Verdict

In a very good novices' handicap chase we will side with Copsale Lad ahead of Briery Fox and Napolitain. The Nicky Henderson-trained selection has looked useful in winning two of his last four races and his mark looks reasonable enough. 'Nuff said. Briery Fox has also looked progressive thus far over fences and can go well, while Napolitain is very well-regarded by his very much in-form trainer and, coming here on the back of a very good course and distance second to The Listener, he gets a very good mention. Turning to the others and Demi Beau put Lorient Express in his place last time, but he has been raised 14 pounds as a consequence; Royal Hector's three-pounds rise for his Taunton win does not look excessive; Irish raider Court Leader is a the right end of the weights, and Alphabetical, who will be ridden by Timmy Murphy, looked to be very much on the upgrade based on his Fontwell win, so is respected. And we've yet to mention the Champion Hurdler Hors La Loi III and Whispered Secret, but so be it, and the selection is Copsale Lad.

Formwatch

Hors La Loi III (FR) 11-1 (11-12) In touch, chased winner 4th until approaching 8th, one pace from 4 out, 3rd of 6, 10l behind Justified (11-12) at Newbury 2m 1f nov chs (3) gs.

Whispered Secret (GER) 7-1 (11-7) Keen hold, headway 3rd to 6th, driven after 7th, not fluent 9th, no impression on leaders when blundered 5 out, lost 3rd run-in, 4th of 5, 24l behind Albuhera (11-0) at Newbury 2m 4f nov chs Grd 2 (A) gd in Nov.

Copsale Lad Evensfav (11-6) Tracked leader, blundered and rider lost iron 8th, led 4 out, 2 lengths ahead and going well when left well clear 2 out, eased run-in, won at Lingfield 2m 4f nov chs (C) sft in Dec beating Phone Back (11-0) by a distance, 5 ran.

Demi Beau 4-1 (11-12) Took keen held, held up, went prominent 2nd, led 4th, headed 9th, led 3 out, readily, won at Ludlow 2m hcp chs 0-125 (D) gd in Dec beating Lorient Express (10-11) by 4l, 9 ran.

Briery Fox (IRE) 6-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, every chance from 2 out, led flat, driven out, won at Fakenham 3m nov chs (C) gd in Dec beating Yes Sir (11-0) by 2 1/2l, 5 ran.

Napolitain (FR) 20-1 (10-8) Held up in touch, hit 8th, ridden to chase leading pair 4 out, stayed on to take 2nd flat, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind The Listener (11-11) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov chs Grd 2 (1) gs.

Without A Doubt 7-1 (11-8) Prominent, ridden after 3 out, weakened 2 out, last of 4, 20l behind Bannow Strand (11-5) at Haydock 2m 4f nov chs (3) sft.

Stance 14-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, always behind, 8th of 12, 31l behind Dempsey (11-12) at Sandown 2m hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs.

Preacher Boy 5-1 (11-9) Made virtually all, stayed on gamely flat, won at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-115 (D) gd in Dec beating Regal Bandit (10-13) by 3 1/2l, 8 ran.

Court Leader (IRE) 7-2fav (10-11) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, 3rd 3 out, 2nd and challenged 2 out, kept on well under pressure to lead near finish, won at Thurles 2m 4f mrs nov chs (1) sft beating Carrigeen Kalmia (10-11) by a hd, 14 ran.

Alphabetical (IRE) 13-2 (10-11) Held up towards rear, headway and chased leader after 8th, jumped well 11th, soon led, quickened clear 3 out, stumbled last, easily, won at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs beating Walcot Lad (10-2) by 17l, 7 ran.

Royal Hector (GER) 7-1 (11-12) In touch, tracked leader from 9th, ridden 3 out, held when left in lead last, ridden out flat, won at Taunton 2m 3f nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd beating Big Bone (10-10) by 6l, 8 ran.

Mister Apple's (FR) 17-2 (10-12) Tracked leader 3rd to 9th, weakened rapidly and pulled up at the 10th in race won by Super Lord (10-12) at Windsor 3m nov hdl (E) gd in Nov, 7 ran.