Beginners Chases are always tricky races to be getting heavily involved with, so with that in mind, only a small stakes investment on Lubinas is recommended. With Mister Mustard and True Mariner standing out from the rest as the biggest dangers. The latter gets a 9lb weight allowance on account of his age, which obviously will not go amiss if this develops into a bit of a slog. The five-year-old registered a much improved effort over fences at Kempton on Boxing Day last year and a race of this nature looks a formality for him in time. Mister Mustard also got his act together a little better when chasing home Roofing Spirit at Folkestone at the start of this month. However, that form has subsequently taken a knock and, as he is still a little careful at his obstacles, he may again have to wait for another day. Especially when the form of Lubinas' efforts in this sphere are taken into account. The son of Grand Lodge was always facing an uphill task against the classy St Matthew when they met at Haydock, but he still held his own until fading as they came up the long home-straight. However, it was still a respectable effort and, as he faces nothing of that class today, Lubinas can gain compensation if his jumping stands up to the test.
