Without a win since landing a novices' hurdle at Chepstow in October 2000, Irbee was six times a winner over fences (twice in handicaps) and looks different class to these on his best form. The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding should be well suited by both trip and ground, while an absence from the track is of little concern with the stable in good form. He is the selection. Mr Dow Jones, three times a winner in hunter chase company last term, looks the main danger on his first start for 266 days, while Ajar who also won three times in this sphere last term should also appreciate the return to the hunter chase fold having been outclassed behind subsequent Cheltenham winner Halexy at Chepstow on his most recent start. Winning handicap chaser Gill'Mar and the 12-year-old hunter chaser scorer Mr Magnetic are others worthy of a mention but this really should, granted a clear round, go to the Nicholls-trained gelding.
