SAM HARDY

1. Envoi Allen 2. Sporting John 3. Hitman

Irish trainers have won eight of the ten runnings of this Grade 1 and the unbeaten Envoi Allen is bidding to make it a hat-trick at the festival. I see no reason to back against him this year. He has started his three chases as a long odds-on shot and has won each with ease. The best chance of a win from a British-trained horse looks to be Chantry House, who was impressive last time out when winning a novice chase at Wetherby.