Verdict

In a small but quality field for this beginners chase the vote goes to CARRUTHERS to turn Hurdles talent into chasing glory ahead of Hopkins and Negus de Beaumont. After three wins in six starts over the smaller obstacles the selection earned himself a rating of 145 and rose to the very top of that sphere. He also has the scalp of the impressive Paul Nicholls trained Nenuphar Collonges on his CV beating him in a valuable race at Warwick in January. He's already taken to fences well putting in a decent display when runner-up in a good looking contest here last time. He'll come on from that run , where the form is rock solid, and will make a smart staying chaser in time but for the moment he has more than enough to score here. Hopkins has some form to overturn on the selection after finishing miles behind him in that Uttoexeter race and although his last time out run proved he can win one of these he has a lot to find here. Negus de Beaumont is the highest rated of these who have already have a rating but would have to find plenty on hurdles form to challenge the pick. He didn't like his last time out marathon trip at Newcastle 312 days ago and back at his preferred trip he should be more competitive. Phardesa wasn't disgraced in a better class race than this last time while New Team had a solid chasing debut but selection Carruthers should be too classy for them all.

Formwatch

Carruthers 15-8fav (11-4) Led, headed 2 out, still upsides when mistake last, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 7, 2l behind What A Friend (11-4) at Uttoxeter 3m beg chs (4) gs in Oct.

Hopkins (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) Led, ridden 14th, headed 12th, kept on one pace, 2nd of 7, 8l behind Backbord (11-0) at Fakenham 3m nov chs (3) gs in Nov.

Negus de Beaumont (FR) 8-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, some headway 16th, soon weakened and pulled up at the 20th in race won by Comply Or Die (11-12) at Newcastle 4m 1f hcp chs (2) gs in Feb, 18 ran.

New Team (FR) 10-3 (11-1) Chased leader until 4 out, soon ridden inside and no chance after, 3rd of 5, 21l behind Panjo Bere (11-7) at Plumpton 2m 4f nov chs (3) sft in Nov.

Phardessa 3-1 (10-2) Held up 4th, tracked leading pair 10, closed steadily approaching next, joined winner 3 out, every chance 2 out, ridden and held before last, 2nd of 4, 2 1/2l behind Sovereign King (11-0) at Plumpton 2m 4f beg chs (3) sft.