Opera Mundi showed a liking for three miles on testing ground when successful over course and distance in November and the Paul Nicholls-trained gelding has to be respected but an 8lb rise for that narrow success looks harsh and preference is for Our Vic, with Dream Alliance rated the pick of the remainder. The selection has to give weight away all round but David Pipe's gelding is used to carrying big weights, handles testing conditions and lost no caste in defeat when beaten only by Kauto Star in the King George when last seen. John Spearing's Simon will have no problems with either trip or ground and has to be respected but he may have the Grand National as his aim, so may be best watched today. Dream Alliance is better than he showed at Chepstow last time and has to be respected on earlier form behind Denman in the Hennessy. Madison Du Berlais looks to be going the right way but preference is for his stable companion Our Vic.
Our Vic (IRE) 12-1 (11-10) Led until 4th, chased leaders, struggling and lost place 13th, kept on from 3 out, went 2nd run-in, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 11l behind Kauto Star (11-10) at Kempton 3m chs Grd 1 (1) gs in Dec.
Madison Du Berlais (FR) 8-1 (11-9) Chased leader 3rd until mistake 10th, regained 2nd 12th to 4 out, rallied to chase winner and hit last, no impression flat, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Vodka Bleu (10-3) at Ascot 3m lst hcp chs (1) gf in Dec.
Knowhere (IRE) 20-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, hit 12th, soon ridden, hit 3 out, weakening when pulled up 2 out in race won by Tamarinbleu (11-8) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gd in Dec, 16 ran.
Simon 16-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, hit 4 out, soon ridden, stayed on from 2 out, ran on strongly flat, 2nd of 16, 3/4l behind Over The Creek (10-4) at Cheltenham 3m 1f lst hcp chs (1) gd in Dec.
Opera Mundi (FR) 9-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear, headway 5 out, led approaching last, edged right, just held on, won at Haydock 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) sft in Nov beating Heez A Dreamer (11-6) by a hd, 13 ran.
Dream Alliance 6-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, never jumped well and pulled up at the 15th in race won by Miko de Beauchene (10-5) at Chepstow 3m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Dec, 18 ran.
Idle Talk (IRE) 33-1 (11-2) Mid-division when unseated rider at the 13th in race won by Miko de Beauchene (10-5) at Chepstow 3m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Dec, 18 ran.
Flintoff (USA) 7-1 (10-6) Held up, ridden after 7th, soon weakened and pulled up at the last in race won by Raslan (11-12) at Bangor 3m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gs in Dec, 11 ran.
The Outlier (IRE) 8-1 (11-10) Prominent, hit 5th, ridden 12th, lost place 13th, weakened 15th, 4th of 5, 21l behind Crystal d'Ainay (11-9) at Exeter 3m 1f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Dec.
Julius Caesar 100-1 (10-0) Held up towards rear, headway 7th, soon ridden, weakened after 2 out, 13th of 24, 27l behind Oscar Park (10-9) at Cheltenham 3m lst hcp hdl (1) gs in Mar.
