Bet365 Gold Cup: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

Willie Mullins can strike at Sandown with Away We Go

Timeform provide you with a runner-by-runner guide to the day's feature handicap chase, the Bet365 Gold Cup...

Michel le Bon has been lightly raced for one his age but looked as good as ever when winning veterans' chase in first-time blinkers at Newbury 8 weeks ago. Unpredictable, however, and 9 lb rise looks a bit harsh.

Hadrian's Approach is a smart novice chaser who has ran well in defeat since winning on chase debut, placed in the Feltham at Kempton and RSA at Cheltenham last 2 starts. Jumping will be tested around here, though.

Balthazar King is a front runner who has done well over the Cross Country fences in recent times. Drying ground in his favour and ran well for long way in Grand National. Claims if this doesn't come too soon.

Hold on Julio had a good season over fences last term, winning twice around here. Has basically underachieved this campaign, however, his jumping and attitude both looking concerns last time.

Same Difference is a novice who has taken well to fences this term, showing himself well served by the demands of a big-field handicap when landing Kim Muir at the Festival (visored) last time. Will stay.

Well Refreshed has been a revelation in first season over fences, landing all 4 of his completed starts in the mud, including Grade 3 handicap at Haydock latest. Drying ground a bit of a concern but still much respected.

Duke of Lucca won 3 times over fences last season. Even better when placed in good handicaps this term. Disappointed at Aintree last time, however, and others look better handicapped.

Galaxy Rock's last win came at Cheltenham in November 2011, and good second to Balthazar King in October. Failed to complete last twice and hard to predict.

Muirhead is a hold-up performer who had to work hard to land the odds in minor chase at Galway in September. Better form in defeat since, respectable sixth in Irish National last time.

On Trend has improved since stamina has been drawn out in handicaps, scoring here (3m) in February. Let down by jumping in Kim Muir recently, though, and needs to find more to defy current mark.

The Rainbow Hunter was successful in 3m handicap chases at Southwell and Ascot earlier this season but never been the most fluent of jumpers and stamina to prove. Unseated on first circuit in Grand National last time.

Mr Moss took another step forward when registering his second chase win at Stratford (23f) 11 months ago. Ran well when second at Doncaster last time and arrives fresher than most. Can make mistakes.

Saint Are has a good record at Aintree but found the Kim Muir and Grand National too competitive on last 2 starts, and similar scenario awaits.

Dover's Hill made all in 3m handicap here before going well for a long way in this event on soft ground last year. Not seen since but drying ground in his favour.

Becauseicouldn'tsee is a thorough stayer, but has just 2010 maiden chase win to his name and often fails to complete nowadays. Others preferred.

Tatenen's last 2 wins have come over 21f at Ascot. Has had a low-key campaign and fallen in the weights but stamina a big concern and took a heavy fall in the Grand National last time.

Ikorodu Road has been as good as ever this term, often running well in defeat, but run of form cam to an end last time and likely to find a few too good again.

Quentin Collonges has often been let down by jumping but back to his very best in first-time tongue tie when making all to beat Mr Moss at Doncaster 8 weeks ago. More required from 8 lb higher but needs considering.

Away We Go was better than ever when winning handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse in February before excellent -length second in Irish National on first start over fences for this yard. Makes plenty of appeal. 

There's No Panic won a brace of 6-runner novice chases in October and placed in couple of handicaps here earlier this year. Latest run can be forgiven and likely to stay this far, so holds each-way claims. Tongue tied.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Away We Go
2. Well Refreshed
3. Quentin Collonges

Timeform View: A typically competitive renewal of the final big National Hunt race of the season. Well Refreshed has proved a revelation this term and looks likely to run a huge race, but preference is for Irish raider Away We Go, who went close in the Irish National last time and is proven on this type of ground. Quentin Collonges and There's No Panic are others to consider.

Get open access to Timeform data for just 2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!