⭐ Main Contenders

Ask Brewster

Won the Kim Muir on latest start and already proven over 3m4f. All chase wins have come on good or good to firm, but remains a major player with strong staying credentials.

Isaac Des Obeaux

Bolted up in the Midlands National over 4m2f last time on soft ground, winning by 8 lengths. Up 7lb but remains a serious staying force.

King Of Answers

Runner-up in the NH Chase at Cheltenham and shapes like a natural stayer. Jumping can be sticky but he has strong claims over marathon trips.

Promontory

Scooted clear over 3m4f at Leopardstown last time and looks a rising force. Trip is ideal and profile suggests further improvement is likely.

Quebecois

Close third in the Ultima at Cheltenham over 3m1f where he stayed on strongly. Raised 5lb but remains firmly in the mix on stamina evidence.

Montregard

Progressive type who looks well handicapped if proving stamina for this extended trip. Could be better than current mark suggests.

⚠️ Next Best / Dangers

Blaze The Way

Won well at Cheltenham over an extended 3m2f in December and now tries first-time headgear. Could improve for the step up in trip.

Chasingouttheblues

Consistent in 3m handicaps this season and shaped like a strong stayer. This major test of stamina looks ideal.

Kap Vert

2-4 over fences and remains capable of better. Ran respectably on soft ground and staying further is a possibility.

Maximilian

Shaped like he stayed when third over 3m4f at Haydock last time. Wind operation since and could improve again.

Our Power

Third in this race last year off a 6lb higher mark. Not in top form this season but well treated if bouncing back.

Road To Home

Went close in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham but is up 6lb and has more to prove on softer ground.

Kim Roque

Stayed on well to finish fourth in the 23-runner Kim Muir. Entitled to respect but needs another step forward.

❌ Outsiders / Weak Profiles

Collectors Item

Too inconsistent in major long-distance handicaps to be strongly fancied in a race of this depth.

Famous Bridge

Placed in the Grand National Trial last year but has disappointed more recently and needs to rediscover form.

Gabbys Cross

No win since 2022 and difficult to recommend in this much stronger staying contest.

Herakles Westwood

Faded badly in the Kim Muir after wind surgery and needs to bounce back significantly.

Katate Dori

Untested beyond 3m2f and others look more convincing on pure stamina evidence.

Magna Sam

Dual Edinburgh National winner but has not been at his best and looks vulnerable at this level.

Stolen Silver

Appears to have lost his edge and stamina beyond 3m is still unproven at this stage.

📊 Race Summary

• Extreme stamina test with National and Kim Muir form strongly represented
• Proven 3m4f+ performers hold a major advantage
• Soft-ground stayers and Cheltenham form lines are key indicators
• Several arrive with questions over stamina or current form

Best Profile: Proven marathon stayers with recent strong handicap form over 3m4f+

🏁 Final Verdict

1st Choice: Ask Brewster

Main Danger: Isaac Des Obeaux

Value Angle: Montregard

Preference is for proven marathon form and recent handicap winners, with Ask Brewster narrowly selected on proven stamina and consistency at this trip.