Air Force One can take this race at the principal expense of Albertas Run and Joe Lively. Charlie Mann's charge has done little wrong this term and having finished third in the staying novice hurdle last season, he can go one better in the premier novice chase on the card. Albertas Run finished ahead of the selection when the pair last met. He is perfectly capable although is prone to making the odd error. Joe Lively cleaned up in the big chases earlier in the season. He would be a big winner for the little man as Colin Tizzard attempts to train his first festival success. Pomme Tiepy brings Irish Grade 2 form to the table. It remains to be seen as to how capable she is on a faster surface. Silverburn is tried at this level rather than the Jewson Handicap Chase. He has some way to go in order to reach the heights of Denman and improvement is required. Tidal Bay won here yesterday so is unlikely to turn out today. Verasi was well turned over in the Coral Cup last term although he looked useful when obliging at Lingfield in a weak Grade 2. After an abortive start, Oscar Park's recent chasing career has gone on from strength to strength without turning over any superstars thus far. A wide open renewal of this prize and Air Force One looks to have been primed for the job.
Air Force One (GER) 15-8fav (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway 4 out, soon chasing leaders, stayed on strongly towards finish, 2nd of 7, 2l behind Albertas Run (11-7) at Ascot 3m nov chs Grd 2 (1) gd in Feb.
Albertas Run (IRE) 9-2 (11-7) Behind, headway 3 out, ridden to lead last, ran on, won at Ascot 3m nov chs Grd 2 (1) gd in Feb beating Air Force One (11-4) by 2l, 7 ran.
Bagan (FR) 7-1 (10-5) Always behind, under pressure 10th and pulled up at the 11th in race won by Gungadu (11-12) at Kempton 3m hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gd in Feb, 15 ran.
Battlecry 14-1 (11-0) Always prominent, not fluent 11th, led before 12th, headed last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Albertas Run (11-7) at Ascot 3m nov chs Grd 2 (1) gd in Feb.
Joe Lively (IRE) 11-4 (11-7) Held up in touch, under pressure 3 out, soon beaten, 5th of 7, 28l behind Albertas Run (11-7) at Ascot 3m nov chs Grd 2 (1) gd in Feb.
Oscar Park (IRE) 4-7fav (11-4) Led 3rd, hit 6th, clear from 3 out, won at Fontwell 2m 6f nov chs (3) gd in Feb beating Dr Hart (10-12) by 19l, 4 ran.
Roll Along (IRE) 7-4fav (11-12) Held up, closing when mistake 4 out, headway next, ridden approaching last, led flat, caught final strides, 2nd of 9, shd behind The Hairy Lemon (11-12) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Jan.
Silverburn (IRE) 10-11fav (11-4) Made all, stayed on strongly from last, ridden out, won at Sandown 2m 4f nov chs Grd 1 (1) sft in Feb beating The Market Man (11-4) by 6l, 5 ran.
Starzaan (IRE) 5-4 (11-4) Disputed lead, led after 4 out, clear next, easily, won at Wincanton 2m 5f nov chs (3) gs in Feb beating Duc De Regniere (11-4) by 28l, 2 ran.
Tidal Bay (IRE) 1-4fav (11-6) Led, blundered badly and headed 7th, led again 3 out, in command when blundered last, soon headed, rallied towards finish, 2nd of 6, nk behind Leslingtaylor (11-6) at Doncaster 2m nov chs (2) gd in Feb.
Verasi 4-6fav (11-8) Held up, mistake 12th, joined leaders 3 out, led last, driven out, won at Plumpton 3m 2f nov chs (3) gs in Feb beating The Speaker (10-9) by 3l, 5 ran.
Pomme Tiepy (FR) 4-6fav (10-6) Always prominent, 2nd and disputed from 4th, led before 10th, clear from before 2 out, stayed on well, easily, won at Navan 3m nov chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Feb beating Kilcrea Castle (11-3) by 8l, 11 ran.
