Fair Along is narrowly preferred to My Way de Solzen and New Little Bric. This is a novice chase that will throw up a hatful of winners and our selection is made on the basis of a fine effort at Cheltenham and the four-year-old's weight allowance. On its own, the Cheltenham effort was remarkable as he jumped a decent field into submission. Richard Johnson is sure to make the running and if the jumping holds up, he will be a tough nut to crack. My Way De Solzen won a weak Lingfield chase but showed plenty of authority in doing so. This is a stronger assignment and while he is on top on BHB figures, there is a suspicion that he might be better for a step up in trip. New Little Bric was the subject of rave reviews ahead of his debut for Paul Nicholls and he duly won at Plumpton "hard held". Today is the acid test as to future campaigns. Charlies Double and Trampoline King are effective in their grade but it is difficult to see them getting involved at this level. A good race and Fair Along gets the nod.
My Way de Solzen (FR) 4-11fav (11-5) Jumped well, tracked leaders, led 7th, drew clear from 3 out, hard held, won at Lingfield 2m beg chs (4) sft in Nov beating Gentleman Jimmy (11-5) by 14l, 7 ran.
New Little Bric (FR) 5-6fav (11-6) Tracked leaders, went 2nd at 9th, led 10th, made rest, kept on strongly, won at Plumpton 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd in Nov beating Nonantais (11-6) by 13l, 6 ran.
Charlies Double 66-1 (11-0) Held up in 3rd, lost touch from 7th, blundered 9th, lost 3rd after last, last of 4, well behind Denman (11-7) at Newbury 2m 4f nov chs Grd 2 (1) hvy in Nov.
Trampoline King (USA) 7-1 (11-12) Mid-division, moderate 5th and no impression under pressure approaching 3 out, kept on same pace, 6th of 10, 17l behind Battledress (10-11) at Tramore 2m beg chs gd in Aug.
Fair Along (GER) 10-3 (10-7) Jumped well, made all, in command after 2 out, drew clear from last, easily, won at Cheltenham 2m nov chs Grd 2 (1) gs in Nov beating Natal (11-5) by 9l, 6 ran.
