A typically wide-open Showcase handicap with several leading contenders chasing a valuable prize for top honours. They include Hermes III who followed two victories over hurdles with an easy 16-length win in a handicap chase over this trip at Sandown in December. Nicky Henderson's charge was far from disgraced off a 10lb higher mark when placed behind Lady Cricket at Cheltenham next time and should confirm the placings with Hours who finished seventh, beaten a further 17 lengths. The son of Quart de Vin remains lightly raced over fences and should go well once again with the promise of further improvement to come while Risk Accessor and Red Striker both shaped well last time and merit consideration for place money but preference is for Europa. Tom Tate's gelding recorded back-to-back wins at Perth (novice)and Doncaster (handicap) over this trip before a strong finishing third over two miles on a return to Town Moor late last month. The step back in trip will suit and the son of Jupiter Island remains fairly treated so should go well once again with Jason Maguire in the saddle.
