This looks to be the toughest test for HELIUM but Nick Gifford's charge is fancied to pass with honours ahead of Cosmea and Der Spieler. The selection will need to be at his best here as he has to give at least 7lb to all of his rivals. However he was very impressive when brushing aside Tuanku at Sandown in December and this unexposed French recruit is taken to win again. Cosmea represents Alan King and he saddled the second behind Helium last time. He should know where he stands today and his unbeaten filly Cosmea is an obvious threat, despite having three months off the track. Der Spieler was third on his UK debut behind Starluck, form that reads very well. He was easy to back on that occasion but should not be overlooked too readily today. First Avenue makes his debut over timber today and was rated 94 on the flat; he has a Triumph Hurdle entry having cost 65,000 guineas in December, but his attitude has been called into question in the past. Running Buck was nowhere near as good on the flat, whilst Shipboard Romance needs to improve markedly on her hurdles runs to date. A decent Novices' hurdle with Helium taken to rise higher and higher up the Cheltenham pecking order.
Helium (FR) 4-6fav (11-8) Made all, came clear soon after 2 out, pushed out flat, easily, won at Sandown 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) sft in Dec beating Tuanku (11-4) by 11l, 5 ran.
Cosmea 2-7fav (11-3) Mid-division, chased leaders halfway, ridden and effort 3 out, soon outpaced, ran on to lead approaching last, soon clear, won at Huntingdon 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gs in Nov beating Kahsabelle (10-7) by 5l, 15 ran.
Der Spieler (GER) 25-1 (10-12) In touch, hit first, driven approaching 2 out, went 3rd and kept on under pressure run-in, 3rd of 10, 12l behind Starluck (11-8) at Kempton 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) gd in Dec.
First Avenue 17-2 (8-7) Prominent, driven 2f out, every chance over 1f, kept on same pace, 6th of 21, 9l behind Tropical Strait (8-13) at Doncaster 1m 4f hcap (2) sft in Nov (Flat).
Running Buck (USA) 28-1 (9-7) Soon led, headed over 1f out, no extra, 7th of 9, 7l behind Mafaheem (9-7) at Great Leighs 6f sll (5) pol in Jan (Flat).
Shipboard Romance (IRE) 40-1 (9-9) Led, ridden and headed when not much room 2 out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 16, 8l behind Riverside Theatre (11-4) at Kempton 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
