Nicholas Chauvin has been beaten in four handicaps since landing a novice chase at Huntingdon as has NOCHE DE REYES (NAP) but the latter had been performing very well until a blip on this course last time. Twice a winner here in the spring, he has to be forgiven one poor run and can bounce back. Owen Na View won a handicap at Wetherby in October and will appreciate the good ground though he's looked a few pounds high on his latest starts. Blandfords Gunner hasn't made the expected progress since scoring at Leicester a year ago but Going Concern hasn't had the best of luck in recent runs and would be a threat if getting round safely. Deadly Approach was well beaten on his chasing debut at Warwick last month.
Noche De Reyes (FR) 2-1 (11-12) In last pair, no impression before 4 out, mistake and hampered 3 out, went 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 5, 21l behind Tornado In Milan (11-9) at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Owen Na View (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Took keen hold, tracked leader, led 2nd, headed after 5th, led next, ridden before 4 out, headed after 2 out, no extra flat, 2nd of 5, 8l behind Tornado In Milan (11-9) at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Nicolas Chauvin (IRE) 13-2 (11-4) Held up, took keen hold, closed 4th, led 4 out, headed before last, held flat, stayed on, 2nd of 7, 2l behind I'dliketheoption (11-1) at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) gf in Oct.
Going Concern (IRE) 6-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, went 3rd before 4 out, 1 1/2 lengths down and closing when fell 3 out, at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Blandfords Gunner 7-2fav (11-9) Tracked leader, blundered 5 out, blundered 3 out, weakened from 2 out, 4th of 10, 14 1/2l behind Wells De Lune (11-10) at Wetherby 2m 3f hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Deadly Approach 28-1 (11-2) Led, headed before 6th, not fluent and outpaced 4 out, weakened after next, 3rd of 4, 24l behind Top Notch (11-2) at Warwick 2m (3) sft in Nov.
