THE feature race of the day, the Queen Mother Champion Chase, went into a state of flux at the beginning of the year when the re- routed Clarence House Chase saw both Edwardstone and to a larger degree ENERGUMENE (nb) eclipsed by Editeur Du Gite.

But a different day on different ground is sure to see a very different result and it is the current champion I think that holds all the aces. I suspect that Paul Townend won’t allow the winner from that January day boss proceedings out in front and in a faster-run race he will most probably take the bull by the horns and make this a proper test of stamina rather than speed at the trip. 

The soft ground should also play massively to the strengths of the horse that time forgot in the form of SPORTING JOHN in the Handicap Hurdle at 2.50. Those carrying a welter burden have a really good record in the this race and the Philip Hobbs-trained runner, although well beaten in the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster last time out, showed a lot more spark until backing out from the third last after running way too freely and had nothing more to give down the home stretch.

At around 50/1 and with enhanced places with most of the layers, he looks an interesting play. Against him, my alternatives would be Icare Allen (was taken out of the County for this and remains unexposed) and at a shorter price Good Risk At All. 

GERRI COLOMBE is my one “boring” tip of the day on the Broadway Novices’ Chase at 2.10. I love the way he picked up between the final two fences to readily see off the classy Balco Coastal at Sandown Park and he should have too much in the locker for the likes of Thyme Hill and the mare Galia Des Liteaux.

The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase at 4.50 has always been a race I like to have a novice on my side in and there are several in here that look attractive, including the prolific Final Order who may not have finished improving.

However, if there is a good pace on, as is nearly always the case in this race, I fancy that ELIXIR DU NUTZ can pick up the majority of his rivals up the final climb. His second in the Grade Two Game Spirit Chase advertised his claims here and he looks solid each-way value at a double figure price.

The Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle (1.30) looks a cracking renewal and as much as I want to see Hermes Allen break the Challow Hurdle hoodoo in this race I think that GOOD LAND (nap) could have his legs. Barry Connell’s charge beat the strong staying Absolute Notions over two and three quarter miles at the Dublin Racing Festival and this drop back in trip on a sharper track should prove perfect for the son of Blue Bresil.