This £85,000, two-and-three-quarter-mile chase has attracted a strong field of eight this year, with at least half of the runners expected to be at the sharp end from the start.
That should ensure a really good test at the Berkshire track and tow last year's runner-up into the race as they make their final turn for home.
The 10-year-old charge was only beaten a shade over two lengths in the 2024 renewal by the subsequent Gold Cup fourth L'Homme Presse.
And if Harry Skelton bides his time, I fancy he can put his stamp on the race between the final two obstacles.
For me, the ground will be too much on the tacky side for the enigmatic Ahoy Senor, so the biggest danger could come from the Irish raider Journey With Me.
This story is from the January 19, 2025 edition of Daily Star Sunday.
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This story is from the January 19, 2025 edition of Daily Star Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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