Nobelix can land his hat-trick at the expense of Dhehdaah and Etoile Russe. The selection once again has the services of Tony McCoy after successes at Kempton and Leicester. In each win he has looked a class above the rest and has won with a bit in hand, however the down side is that he is only four years old and is running against older and more experienced horses but if showing further improvement he will be difficult to beat. Dhehdaah was a winner at Cheltenham in October and ran with credit at the same venue when beaten by Border Castle. He lost nothing in defeat that day and will win more races in time but could once agian be up against a horse that is potentially well treated. Etoile Russe has a proven track record in handicap hurdles winning three times. He has been running with credit of late without threatening the judge but could pose a danger if putting his best foot forward. bvut for the winner we return to Noblelix.
Orpen Wide (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Blundered 3 out, always towards rear, 7th of 10, 27l behind Tagula Blue (11-4) at Ascot 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gd.
Nobelix (IRE) 4-9fav (11-4) Chased leaders, led approaching last, ridden out, won at Leicester 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Nov beating John Forbes (10-7) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Magic Sky (FR) 20-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, headway to chase leaders approaching 3 out, weakened between last 2, 7th of 12, 12l behind O'Toole (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Oct.
Dhehdaah 14-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway 4 out, chased leaders 2 out, soon no impression, 4th of 16, 19l behind Border Castle (10-9) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft.
Festive Chimes (IRE) 20-1 (10-9) Held up and keen, chased leaders 3 out, one pace from 2 out, 3rd of 7, 9l behind Tarlac (11-3) at Ascot 2m hcp hdl 0-140 (2) sft in Nov.
Etoile Russe (IRE) 20-1 (9-9) Led until headed approaching last, no extra flat, 4th of 17, 10l behind Overstrand (10-5) at Sandown 2m lst hcp hdl (1) hvy.
John Charles (IRE) 4-1 (11-4) Took keen hold, prominent, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened soon after, 4th of 10, 20l behind Harcourt (10-12) at Plumpton 2m nov hdl (3) gs in Nov.
Dance World 6-1 (11-5) Held up in touch, ridden 3 out, soon weakened and pulled up 2 out in race won by Toulouse Express (10-9) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in May, 10 ran.
