Verdict

Disappointingly just three runners have been declared for this novices' chase and Paul Nicholls looks to have found a suitable opportunity for Good Spirit who is taken to follow up his recent Stratford success and score at the main expense of Priors Dale, with Monzon hard to recommend. The selection was formerly trained in France where he twice won over hurdles prior to joining the Champion Trainer who has sent him over the larger obstacles, progressing from a promising debut effort at Warwick before his Stratford win. A reproduction of that form may well suffice. Priors Dale provides the only serious opposition having won a novice handicap at Wincanton off a mark of 137 recently and he warrants the utmost of respect but Emma Lavelle's gelding is open to less improvement than the selection. Monzon would need both of his opponents to run way below their best to play a part in the finish and the safest option looks to be Good Spirit who gets the vote.

Formwatch

Priors Dale 6-1 (11-12) Made all, comfortably, won at Wincanton 2m nov hcp chs (2) gs beating Flying Enterprise (11-2) by 4l, 4 ran.

Monzon (FR) 66-1 (11-1) Held up, left poor 3rd 3 out, 3rd of 6, well behind Desert Air (11-4) at Plumpton 2m 1f beg chs (4) hvy.

Good Spirit (FR) 4-6fav (10-11) Made all, mistake 5th, well in command from 3 out, very easily, won at Stratford 2m 1f beg chs (4) gs beating Royal Paradise (11-4) by 6l, 7 ran.