The Peterborough Chase

Over recent years it's been a bit of a devil to know on which day of the week this two and a half mile chase will be run. I assume race organisers are pleased with the eleven lining up for tomorrow's renewal, as opposed to the two that lined up the year before (when the race was run on a Saturday). Many of this year's field have something to prove. On official handicap ratings confirmed stayer Snoopy Loopy is the top horse; ten years old, he has shown excellent improvement over recent weeks but the trip is likely to be too sharp. Alan King's My Way De Solzen would have a big chance if back to his best but he disappointed on a number of occasions last term for no apparent reason; on balance I'm not prepared to take the risk. Natal is a horse I've found difficult to catch right in the past although he warrants plenty of respect, especially at this trip. I'm siding with Monet's Garden. His seasonal debut at Aintree appeared below par but the very soft ground that day didn't help - if I remember correctly connections were toying with the idea of withdrawing. The better ground here will suit and I'm hoping the grey still retains all his ability.

Big guns getting ready for action

Over the past few days we've seen updates on the plans for a number of top drawer jumping horses.

Here's a swift compilation...

Kauto Star, favourite when falling in last year's two mile Champion Chase at Cheltenham, may return to action at Aintree this Sunday. He's entered in a two and a half mile chase; Paul Nicholls is convinced the horse will get three miles and is looking to enter him in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day. What is this horse's best distance?

Racing Demon and Monet's Garden, two of last season's top novice chasers, could clash at Carlisle a week on Sunday and Alan King's My Way De Solzen could meet Black Jack Ketchum at Wetherby in a week's time.

On top of that a number of seasoned chasers are being aimed at the Charlie Hall chase at Wetherby a week on Saturday, as you would expect.

We've got it all to look forward to.