Some progressive and potentially smart chasers in opposition for this intriguing contest for which Vol Solitaire looks the one to beat. The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding has won three of his five starts over fences including a course and distance victory in November. The son of Loup Solitaire was also a close runner-up behind useful yardstick and subsequent class B novice winner Farmer Jack at Haydock in December and should prove hard to peg back on a track that clearly suits. Hand Inn Hand has been well placed to complete a hat-trick of novice victories at a lesser grade. Henry Daly's charge is improving with experience but this represents a tougher assignment and the son of Alflora is unproven on this quicker surface. Former useful French winner on the level Isio has proved a model of consistency since joining his current stable and shouldn't be dismissed after an easy Doncaster win last month but Fireball Macnamara has a little to find with the principals despite a comfortable victory last time.
