Verdict

French import Super Forman has shown decent form in limited opportunities since joining Paul Nicholls and he has to be of interest over fences for the first time but marginal preference is for LEADING CONTENDER, who gets the vote with Hide The Evidence rated the best of the rest. The selection is another that lacks any experience over the larger obstacles but he is bred for the game and, given the good form of runners from the yard of Philip Hobbs, is taken to make a winning start to his chasing career and defy an absence from the track of 411 days. Bertie May got no further than the first fence on his chasing bow at Wincanton earlier this month and may be best watched after that, while Silver Sister has the benefit of chasing experience but needs to improve on all known form to trouble the judge. David Pipe's The Package is lightly raced and is open to improvement but he disappointed at Ludlow last time and looks best watched. Vic Dartnell's Hide The Evidence was capable over hurdles and ran with promise on his chasing debut at Kempton in October so has to be respected but it may be worth taking a chance on the fitness of Leading Contender.

Formwatch

Bertie May 5-2fav (10-7) fell in race won by Saphir Des Bois (10-8) at Wincanton 2m 5f nov chs (3) gs, 8 ran.

Hide The Evidence (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, chased winner 4th to 4 out, weakened before next, 5th of 11, 28l behind I'msingingtheblues (11-2) at Kempton 2m beg chs (3) gd in Oct.

Leading Contender (IRE) 11-4fav (10-0) Mid-division, not fluent 6th, headway after 3 out, led approaching last, kept on well flat, won at Cheltenham 3m hcp hdl (2) gd in Dec '07 beating Wild Cane Ridge (10-0) by 4l, 12 ran.

The Package 15-8fav (11-0) Led to 4 out, weakened 3 out, 6th of 11, 35l behind Cornas (11-0) at Ludlow 2m beg chs (4) sft.

Super Formen (FR) 11-2 (10-13) Chased leaders, went second 7th, ridden when not fluent 3 out, weakened approaching last, 8th of 19, 26l behind Punchestowns (11-12) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) sft in Nov.

Silver Sister 8-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders until lost place 7th, ridden after next, weakened before 3 out, tailed off, 6th of 8, well behind Master Medic (11-3) at Fontwell 2m 4f nov chs (4) gd in Oct.