Atacama Star is selected from Sole Agent and Najca De Thaix. Brendan Powell's gelding ran out a very easy winner at Hereford on just his second start over fences and may be able to defy his penalty although this contest does look more competitive. Sole Agent looks feasibly treated on his hurdling form but his jumping left something to be desired at Ludlow and he's passed over for that reason but, with just four chase starts to his name, he's entitled to improve. Najca De Thaix has been rejuvenated by wearing a visor, he should be effective over this shorter trip and looks sure to have his say. Signature Tune and Forfeiter have more to prove than that trio but both are of some interest on bits and pieces of their form and aren't ruled out in an open little heat. The vote, though, goes the way of Atacama Star.
Sole Agent (IRE) 15-2 (11-4) Tracked leaders, ridden 4 out, one pace, 3rd of 11, 4l behind Roussea (10-3) at Ludlow 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Dec.
Najca De Thaix (FR) 14-1 (11-12) Behind, ridden and headway after 2 out, led after last, ran on, won at Folkestone 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft beating Bay Hawk (10-11) by 5l, 16 ran.
Atacama Star 5-1 (11-1) Tracked leader, led 7th, left clear 3 out, won at Hereford 2m hcp chs 0-90 (5) sft beating Norseman Cateline (10-8) by 17l, 11 ran.
Signature Tune (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Mostly chased winner until 4 out, weakened soon after, mistake 2 out, tailed off, 3rd of 4, well behind Running Hot (10-6) at Plumpton 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Mar.
Forfeiter (USA) 16-1 (10-5) Held up mid-division, headway 3 out, chased leaders approaching last, kept on same pace, 4th of 16, 7l behind Najca De Thaix (11-12) at Folkestone 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft.
Ede's 16-1 (10-6) Chased leaders in 4th, mistake 7th, short lived effort 9th, weakened next, 5th of 8, well behind Ballyaahbutt (10-6) at Lingfield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs in Mar.
Sett Aside 4-1 (9-11) Chased winner, ridden after 9th, weakened approaching 2 out, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Follow Your Heart (11-4) at Folkestone 2m 5f nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs in Dec, 9 ran.
