Verdict

Nikola can come out on top over Two Miles West, Vaughan and Border Castle in what looks a decent novice hurdle. Connections of Straw Bear will be hoping that Nikola, second to Nick Gifford's charge at Leicester, can score here to give the form a boost, and there is every reason to believe that he can do so, given the way that he stayed on in defeat. Two Miles West lost no caste in defeat when third to the useful Boychuk at Cheltenham and is also on the short-list despite his penalty, along with Vaughan who shaped with promise when second at Taunton on his timber debut. Border Castle was a beaten favourite at Exeter last time and also has a penalty to carry, but cannot be left out, and it will be interesting to see whether his stablemate Pagan Sky attracts any support in the ring on this, his introduction to the winter game. An interesting contest can go to Nikola.

Formwatch

Border Castle 8-11fav (11-4) Mid-division, headway 6th, ridden to chase leading pair approaching 3 out, held when mistake last, 3rd of 18, 3 1/2l behind Dare Too Dream (10-12) at Exeter 2m 3f nov hdl (D) gs in Dec.

Two Miles West (IRE) 7-2 (11-7) Chased leaders, ridden 3 out, mistake next, challenged, went left, mistake last, no extra flat, 3rd of 10, 4 1/2l behind Boychuk (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (A) gs in Nov.

Aspra (FR) 7-2 (10-5) Held up in touch, went 2nd after 6th, challenged going well from 2 out, led final 50 yards, won at Worcester 2m 4f nov hdl (E) gf in Aug beating Kilindini (11-3) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.

Carnival Town 5-1 (10-11) Held up mid-division, headway halfway, every chance over 3f out, kept on same pace, 5th of 16, 10l behind Apollo Lady (10-4) at Huntingdon 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec.

Desertmore King (IRE) 40-1 (10-10) Held up fell at the 10th in race won by Taranis (11-3) at Ludlow 2m 4f nov chs (3) gd in Jan, 9 ran.

French Envoy (FR) 13-8fav (11-2) Tracked leaders, ridden and every chance after 2 out, soon weakened, 7th of 16, 34l behind Kipsigis (11-2) at Fontwell 2m 4f mdn hdl (E) gs in Nov.

Nikola (FR) 20-1 (11-5) Prominent, every chance approaching 3 out, stayed on well towards finish, 2nd of 22, 7l behind Straw Bear (11-5) at Leicester 2m nov hdl (3) sft in Jan.

Vaughan 7-2 (10-12) Prominent, ridden and headway to challenge 2 out, not quicken from last, 2nd of 14, 7l behind Neveesou (11-4) at Taunton 2m 1f nov hdl (D) gd in Dec.