A tricky beginners chase to fathom, however Noir Et Vert gets the nod ahead of Triple Mint and Maletton. The selection showed that he can handle testing ground when a runner-up on his chasing debut here nineteen days ago, and whilst he is arguably more effective on better ground, he could be classy enough to win today. His shrewd trainer had a fine festive period, and Noir Et Vert jumped well on his debut so could go one better today. Triple Mint showed up for a long way on his chasing debut recently, and may have just needed the run after six months off the track. He should be more competitive today and rates a very live danger. Maletton will need to step up on his two chase runs to date but that isn't out of the question, whilst Always Waining was pulled up on his chasing debut last month and cannot be truly fancied. In a tricky race then, Noir Et Vert gets the tentative vote.
Always Waining (IRE) 6-1 (10-13) Behind, headway 6th, weakened 9th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Heez A Dreamer (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f beg chs (4) hvy in Nov, 12 ran.
Bronson F'sure 50-1 (11-6) Tracked winner, led 3rd to 8th, lost place 10th, soon behind, 9th of 10, well behind Turnstile (11-6) at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chs (4) gs in Nov.
Maletton (FR) 16-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, tracked winner from 13th until ridden approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out, 4th of 13, 14l behind Art Virginia (11-11) at Ludlow 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-115 (3) gs.
Noir Et Vert (FR) 5-2 (11-6) Tracked leaders, went 2nd before 4 out, kept on, always held, 2nd of 7, 4l behind Kilty Storm (11-6) at Sedgefield 3m 3f nov chs (4) hvy.
Pharnoon 150-1 (10-7) Behind, hit 5th, rear when pulled up at the 11th in race won by Some Touch (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd, 13 ran.
Triple Mint (IRE) 12-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders until weakened 4 out, 4th of 9, 23l behind According To John (11-0) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov chs (3) hvy in Nov.
