A smashing race for the feature on the card and it can go to Garde Champetre ahead of Very Optimistic and Fundamentalist. All three of these hold a Cheltenham entry but the Paul Nicholls-trained selection's form, courtesy of a second in a valuable handicap to last season's Champion Hurdle third, Rhinestone Cowboy, last time and a Grade 1 runner-up spot the time before behind leading Cheltenham hope Lingo, looks just about the best on offer and, we accordingly, give him the nod. The Jonjo O'Neill-trained Very Optimistic has been impressive in winning each of his races so far this year but this represents his toughest test to date. Nigel Twiston-Davies' Fundamentalist won well on his hurdling debut and is also one for the shortlist although he too has to improve again. Of the others, Ammonias, who is also entered for Cheltenham, is gradually getting things together and remains a horse of promise; Ross River displayed good qualities when winning at Chepstow and is another that looks to have a future in this game, and while Easibrook Jane has already won twice this season, this is a tougher assignment than she has so far encountered. As we say, it's a very good contest, and one in which we like the look of Garde Champetre.
