The prestigious three-mile handicap chase, the highlight of Kempton's Saturday card, has seen its seventh sponsor since the Racing Post withdrew in 2012.
Despite its name changing almost yearly, it remains a crucial event leading up to the major handicaps at both the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals. The latest edition promises fierce competition with a dozen runners set to compete, all priced between 11-2 and 20-1 as of Friday afternoon.
Flegmatik, with a winning streak at this track, shares favouritism with Blackjack Magic and Forward Plan from Anthony Honeyball's stable. Blackjack Magic, though impressive in recent starts, has faltered with jumping errors late in the race. While Sam Twiston-Davies takes the reins on Saturday, concerns linger over this recurring issue.
In the last outing, Flegmatik triumphed in a lesser field but now faces a career-high mark. Forward Plan, with Ben Godfrey's 3lb claim, appears a promising choice. Coming close to victory last time, the eight-year-old has room for improvement, making him a contender in just his ninth fences start.
At Kempton 1.15, Sea Invasion's impressive fourth-place finish in a tough novice race on Boxing Day suggests a competitive debut in handicaps. Meanwhile, at Newcastle 1.38, Patrick Wadge eyes a hat-trick with Netywell's rising form.
Looking ahead, Captain Marvellous, a standout winner in November, could defy the odds at around 8-1 in the upcoming major juvenile hurdle. At Newcastle 2.08, Anglers Crag aims for a fourth consecutive win under Brian Ellison's guidance. Kempton's 2.27 race sees Arclight's unbeaten record tested against market leaders who underwhelmed last time out.
Clarendon House, a Meydan Group Two runner-up, is a strong contender at Southwell 2.45. Panjari, showing promise with cheekpieces, may offer value at 6-1 for Paul Nicholls in the Kempton 3.00 race. Lastly, defending champion Lord North holds the quality to excel in the Winter Derby at Southwell 3.20 despite the new track conditions.