Verdict

CHARIOT CHARGER is preferred to Aux Le Bahnn and The Sliotar. Emma Lavelle's runner made the well regarded Bensalem pull out all the stops on his chase bow over course and distance under similarly testing conditions. He was a useful hurdler but promises to make up into an even better chaser on that evidence and is the one that they have to beat. He's unlikely to have everything his own way as Aux Le Bahnn is held in high regard and ran up a sequence over hurdles when last in action. He has a decent record when fresh and will handle the ground but the selection may have too much speed for him over this trip. The Sliotar posted a career best effort in the Pertemps Final on his latest outing which was a welcome return to form following a couple of modest runs, including over fences. This trip is on the short side and he faces a couple of above average rivals so he's overlooked in favour of Chariot Charger.

Formwatch

Aux Le Bahnn (IRE) Evensfav (11-5) Held up in mid-division, smooth headway from 8th, chased leaders next, led 2 out, in command before last, ridden and stayed on well flat, won at Folkestone 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gs in Jan beating Bally Sands (10-5) by 2 3/4l, 14 ran.

Chariot Charger (IRE) 6-1 (11-1) Held up in close 5th, headway travelling well approaching 4 out, went 2nd from 3 out, challenged on inside 2 out, took narrow lead soon after, mistake last, headed and not pace of winner final 50 yards, 2nd of 5, 1/2l behind Bensalem (11-1) at Plumpton 2m 4f nov chs (3) hvy in Nov.

Kawagino (IRE) 9-1 (10-6) Chased leader, led 7th (water), blundered and headed 11th, blundered 14th, still well there when hit 4 out, weakened soon after, 6th of 14, 18l behind Hey Big Spender (11-12) at Newbury 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.

Pagan Sword 11-2 (10-11) Held up, niggled along 4th, not fluent 8th, mistake next, jumped badly after, behind after 11th, pulled up before 14th, in a race won by Wizards Dust (10-5) at Ludlow 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Nov, 5 ran.

The Sliotar (IRE) 33-1 (10-0) Held up towards rear, switched left and headway 2 out, stayed on same pace flat, 4th of 22, 3 1/2l behind Kayf Aramis (10-5) at Cheltenham 3m lstd hcp hdl (1) gs in Mar.