A small but competitive field go to post for this novices chase and a chance is taken on Iris Royal to defy his penalty. The gelding from the Nicky Henderson yard won well at Newbury when defeating Young Ottoman and he looks a progressive sort with conditions again in his favour he will be hard to beat. Kick For Touch rates the main danger he was a good second behind Avalanche last time and he may be seen to better effect on this faster ground. Iron Express has ran well without winning of late and again place claims looks the best he can hope for. Acoustic travels well in his races but finds very little off the bridle and for that reason he is readily opposed. Far Dawn would also have place claims on his best form but he has a 728 day absence to overcome. The remainder need to improve on all known form to take a hand in the finish.
