Verdict

Peddlers Cross lost his unbeaten record over fences at Kempton to Sprinter Sacre but there was obviously no disgrace in that. A winner at The Festival over timber in 2010 and second in last year's Champion Hurdle, he obviously warrants respect though his jumping hasn't been as slick as it could have been over the larger obstacles. Champion Court beat Solix in a Grade 2 over 2m5f here in January and is another to consider, though he may get taken on for the lead by Micheal Flips and Zaynar. Sir Des Champs won over hurdles at The Festival last year and has done well since switching to fences, winning Grade 2 contests at Limerick and Leopardstown in his last two starts, while Cristal Bonus was a decent hurdler in France and readily brushed aside today's rival Duke Of Lucca in the Pendil at Kempton and is on the upgrade. But we expect a big run from FOR NON STOP, who looks a natural chaser and thoroughly deserved a first success over fences in a Grade 1 at Newbury last time when beating Micheal Flips. The likely fast pace will play to his strengths and Nick Williams' charge can follow up.

Formwatch

Bold Sir Brian (IRE) 11-10fav (11-8) Tracked leaders, not fluent 2nd, closed 9th, hampered and left 2nd 12th, soon led, clear after 3 out, easily, won at Musselburgh 2m 4f nov chs (3) gs in Feb beating Stopped Out (10-12) by 22l, 5 ran.

Champion Court (IRE) 6-1 (11-4) Made all, jumped slightly right, ridden approaching 2 out, pressed last, stayed on well, in command final 75 yards, won at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov chs G2 (1) gs in Jan beating Solix (11-7) by 1 3/4l, 6 ran.

Cristal Bonus (FR) 15-8fav (11-0) Jumped left, left in lead 2nd, made most after, pushed along and joined 3 out, asserted next, soon came clear, shaken up after last, easily, won at Kempton 2m 4f nov chs G2 (1) gd in Feb beating Duke Of Lucca (11-0) by 13l, 6 ran.

Duke Of Lucca (IRE) 13-2 (11-0) Left chasing winner 2nd, challenged and every chance 3 out, held next, no extra, 2nd of 6, 13l behind Cristal Bonus (11-0) at Kempton 2m 4f nov chs G2 (1) gd in Feb.

For Non Stop (IRE) 3-1 (11-4) Held up, headway after 12th, ridden when mistake 3 out, led last, stayed on well, won at Newbury 2m 4f nov chs G1 (1) gs in Feb beating Micheal Flips (11-4) by 2l, 7 ran.

Imperial Shabra (IRE) 3-1 (11-5) Led to 7th, led again before last, kept on well, driven out, won at Stratford 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd beating Edlomond (11-6) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.

Micheal Flips (IRE) 12-1 (11-4) Led, jumped right 4 out, ridden and headed last, stayed on, no impression on winner final 150 yards, 2nd of 7, 2l behind For Non Stop (11-4) at Newbury 2m 4f nov chs G1 (1) gs in Feb.

Peddlers Cross (IRE) 4-5fav (11-8) Led until mistake and headed 1st, chased winner, tried to close before 3 out, driven before next, soon no impression, 2nd of 3, 16l behind Sprinter Sacre (11-6) at Kempton 2m nov chs Grade 2 (1) gd in Dec.

Red Tanber (IRE) 7-4fav (11-7) Chased leaders, went 2nd on inside 3 out, led 2 out, narrowly headed soon after, in front again approaching last, stayed on flat, driven out, won at Kelso 2m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd beating Freddie Brown (11-2) by 5l, 6 ran.

Sir Des Champs (FR) Evensfav (11-10) Held up in rear, 4th 4 out, improved to 3rd approaching 2 out, pushed along entering straight, ridden to challenge last, kept on run-in to lead last strides, won at Leopardstown 2m 5f nov chs G2 (1) in Jan beating Fists Of Fury (11-5) by 1/2l, 5 ran.

Solix (FR) 5-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, not fluent 1st, left 2nd 4 out, closed from 2 out, every chance last, stayed on, no impression on winner final 75 yards, 2nd of 6, 1 3/4l behind Champion Court (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov chs G2 (1) gs in Jan.

Zaynar (FR) 3-1 (11-7) Led until propped, went left and unseated rider 1st, in a race won by Cristal Bonus (11-0) at Kempton 2m 4f nov chs G2 (1) gd in Feb, 6 ran.