Noir Et Vert can make the most of the weight that he receives from Nenuphar Collonges to deliver, with Gastornis best of the remainder. Noir Et Vert looked a stayer of potential when twice successful over hurdles at Perth last April, but has been asked to find extra reserves of stamina since going chasing, running out of steam at both Sedgefield and Newcastle due to the testing ground conditions. With that in mind, this slightly better ground should suit Ferdy Murphy's French import who can make the most of the 10lb that he receives from Nenuphar Collonges. The latter had rattled up a hat-trick over fences before losing his unbeaten record in Britain when falling at the last at Exeter. He was in with every chance at the time, and will be fancied by many to make amends. We just feel that with his weight, and the fact that the fall may have knocked his confidence, he is worth taking on at the likely odds. Gastornis seems to be going the right way judged on his latest effort at Musselburgh, but has it to do against the two principals, and with the other two runners having plenty to find, it is Noir Et Vert that gets the vote.
Nenuphar Collonges (FR) 5-2jt-fav (11-6) In touch, ridden approaching 4 out, stayed on from 2 out, close 3rd when fell 5 out in race won by Avitta (11-3) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Dec, 8 ran.
Wee Robbie 5-1 (11-2) Jumped right, led, blundered 9th, ridden approaching 4 out, headed 3 out, one pace, last of 4, 15l behind Pretty Star (11-2) at Newbury 3m beg chs (3) gs in Dec.
Sir Brastias 14-1 (11-12) Mistakes, effort 12th, no impression from 15th, 5th of 9, 14l behind Touch Closer (11-12) at Ludlow 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec.
Noir Et Vert (FR) 8-11fav (11-5) Held up in touch, headway 10th, effort 5 out, ridden and outpaced approaching next, soon beaten, 3rd of 7, 23l behind Crackadee (11-5) at Newcastle 3m beg chs (4) sft in Jan.
Gastornis 33-1 (11-11) Held up, outpaced approaching 4 out, kept on from 2 out, led run-in, won at Musselburgh 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Jan beating Emerald Destiny (10-3) by 2l, 8 ran.
