Only four go to post for the beginners chase but it still looks competitive with Roman Ark, Nycteos and Rebel Rhythm all respected, however our selection is Roman Ark. He showed his liking for testing conditions when winning a Grade One novices¿ hurdle at Haydock last year. He has since shown impressive form over the larger obstacles and confirmed his promise when winning a beginners chase at Ayr in January. This drop back in trip and the ground will suit; and he has an excellent chance here. Nycteos has to be respected. The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding comes here seeking a hat trick of wins having won two chases at Sandown in testing ground. The form of those wins has been boosted and he has an obvious chance here. Rebel Rhythm fought out a thrilling finish with the highly rated, Turpin Green at Carlisle in November. That rival just got the better of him that day but he made amends for this when winning a beginners chase at Wetherby. He steps back in trip today and he is sure to go close but Roman Ark remains a confident selection.
Nycteos (FR) 4-5fav (11-7) Held up, headway 6th to chase leader, hit 4 out, led after 3 out, ridden last, hung right and headed flat, ran on to lead close home, won at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp chs 0-125 (3) hvy in Mar beating Launde (11-9) by 1l, 5 ran.
Before The Mast (IRE) 11-4co-fav (10-13) Held up towards rear, ridden after 4 out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 5, 4l behind Wizard of Edge (11-12) at Wincanton 2m nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft in Mar.
Rebel Rhythm 7-2 (11-4) With leader, led 10th, headed 5 out, soon weakened, 4th of 5, 34l behind Halcon Genelardais (11-10) at Wetherby 3m 1f nov chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Feb.
Roman Ark 33-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway approaching 12th, ridden from 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 24, 16l behind Non So (11-3) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gd in Mar.
