'He's a strong favourite and we're looking forward to it' - Nicky Richards eyes Champion Chase prize

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Lucinda Russell landed this contest last season with Corrigeen Rock and the son of Westerner is back for another crack off a 3lb higher mark.

His two highest RPRs have come over course and distance but, he will need to jump a lot better than his effort on New Year’s Day when eventually pulled up after a round of errors.

Russell probably has stronger claims with Traprain Law, who may appreciate a return to further. Drying ground would be the main concern with him having produced his best form on soft or heavy.

Arizona Cardinal was flying high with a hat-trick of wins at the end of last season, culminating in a Topham success, but he arrives on the back of two low-key efforts this term and is another who might have wanted more rain.

Topweight Minella Drama is an in-and-out performer, but he may have found the soft ground at Haydock too demanding last time. He really took to this venue when making all in a course-and-distance handicap chase at the beginning of 2023 and will be a threat to all if he gets into a rhythm on the front end, as seen when landing the Old Roan on decent ground on his seasonal return.

Another who will be looking to get out in front is Saint Segal, who seemed to really appreciate a switch to front-running at Newbury in December. Jane Williams’ seven-year-old has untapped potential over this trip and warrants respect despite an 8lb hike.

The Kalooki Kid heads the market and it is easy to see why after making easy work of a nice prospect at Doncaster on his second start over fences. A 7lb rise looks lenient and he is entirely unexposed.
Analysis by Phill Anderson

What they say

Graeme McPherson, joint-trainer of Marble Sands
We have had this race in mind for him ever since he won at the meeting last year and his two runs at Newcastle and Cheltenham of late have been of a high order. He likes a flat track and nice ground and goes there with a strong chance.

Lucinda Russell, trainer of Corrigeen Rock and Traprain Law
Corrigeen Rock won the race last year and we’ve had a return mission on our minds ever since although he’s not been the same this year having come back lame on that occasion. We could step him up in trip later on. Traprain Law has run well in some high-class races of late and this trip should suit although he would prefer soft ground.

Stuart Edmunds, trainer of Arizona Cardinal
He goes up there in good form but the track and the trip may be a bit sharp for him, but it was either this or three miles on soft ground around Sandown. Whatever happens, all roads lead to the Topham Chase.

Harry Derham, trainer of Fidelio Vallis, Sir Psycho and Kansas City Star
This has been the plan all along with Fidelio Vallis, although he might want a bit further and it is nice that Alice Stevens is back to ride him as she has been poorly lately. Sir Psycho ran well at Ffos Las last time although he may be in the grip of the handicapper, whilst Bryan Drew [owner] has been extremely sporting with Kansas City Star, who could run a big one if he decides to turn up.

Nicky Richards, trainer of The Kalooki Kid
He's a strong favourite, but he did it well at Doncaster. He's in grand order and has got a good racing weight. He's a young horse and hopefully the good days are still in front of him. We're looking forward to it.
Reporting by David Milnes

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