Domtaline was beaten by Kumbeshwar at Haydock in his first run over fences outside of novice company. Alan King trains the latter so should know how he stands against the Nicholls' chaser with LIDAR. The seven-year-old can be vulnerable if he isn't allowed his own way out in front but his latest second to Gus Macrae in an Ascot handicap was a solid effort and he can go one better here. Snap Tie is a very useful hurdler on his day but has only had one previous run over fences, albeit a winning one, and is rising 11 - he's probably worth taking on.
Domtaline (FR) 5-4fav (11-7) Led, ridden and headed 3 out, still every chance at last, kept on one pace, 2nd of 5, 2 1/2l behind Kumbeshwar (11-7) at Haydock 2m grad ch (2) sft in Nov.
Lidar (FR) 16-1 (11-9) Close up in 5th, left in lead 3rd, not fluent 6th, ridden and headed soon after bypasing omitted 2 out, chased winner and kept on flat, always held, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Gus Macrae (9-12) at Ascot 2m 1f listed hcp chs (1) gs in Nov.
Snap Tie (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) Held up in touch on outside, effort when hit 3 out, kept on same pace, weakened before last, 11th of 18, 25l behind Olofi (10-11) at Cheltenham 2m hcp hdl Grade 3 (1) sft in Nov.
