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Nigel Twiston-Davies believes Blaklion is capable of defying top weight in the 188Bet Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby on Boxing Day.
The seven-year-old got the better of the reopposing Definitly Red and subsequent Hennessy Gold Cup hero Native River when winning the Towton Novices' Chase over this course and distance in February.
He made a creditable return to action at the West Yorkshire circuit when fourth in the Charlie Hall Chase in October before finishing fifth - beaten less than eight lengths by Native River - in the Hennessy at Newbury a month ago.
Twiston-Davies said: "]Blaklion has been fine since Newbury and goes to Wetherby in good shape.
"He nearly won at Newbury and ran a great race. He has top weight but surely this race won't be quite as hot as the Hennessy.
"We know he runs well at Wetherby and he must have a very good chance."
The Brian Ellison-trained Definitly Red made a successful start to his campaign over hurdles at Carlisle before finishing second in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle.
Other contenders in a 10-strong field include Charlie Mann's Seventh Sky and last week's Haydock winner Yala Enki, trained by Venetia Williams.