'We hope he's still a Gold Cup horse' - Rowland Meyrick insight and key quotes

William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase | 3m | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

Into Overdrive started the season as perhaps the most exciting prospect ever to emerge from Mark Walford's underrated North Yorkshire yard. In two runs this year he has only advanced his peak Racing Post Rating by 1lb, but he has enhanced his reputation considerably and the Rowland Meyrick has always chimed as just the right big-race target.

For Into Overdrive to win a premier handicap at this track over 2m3½f, as he did at the Charlie Hall meeting, underlined his promise as a stayer. He then met with his first defeat since February in Newcastle's Rehearsal Chase, but was beaten only by L'Homme Presse, who is likely to go off favourite for the King George.

There are no Gold Cup horses in opposition this time, although other market principals like Shan Blue and Chantry House might have been considered as such at one point and it is pretty remarkable to note that Into Overdrive, racing off a mark of 142, is the bottom weight in this year's Rowland Meyrick.

Shan Blue in particular has unfinished business at Wetherby, having come a cropper when miles clear three out in last year's Charlie Hall, although subsequent events suggest that run might not be all it was shaping up to be. He is ridden more patiently now, but there is still likely to be ample pace here.

Into Overdrive leads in smaller fields, but here Jamie Hamilton may be happy to sit behind Top Ville Ben and Aye Right, who are more committed front-runners.

While those two are justifiably regarded as relative outsiders in a red-hot Rowland Meyrick, no one would be advised to let them get too far ahead. Top Ville Ben won this race off a 10lb higher mark in 2019, while Aye Right chased home Chantry House in the Cotswold Chase in January and is on 7lb better terms now once rider Edward Austin's 5lb claim is factored in.
Analysis by Keith Melrose

Hoping for a Blue Christmas

There are two staples of Christmas for Dan Skelton: building Lego with daughter Florence on the day then having a crack at the Rowland Meyrick Chase 24 hours later.

His wife Grace revealed the leading trainer's skill with plastic bricks, which "suit the way his brain works", in the Racing Post last week.

The same feature quoted the man himself as saying Shan Blue "will be a big player" in this William Hill-backed showpiece – which is pretty much what he believes in the race every year.

Skelton won the Rowland Meyrick with Get On The Yager in 2017 and has had a series of near-misses since, none more frustrating than when huge fancy Debece had to be scratched with pulled muscles last year.

Yet that was not half as frustrating as Shan Blue's previous visit to Wetherby. He was running away with the Charlie Hall Chase, 20 lengths clear and not for catching, when falling three out in October last year.

Long walk home: Harry leads Shan Blue back to the stables after his crashing fall at Wetherby

Long walk home: Harry Skelton leads Shan Blue back to the stables after his crashing fall in the Charlie Hall Chase at WetherbyCredit: Edward Whitaker

He was denied a chance at redemption in this season's race owing to a bruised foot, but is reported in fine health for this return, and Skelton said: "We've wanted to come to his race for a while.

"He's in great form and it will be nice to get him back on the track. It's a while since we've had a clear run at things. He goes well fresh and we're ready to roll."

What they say

Venetia Williams, trainer of Fanion D'Estruval
In the Coral Gold Cup he got out of his ground before making late progress. Lucy Turner has ridden him well before and she'll be taking a few pounds off which is always a help.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Chantry House
When he was a Grade 1 winner as a novice we thought he was going to be a Gold Cup horse. I hope he still is, but he needs to earn his right to go there again.

Ruth Jefferson, trainer of Sounds Russian
It's competitive but I hope he's up to it. He's progressive and consistent, his jumping has improved and he runs to the line.

Harriet Graham, joint-trainer of Aye Right
It will be tough for him, but he's really well, he's bouncing and fresh as ever.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Sporting John and Zanza
Sporting John has schooled well at home and should have a good chance. Zanza would also have a chance but has gone up in the weights since he won at Newbury.

Mark Walford, trainer of Into Overdrive
I was delighted with him in the Rehearsal Chase and if he runs to that form he should be bang there. He was put up 4lb, which was fair, he's come out of it well and I'm really happy with him.
Reporting by David Carr

Big-race previews:

12.45 Kempton: Champ v Paisley Park again: who comes out on top in a match of familiar foes?

1.10 Leopardstown: Triumph favourite Lossiemouth set for true test - but Paul Townend is unsure

1.20 Kempton: Nicholls pair McFabulous and Gelino Bello clash - but does Skelton hold the ace?

1.55 Kempton: Henderson on Constitution Hill: 'I'm buzzed up - but also desperately nervous'

2.20 Leopardstown: 'This has been the plan' - can classy Fil Dor bolster Arkle claims for Elliott?

2.30 Kempton: 'We haven't seen the best of him yet' - key trainer quotes for the King George

2.40 Limerick: 'He's done everything right' - Elliott and Mullins duel in Faugheen Novice Chas