Just the three runners rock up for this Novices' Chase and most of the potential opposition may have been put off by the presence of SOUTH O'THE BORDER, who has our confident selection ahead of Summery Justice and Procas de Thaix. A top-hurdler the selection was last seen when half-way down the Pertemps field at the Cheltenham Festival. There was plenty of encouragement to be gleamed from his chasing bow has he only just missed out behind Copper Bleu, who then won the Jewson and with form in testing conditions he has to get the vote. Summery Justice won his own debut over fences despite not jumping well and those demons resurfaced when he pulled up in a fair race last time. He has a lot to find on his hurdles form and has to prove a liking for bottomless ground. Procas de Thaix was highly rated over timber but never quite fulfilled his potential. There was a lot to like about his silver medal performance last time and his chances are enhanced with a win on this ground. A three runner field and South O'The Border is the stand out.
Summery Justice (IRE) 7-1 (11-7) Reminders at several stages, mid-division, blundered badly 12th, soon pulled up, in a race won by Carrickmines (10-9) at Uttoxeter 3m nov hcp chs (3) sft, 11 ran.
Procas de Thaix (FR) 33-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, led 5th until 7th, chased leader, mistake 4 out, lost 2nd soon after, left modest 2nd last, 2nd of 7, 11l behind Vodka Brook (11-0) at Taunton 2m 7f beg chase (4) sft.
South O'The Border 33-1 (10-6) Mid-division, outpaced 2 out, never on terms, 10th of 24, 20l behind Buena Vista (10-1) at Cheltenham 3m lstd hcp hdl (1) gs.
