Ch’tibello looks to hold outstanding claims here. Having prove himself a top class handicapper a couple of years ago he progressed into higher graded company acquitting himself very well against the likes of Yanworth, My Tent or Yours and The New One, so proper Grade 1 performers. He’s had his sights dropped this season, but has been racing on ground simply too quick, as he appreciates cut in the ground. As a result he didn’t run quite so well and was dropped some 10lbs by the handicapper. Returning to a softer surface last time, he ran an absolute belter just finding Midnight Shadow half a length to good when giving 2lbs. That winner then won a Grade 2 Hurdle next time, so Ch’tibello faced an impossible task that day, and they pulled 8 lengths clear of the rest of the field. Given a break since then, his form after a break is excellent and with the plenty of give in the ground he’s a seriously strong fancy.
Crooks Peak won with any amount in hand for us last time on his handicap debut and could be the joker in the pack, as we have no idea how good he could prove. This is another step up, but he looked a decent animal last time and looks to have an excellent chance and perhaps the only real danger to Ch’tibello who is a very confident bet, if you’re allowed to be so bullish in a 26 runner Cheltenham handicap.