12.05 2m. 4f. 127yds. 9 Declared. Timeform Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 2 ) of £40,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €21,784.00 2nd - €10,036.00 3rd - €5,016.00 4th - €2,512.00
Formscan - A contest that has proven to be an invaluable source for finding Cheltenham Festival winners, with four of the last seven scorers going on to complete the double. Anthony Honeyball boasts a strong hand with two progressive types in Jordans Cross and KDEUX SAINT FRAY. The former recovered from falling at the last here when scoring at Doncaster and he remains with significant potential after a 4lb rise. However, the vote goes to his stable companion, who won the aforementioned November contest before filling the runner-up spot at Aintree behind a rival who scored at Windsor last week. The six-year-old would likely need to win well to guarantee his spot at the Festival and this fourth run over fences gives him the chance to run in open handicaps. Barlovento improved from his chasing bow at Exeter to win at Kempton and has to be respected with the likelihood of more to come. Others to note are Califet En Vol and Push The Button.