Beau fits in that category and rates the best value bet in this field. The pattern of his form shows he improves at this time of year and, given his unsuitability for Kempton, his King George fourth was encouraging. He showed a clear affinity for Cheltenham on his two most recent outings here and can now start to build his Gold Cup case.
Kempton is tailor-made to expose Go Ballistic's flaws, but he showed he's no back number with a hurdles win here in December. Expect a better effort than in the King George but he's still essentially held. Don't discount last year's Royal & SunAlliance hero yet - Lord Noelie needs fast ground to show his best.
Up at Town Moor, Ad Hoc is ante-post favourite for the Pertemps Great Yorkshire Chase, despite the fact he's fallen on his last two runs. His reputation was first forged when beating useful types in a good Ayr novice last season and he was full of running when falling in the Hennessy. This youngster must go close if staying on his feet.
Gingembre put in a rare completion when second to King's Road in the Hennessy and, on the winner's earlier Wincanton form, may have a bit to find on Ad Hoc at these weights. But he's twice his odds and boasts the ideal blend of speed and stamina needed.
A flood of money in recent days for hat-trick seeking King On The Run was the snowball effect from a tipping line with proven links with trainer Venetia Williams' yard. This gelding is the least proven of her trio of entries, but novice Crocadee's confidence won't be high after two mishaps and Royale de Vassy may lack pace.
King On The Run is yet to win beyond 2m 6f 110yds and races from an 11lb higher mark than last time, but can't be discarded given his trainer's strike rate. Yet compared with joint top-weight Mulligan, who wasn't disgraced in high-class company last season, the latter is way over-priced.
Alan King's charge was a good second to Star Traveller last term from a 7lb higher mark than here. He's won at this track from only a 1lb higher rating and possesses that vital blend of pace and staying power. A prep-race at Wetherby 15 days ago puts him spot on for this and he relishes a sound surface. Great value at each-way odds.
Goguenard ran well enough last time in a muddy Haydock slog to threaten here, but his conqueror Noble Lord may find this a bit too pacey. The same goes for Celtic Giant, Bank Avenue, Brother Of Iris and Kingsmark.
Dark Stranger and Bosuns Mate are respected. The former is only 6lb higher than his Cheltenham Festival win and he loves good ground, but may not stay. The latter has struggled this term, but was a decent novice and Nigel Twiston-Davies has a fine record in this race.
Selections - Pillar Chase: 1, Beau; 2, Cyfor Malta; 3, See More Business; Great Yorkshire Chase: 1, Mulligan; 2, Gingembre; 3, Ad Hoc ; 4, Goguenard.
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