Verdict

BUVEUR D’AIR quickened impressively to beat a decent sort here on his chasing bow and need only put in another clear round to extend his winning run. Nicky Henderson’s five-year-old, a top-class novice hurdler last season, will be lining up again at Cheltenham in March if all goes well. Former pointer Gorran Haven hasn’t raced in more than a year so Aminabad, placed a couple of times over fences in Ireland, should grab second spot if he gets around.

Formwatch

Buveur D'Air (FR) 10-11fav (10-12) Chased leaders, not fluent when closing 2 out, challenged last, soon led and quickened clear, won at Haydock 2m (2) sft in Dec beating Cloudy Dream (11-6) by 3 1/4l, 4 ran.

Aminabad (FR) 12-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, 4th before 5 out, ridden after 3 out and no impression in 7th from before last, 7th of 14, 28 1/2l behind Full Cry (11-12) at Kilbeggan 2m 4f gd in Aug.

Gorran Haven (IRE) 5-1 (12-0) Prom til rdn & wknd app 2 out, 3rd of 8, 12l behind Captain Probus (12-0) at Barbury Racecourse 2m 4f mdn gs in Dec.