failed to fire in 2 outings this term, but is now back to his latest winning mark and dangerous to dismiss for yard that won race last year.
Faasel is not straightforward but has plenty of ability and signed off last campaign with 2 runner-up efforts in Kim Muir and bet365 Gold Cup. First run since April but has gone well fresh.
Neptune Equester underlined his bottomless stamina when winning 3½m handicap at Haydock in November. Proved vulnerable dropped back to 25f at Wetherby last month, and a lot more at home over this trip. Shortlisted.
Hello Bud is a front runner who was going well when unseating at Canal Turn in attempt to win back-to-back Becher Chases. Sour display at Cheltenham since and appears best at Aintree these days.
Sona Sasta is lightly raced over fences but has 2 victories to his name and fine effort when runner-up to Le Beau Bai at Chepstow on return. Not at best in big-field Leopardstown handicap last time.
On Borrowed Wings is a useful winning hurdler/chaser on his day. Little encouragement in 2 runs back over hurdles for current yard this season and bit to prove at present.
Fortification made a good start for this yard when winning at Exeter in November before taking third in Southern National. Lifeless display at Kempton last time, but not out of this if bouncing back.
Fredo finally got it right over fences when winning 3-finisher maiden at Towcester (2¾m) in February. Best effort since when fifth at Ascot latest start, but others appear better treated.
Major Malarkey won twice last season following lengthy lay-off, at Chepstow and Newbury. Mistakes when fifth at Sandown on return but remains feasibly treated despite being 3 lb out of handicap.
Miko de Beauchene has a good record in staying contests for previous yard, but has shown form only once since joining Venetia Williams and offered little encouragement this season.
Bench Warrant is a useful performer on his day, but error-prone ways responsible for his poor strike-rate. Not discredited when fourth in Welsh National last time, but 5 lb out of the weights here.
Strongbows Legend's jumping was much improved when gaining pillar-to-post success under this rider at Hereford (25f) last month. Still close up when falling tenth at Plumpton last time and not out of this.
Morning Moment is lightly raced, but won twice this season and just caught close home by Neptune Equester at Haydock in November. Showed little zest at Doncaster last time and tough task from 8 lb out of weights.
Timeform 1-2-3
1. Neptune Equester
2. Faasel
3. Blazing Bailey
Timeform View: The presence of Hey Big Spender leaves a number out of the handicap, but means that Neptune Equester has a tempting weight and he is fancied to take advantage. The returning Faasel has the ability to run well fresh and is considered along with Blazing Bailey who has dropped to a good mark.
