A relatively low turnout for this novices' chase, and it could prove to be a match between Ball O Malt and Polish Cloud, with the latter preferred. Ball O Malt, an ex-Irish performer, shaped well on his first start for Richard Fahey when second at Kelso in October, and although he was rather disappointing at Cheltenham on his only other start, he looks the type to do well over fences and is an interesting contender. The four-year-olds, Stolen Song and Hope Sound, could both be given a chance on the pick of their hurdles form, but are not the most consistent of performers and are probably best watched on their chasing debuts. Its Harry seems to have regressed over the last twelve months, so the one to beat here should be Polish Cloud. Tom George's gelding escapes a penalty for having won a novices chase at Exeter earlier in the year and although he was subsequently below par in a handicap, Polish Cloud should find this company more to his liking and is fancied to score again.
