Betfair Chase: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

1. Ballyoptic (Nigel Twiston-Davies/Sam Twiston-Davies)
Thorough stayer who made winning reappearance in handicap at Chepstow, before producing career best to follow up in Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby (by three and three quarters from Elegant Escape) last time, responding well to pull clear after the last. Clearly thriving at present but needs to improve again now back up in grade.

2. Bristol de Mai (Nigel Twiston-Davies/Daryl Jacob)
Top-class chaser who is 4/4 at this venue, including last two renewals of this race. Proved himself away from the mud when winning by four lengths from Native River here in 2018/19 and wasn't disgraced in three subsequent starts that season, notably finishing six and a quarter lengths third to Al Boum Photo in Gold Cup at Cheltenham. Goes well when fresh and formidable record at Haydock entitles him to utmost respect in his hat-trick bid.

3. Frodon (Paul Nicholls/Bryony Frost)
Superb jumper who won Old Roan Chase at Aintree before his hat-trick at Cheltenham in 2018/19, namely Caspian Caviar Gold Cup, Cotswold Chase and Ryanair Chase (by one and a quarter lengths from Aso). Shaped as if better for run after eight months off when well-held third behind Forest Bihan in latest renewal of Old Roan Chase last time, also not helped by reduced jumping test (bypassed all fences in home straight due to low sun). Should be closer to form here and looks sure to give good account for yard that has won this race six times since 2006.

4. Lostintranslation (Colin Tizzard/Robbie Power)
Developed into high-class novice last season, winning Dipper Novices' Chase at Cheltenham (by one and a quarter lengths from Defi du Seuil) and Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree (impressively, by six lengths from Topofthegame). Looked at least as good as ever when making winning reappearance in intermediate chase at Carlisle (by two and a quarter lengths from Count Meribel), jumping superbly to make all. Remains with potential now stepping into open Grade 1 company for first time.