Paul Nicholls met with a reverse in a Hunter Chase here last season when Thisthatandtother was turned over at odds of 1-8 but lightning rarely strikes twice and OFAREL D'AIRY stands out in this line-up. Dancer Life chased home the selection at Fontwell and will struggle to bridge the six length gap even allowing for the fact that he has a slight swing in the weights. Lord Trix represents a combination that have had some nice horses in their time but he has a lot to prove having been off the track for a long time as does Serpentine Rock who has a similar mark to that of Dancer Life and some way ahead of that allotted to Star Double who doesn't possess an obvious chance. This should be straightforward for Ofarel D'Airy but keep an eye out for that lightning.
Ofarel D'airy (FR) Evensfav (11-11) Prominent, led when hit 6th, hit 4 out, in command from next, pushed out, won at Fontwell 2m 6f hts chs (6) sft beating Dancer Life (11-7) by 6l, 8 ran.
Dancer Life (POL) 12-1 (11-7) Held up, headway approaching 8th to track winner, ridden after 4 out, kept on for clear 2nd, always held, 2nd of 8, 6l behind Ofarel D'airy (11-11) at Fontwell 2m 6f hts chs (6) sft.
Lord Trix (IRE) 6-1 (12-4) Held up; chsd wnr 12; one pce 4 out, 2nd of 7, 3l behind Dante's Storm (12-0) at Detling 3m ptp gd in Jan.
Serpentine Rock 12-1 (12-7) (cp) t.o & pulled up in race won by Left To Himself (12-0) at Kingston Blount 3m ptp gf in May, 6 ran.
Star Double (ITY) 3-1 (12-5) Led to 16; nt qckn, 2nd of 7, 20l behind Caveman (12-5) at Ampton 3m ptp gd in Jan.
