Verdict

A race that has thrived since its move from Newcastle a few seasons ago can be taken by PUNCHESTOWNS, while the other quartet have all begun their chasing careers well and should enjoy a good battle for the remaining prize money. The selection has a fantastic career strike rate of almost 50 per cent from 15 starts, and with Big Buck's dominating the stayers' hurdling ranks at his expense, Nicky Henderson sent him chasing at Newbury in November. While not perfect, he certainly won his debut chase easily enough, although ran to a level of form that was probably a considerable way below the top rating of 173 that he achieved over hurdles. Even so, that was his first run, he is entitled to improve and it would be a surprise if he was beaten at a track he acts well on and with ground to suit. Knockara Beau relishes getting his toe in and was a hugely impressive Kelso winner over 2m 7f last time, though the opposition was leagues below today's. Even so, he has been beaten by only one horse in four chases and is likely to keep improving and give the favourite a bit to think about here over a stiff 2m 5f. This is the first real test of his abilities against the big guns over fences and it should prove very informative. David Pipe's Seven Is My Number has enjoyed an excellent start to his chasing career with four wins from five and was a comfortable scorer over 3m 1f at Sandown last time. He did win over today's trip at Bangor in October, so speed should not be an issue, and he goes on soft ground, so he is another very worthy contender from a current mark of 148. Bensalem has been beaten by only two horses in seven starts, winning five times and being runner-up in the other pair. Rated a best of 150 over hurdles, he impressed on his chase debut when scoring at Plumpton, but was a then a shade disappointing when a beaten odds-on favourite at Exeter last time. However, on reflection that was not as bad as it first appeared, with his conqueror Take The Breeze coming out and winning very easily at Newbury earlier in the week, and Alan King's runner now looks to have claims of his own in this. On a line through Weird Al, Pigeon Island has plenty to find with Knockara Beau even to get competitive here, and with Nigel Twiston-Davies on the cold list at present this likeable gelding looks the easiest of the quintet to dismiss. Away from the big Festival meetings this could prove to be one of the best staying novices' chases of the campaign, and with respect to the others Punchestowns is the one they all have to beat.

Formwatch

Seven Is My Number (IRE) 9-4 (10-13) Held up in 4th, always travelling well, chased leader halfway, led after 3 out, clear approaching last, impressive (no time taken), won at Sandown 3m listed ch (1) sft in Dec beating Kicks For Free (11-5) by 7l, 4 ran.

Pigeon Island 6-1 (11-0) Tracked leading pair, not fluent 11th, headway to chase winner 2 out, kept on under pressure flat, always held, 2nd of 5, 2l behind Weird Al (11-8) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov chs (2) sft in Dec.

Knockara Beau (IRE) 1-8fav (11-9) Made all, unchallenged, won at Kelso 2m 6f nov chs (2) sft in Dec beating Calin Royal (11-1) by 18l, 4 ran.

Punchestowns (FR) 2-9fav (11-1) Tracked leader to 4th, close up, challenged 12th, led 4 out, cleared from 2 out very easily, won at Newbury 2m 4f nov chs Grade 2 4yo+ (1) gs in Nov beating Martys Mission (11-8) by 7l, 4 ran.

Bensalem (IRE) 4-6fav (11-5) Held up in close 5th after 4th, same position before 10th, in 2nd last, no impression flat, 2nd of 5, 2l behind Take The Breeze (11-5) at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (2) hvy in Dec.