Oslot can come out on top over Money Order, Onyx Bruere and Deep Reflection. Amazingly, Oslot did not go off as favourite on his British debut at Taunton in December, given that he had won all three starts in France prior to being purchased by Andy Stewart. He did not disappoint, despite being far from fluent at his flights, and sure to have been well schooled since, more success awaits the Nicholls inmate. Money Order impressed with the manner of his bumper debut success at Towcester in December but was well held when third on his hurdles bow there last month. That was over a demanding 20-furlongs though and his stamina probably gave out. He is worth a second look back over today's trip and rates a danger to the selection. Onyx Bruere was unbeaten in two outings in France, the latest of which was an odds-on success over timber, so he could easily be good enough to take a hand in the finish if fit after a six-month break, while Deep Reflection has that bit more experience than most and could figure in proceedings as well. Double Obsession was an out-and-out stayer on the Flat and is best watched on his debut over hurdles, while the market may tell which of Jonjo O'Neill's trio is preferred. Oslot has a bright future though and is strongly fancied to follow up.
Onyx Bruere (FR) Mansonnien gelding out of winning chaser Hervine Bruere.
Oslot (FR) 15-8 (11-6) Mid-division, headway 3 out, led approaching 2 out, ran green, soon in command, readily, won at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec beating Jazz City (11-3) by 8l, 12 ran.
Deep Reflection 20-1 (11-4) Mid-division, ridden and some progress after 3 out, soon one pace, 5th of 15, 16l behind Wyldello (10-11) at Hereford 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Double Obsession 16-1 (9-5) Led for 1f, chased leaders, outpaced 6f out, 5th of 7, 11l behind Som Tala (8-8) at Beverley 2m hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Aug (Flat).
Gauvain (GER) (9-9) Held up, effort 2f out, one pace, 3rd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Napoletano (9-2) at Halle 1m 1f hcp frm in Sept (Flat).
Golden Oak (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Soon in touch, weakened after 4th, 5th of 15, 29l behind Khasab (11-4) at Hereford 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Keepitsecret (IRE) 40-1 (11-4) Always towards rear, 11th of 14, 31l behind Nawaadi (10-7) at Taunton 2m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
King's Minstrel (IRE) 5-1 (9-2) Took keen hold, with leader, led over 7f out to over 2f out, soon weakened, 11th of 12, 12l behind Simplified (8-11) at Kempton 1m 3f Stks (41-45) (7) pol (Flat).
Money Order (IRE) 4-1 (11-4) Mid-division, jumped left 5th, headway next, weakened approaching 2 out, 3rd of 11, 23l behind Carrick Oscar (11-4) at Towcester 2m 3f nov hdl (4) sft.
Psychiatrist 40-1 (8-10) In touch and very keen, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 9, 19l behind Bahar Shumaal (8-13) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Dec (Flat).
So Wise So Young 100-1 (11-1) Prominent, chased leader 5th, every chance 3 out, ridden and kept on one pace from 2 out, 3rd of 15, 14l behind Tarotino (11-4) at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
The Logical Man (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) In rear, mistake 4th, never dangerous, 9th of 17, well behind Monfils Monfils (11-4) at Huntingdon 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
