Cross Country Chase

The fifth race, this is a full 3m 7f run out. Only the strongest survive this one.

Trends

- 7 of the last 11 winners have been aged 10 or more

- Its more than possible to win with top weight in this one, so look for the quality horses regardless of the penalties applied.

- Enda Bolga has won this race four times in 11 years.

- The Irish have won this one 11 out of 13 times in recent years.

- 16 out of 20 came from the Top 3 in the betting

- 7 of the last 13 winners ran in the December Cross Country race here.

Our Picks

Had this been going on truly heavy ground, Tiger Roll would probably have had to be discounted, but on soft, I think I'm willing to give him a go. He's a previous winner of the Triumph Hurdle, and comes here having ran in the Cross Country race here in December. He stumbled along in that one and ran out well behind the leaders, but he was looking good until then, and has the stamina to last the close on four miles needed to win this one.

Another contender could be Cantlow who has experience over tougher conditions than this, and won't have his natural pace upset by the conditions. He won on heavy ground last time out, and has decent cross country form, including finishing 3rd in last years renewal at 9/4. At 20/1 this year there is probably just enough juice to give him one last swansong, especially under the training of race specialist Edna Bolger.

Finally try The Last Samuri who is probably the most consistent performer in thsi sort of company, and has placed in all eight of his starts on soft ground, winning five of them. He has plenty of speed in him and looks a natural fit to come out and win this one.

1pt e/w Tiger Roll at 11/2 with Sky Bet (paying four places)

1pt e/w Cantlow at 22/1 with Sky Bet (paying four places)

1pt e/w The Last Samuri at 13/2 with Bet365

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