De La Bech (12:45) is a sound jumper who showed a willing attitude to score last time, and he remains unexposed as a chaser with the step up to 3¼m expected to suit. Mendip Express is another open to progress, but his opening mark demands more, and Alfie Spinner may prove a bigger stumbling block, particularly as he will ensure the selection is unable to gain an uncontested lead. The selection had his form boosted in no uncertain terms in the Welsh National with Mountainous and Hawkes Point, who De La Bech beat last time, finishing first and second respectively in that event, and he appeals very much as the type to be suited by the emphasis on stamina here.
Scots Gaelic (14:05) caught the eye at Musselburgh and gets the vote to return to winning ways with Jamie Moore doing the steering this time. There are plenty of dangers, headed by Daliance and Brass Monkey, but Scots Gaelic, who won over hurdles and on the Flat in Ireland in 2012, caught the eye under a 7 lb conditional rider at Musselburgh last time having been poorly placed, and is of major interest off a favourable mark with a fully-fledged rider in the saddle.
Double Ross (14:30) is building up a good record at this venue, having more in hand than the winning margin suggests when landing a valuable prize over C&D in December, and he has sound prospects of shrugging aside a 7 lb rise. Ackertac, Pickamus and Cedre Bleu also have to come under consideration but Double Ross took another step forward in this sphere when landing valuable Stewart Family Thank You Gold Cup in December and commands respect again, despite subsequent 7 lb rise.
Timeform UK SmartPlays:
Back De Le Bech @ 5.85/1 in the 12:45 at Cheltenham
Back Scots Gaelic @ 4.03/1 in the 14:05 at Fakenham
Back Double Ross @ 3.02/1 in the 14:30 at Cheltenham
