Verdict

A cracking little novice chase and a solid case can be made for all. The vote is awarded to BELLVANO, despite his seeming reluctance to quicken past Cedre Bleu at Newbury last time when still on the bridle jumping the last. He obviously comes with risks attached but two miles round here should suit ideally and AP can hopefully finesse him home. Escort'Men has yet to translate his high-quality hurdles form to chasing but would be a massive danger if doing so, whilst Trenchant is possibly better over further. Webberys Dream and Falcon Island, both course winners, have taken well to the larger obstacles and are well respected but may just lack the requisite class to cope with Bellvano.

Formwatch

Escort'men (FR) 11-4 (11-0) Took keen hold, held up in last pair until approaching 6th, headway next, chased leading pair 4 out, weakened and mistake 2 out, tailed off, 5th of 7, 35l behind Kumbeshwar (10-7) at Hereford 2m nov chs (4) gs in Nov.

Bellvano (GER) 3-1 (11-7) Tracked leading pair, closed approaching 4 out, went 2nd on bit approaching 2 out, led soon after, ridden after last, found nil and headed flat, kept on same pace, 2nd of 4, 2 1/2l behind Cedre Bleu (10-11) at Newbury 2m 1f nov chs (4) gs in Jan.

Falcon Island 3-1 (11-9) Tracked leader, led 3 out, ran on strongly, won at Wincanton 2m hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft in Dec beating Super Formen (11-8) by 8l, 6 ran.

Trenchant 11-8fav (11-0) Made all, came readily clear from 2 out, eased close home, won at Lingfield 2m 4f beg chase (5) sft in Jan beating Preuty Boy (10-9) by 4l, 5 ran.

Webberys Dream 8-1 (10-7) Led until 4th, not fluent 7th, led 12th, clear from 2 out, eased final 100 yards, won at Wincanton 2m 5f nov chs (3) sft in Jan beating Doeslessthanme (11-5) by 9l, 4 ran.