Just five declared for this beginners' chase and we will take a chance on QUICKBEAM in the hope that his jumping issues have been sorted out, while Soixante will probably emerge next best. The Venetia Williams-trained selection was a decent hurdler who has yet to transfer that ability to the bigger obstacles. A couple of falls at Towcester and Leicester does put doubt in the minds of potential backers, but he was going well on both occasions and there is clearly plenty of ability there. Patently a non-stayer over further last time, the return to 2m 5f will suit, as will the ground, and we will side with him. Soixante remains a maiden after 10 starts either in bumpers, hurdles or chases, but he has finished runner-up in six of those, including behind Quickbeam, so he has a bit to find with the selection. Bluegun made a pleasing debut over fences here last month and should be better suited by this trip, so he is not ruled out, but preference is for Quickbeam.
Bluegun (IRE) 9-4fav (11-0) Held up behind leading trio, hit 12th, 13th and 4 out, disputing 3rd when not fluent 2 out, ridden and no extra before last, 4th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Hennessy (11-0) at Folkestone 3m 1f beg chs (4) gd in Jan.
Quickbeam (IRE) 3-1 (10-11) Led until mistake and headed 10th, ridden after 14th, weakened approaching 4 out, 5th of 7, well behind Kornati Kid (11-0) at Exeter 3m beg chs (3) sft in Dec.
Soixante (IRE) 6-4jt-fav (11-0) Led, ridden 2 out, hard ridden and headed flat, 2nd of 9, nk behind Idarah (11-0) at Ludlow 2m beg chs (4) sft in Jan.
Wheres Johnny 14-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, in touch 9th, weakened 3 out, 7th of 9, 42l behind Mister Potter (11-0) at Towcester 2m 6f beg chs (4) hvy in Jan.
American World (FR) 50-1 (10-10) Held up, stayed on for poor 4th from 3 out, 4th of 10, 26l behind Apatura Dik (11-0) at Folkestone 2m 5f mdn chs (4) hvy in Jan.
