Yes My Lord, Cousin Nicky and Olney Lad look the three to concentrate on in this handicap chase and the vote is given to Cousin Nicky. The selection has won his last two races in good style, last time out when beating Pardishar. Granted, this looks tougher but he will appreciate this softer ground and this progressive type is taken to defy the handicapper. Yes My Lord rates the main danger as he also won well last time out when defeating Hawks Landing. However, that horse has since let the form down and for that reason he is opposed. Olney Lad took a heavy fall last time out when travelling well and, if his confidence has not been affected, he is another that will not be far away; however, at likely odds he looks worth taking on. Of the remainder, Nirvana Swing hails from a top yard and had fair form in France so should be noted in the market but, for the winner, we return to the progressive Cousin Nicky.
Olney Lad 7-4 (11-9) Led, headed 4 out, close 2nd and driven when fell 3 out in race won by King Killone (11-12) at Newcastle 3m nov chs (2) hvy in Feb, 5 ran.
State of Play 20-1 (11-7) Always last, struggling from 16th, soon tailed off, last of 5, well behind Darkness (11-7) at Sandown 3m nov chs Grd 1 (A) gd in Dec.
Cousin Nicky 11-10fav (10-9) Made most, blundered 4 out, in command 2 out, eased towards finish, won at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (3) gs beating Pardishar (11-7) by 11l, 4 ran.
Nirvana Swing (FR) (10-8) Led halfway, one pace when headed 2 out, 2nd of 14, 3l behind Neobis (10-6) at Auteuil 2m 4f chs gf in Dec.
Yes My Lord (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (11-0) In touch, led 10th to 13th, ridden to lead again 2 out, driven out, won at Leicester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Feb beating Hawk's Landing (11-6) by 1l, 9 ran.
Precious Bane (IRE) 9-2jt-fav (10-0) Led, hit 5th, pushed along 10th, headed 11th, hit 13th, one pace when hampered 2 out, 3rd of 9, 9l behind Simon (10-4) at Uttoxeter 3m nov hcp chs (2) hvy.
Jonanaud 25-1 (11-5) Chased leaders until 2nd, reminders from 4th, headway after 5th, outpaced approaching 3 out, stayed on again flat, 6th of 7, 16l behind Amanpuri (10-11) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) hvy in Feb.
