Verdict

The progressive LODGE LANE can land this at the main expense of Millenium Royal. A fascinating race, where Niche Market cannot be totally discounted, however it does appear to be a two horse race. Millenium Royal has switched to fences this year and has had two narrow successes from three starts. Fit from a recent hurdles engagement on desperate ground at Auteuil, as a 160+ rated hurdler, he must be considered a threat. His jockey has a unique style and it will be interesting to see whether he rides any longer over fences. We prefer Lodge Lane however, who is in the process of becoming a live Royal and Sunalliance contender. His beating of Wichita Lineman at Exeter has been boosted and proven on this ground in the past, there is no doubt that he is a horse of some potential. Or Jaune has shown ability but is unlikely to get the better of the big guns here, and so it is Lodge Lane who gets the vote.

Formwatch

Lodge Lane (IRE) 11-8fav (10-12) Tracked leader, led 13th until hit next, led 4 out, clear last, stayed on well, pushed out, won at Exeter 3m nov chs (3) sft in Nov beating Wichita Lineman (11-4) by 7l, 8 ran.

Millenium Royal (FR) (10-3) 3rd of 10, 6l behind Atamane (10-1) at Auteuil 2m 5f hdl in Nov.

Fire And Rain (FR) 9-2 (10-6) Chased leaders, hampered and unseated rider at the 13th in race won by College Ace (11-5) at Leicester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Nov, 9 ran.

Niche Market (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Chased winner, not fluent 3 out, soon ridden, lost 2nd soon after 2 out, weakened approaching last, 3rd of 4, 24l behind Ornais (11-7) at Cheltenham 3m Grad Ch (2) sft in Nov.

Or Jaune (FR) 11-2 (11-2) Held up in touch, slow 4th, ridden 3 out, beaten when hampered 2 out, 3rd of 8, 8l behind Tartak (11-8) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov chs (3) gs in Nov.