Rachael Blackmore bids to add another major National Hunt prize to her record a week after amazing fans at Cheltenham.
The Grand National-winning rider teams up the Betfair Chase favourite A Plus Tard at Haydock on Saturday.
Her partnership with the 2021 Gold Cup second is renewed following her incredible effort at the big race venue.
Blackmore miraculously stayed aboard Gin On Lime after the horse fell in a 2m4f novices' chase – and the pair went on to win.
Sole rival My Drogo came down at the same fence up the home straight, where the winner came to a standstill.
Blackmore encouraged Gin On Lime to get going again and they cleared the fence for victory.
Back in March, the reigning Cheltenham Festival top jockey partnered A Plus Tard when he found stablemate Minella Indo too good in the meeting's feature contest.
At the weekend, they face seven rivals including Bristol De Mai, who aims to equal the record of the mighty Kauto Star by winning a fourth renewal.
The champion jumps trainer saddles Next Destination as he chases a record-extending seventh victory.
"He's a high-class horse, he's got good form," Nicholls said.
"Kauto Star was a one-off, I'd describe him more as a Silviniaco Conti, an out-and-out stayer who gallops forever.
"Saturday's race will tell us a lot more about where we go afterwards. Hopefully he'll run well on Saturday and we can consider an entry for the Gold Cup."
Runner guide for the 2021 Betfair Chase
A PLUS TARD - The best of these on ratings, fresh from a season where he really made his mark at staying trips. Saw it out well at Cheltenham in the Gold Cup, a place ahead of dual winner Al Boum Photo (Royale Pagaille sixth). Conditions should be similar to that day and there could be even more to come as he's only seven. Hard to fault.
BRISTOL DE MAI – Has made this race pretty much his own in recent seasons, winning in 2017, 2018 and 2020. Connections seem confident he will go very well again under Daryl Jacob. Best fresh, his stable is picking up the pace and although better known as a mudlover, he did win this on good ground three years ago.
CHATHAM STREET LAD – Another Irish raider trained by Mick Winters, who lightened up Cheltenham with his actions in the winners' enclosure last season. Officially a 151-horse, that gives him lots to find with the principals, however he may run better than his odds if this becomes tactical.
CLONDAW CASTLE – Unexposed over three miles plus and will love the ground. However yard has not really fired yet this term and must do significantly better than his third to Fusil Raffles in the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase, a rung lower than this assignment.
IMPERIAL AURA – One of Kim Bailey's best horses in recent years, taking the same Cheltenham Festival race A Plus Tard did in 2020. Some racing fans were left disappointed when it was shelved to make way for a mares' chase. Imperial Aura has often started the season brightly – and if he can resume progress after wind surgery, he's not out of this by any means. Can unlock further improvement at three miles too, whether it's here or later in the season.
NEXT DESTINATION – Resumed at a decent level following a 920-day break, which is to his credit. A Grade 1-winner for Willie Mullins, he will try and raise his form up a notch for current connections. Stamina is assured for the nine-year-old, who may find some of these having more pace for win purposes.
ROYALE PAGAILLE - Back from an unusual foot injury he sustained in the Gold Cup. His team were hoping for three miles, soft ground, and a small field to give him every chance. Two of those boxes are ticked but he would appreciate rain. He made a lasting impression at this track on heavy . A thorough stayer with a high cruising speed.
WAITING PATIENTLY – Promised much for Ruth Jefferson's stable, with some excellent placed efforts. including a second in the 2020 King George. Given plenty to do that day so emerged with lots of credit. finishing ahead of previous race winner Clan Des Obeaux. Now starts out for the shrewd Christian Williams outfit, where many horses benefit from a change of scenery. Capable of a bold show.
VERDICT: It all points to A PLUS TARD on seasonal debut. The class horse in the race travels over from Henry de Bromhead's stable for this Grade 1 and he is fancied to provide Rachael Blackmore with another significant success. He holds all the aces for however this pans out, with proven speed if they go steady as well as stamina to finish off a true gallop. Bristol De Mai is sure to bring his best, while Waiting Patiently has back form to figure.
Big race odds with Grosvenor Sport
6-4* A Plus Tard, 3-1 Bristol De Mai, 13-2 Next Destination, Waiting Patiently, 7-1 Royale Pagaille, 9-1 Imperial Aura, 33-1 Clondaw Castle, 40-1 Chatham Street Lad
*Odds correct at time of publication, subject to change
