Verdict
Nicky Henderson has a fantastic record in this having won it six times in the past 10 years. His representative here. Titan De Sarti, attracted massive support on his debut for the stable at Cheltenham a month ago and though failing to fire will have come on a ton for the experience. Paul Nicholls won the race a year ago with Advisor and EMPIRE LEVANT may be good enough to repeat the process on his hurdling debut. Unbeaten in his first three starts on the Flat in France, he was runner-up in Listed company on his fourth and final start in July and could prove to be a bright prospect. Rare Symphony, a handicap winner when trained in Ireland, is one to keep an eye on as is Third Intention, an impressive winner of a strong Bellewstown maiden in July and now with Colin Tizzard.
Formwatch
Captain Cool (IRE) 6-1fav (8-10) In touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, 3rd of 15, 3 1/2l behind Suhailah (8-10) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-50 (7) pol (flat).
Dragon's Den (IRE) 9-1 (10-12) Pulled hard early, chased winner until approaching 2 out, soon ridden and no extra, 5th of 11, 12l behind Pantxoa (11-5) at Warwick 2m 3yo hdl (4) gd in Nov.
Dream Spinner 9-1 (10-7) Chased leaders, ridden 5th, weakened after 3 out, tailed off, 6th of 12, 50l behind Jolly Roger (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m 3yo hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Dr Finley (IRE) 3-1fav (10-13) In rear, hampered 2nd, hit 4th, ridden and headway 2 out, kept on near finish, never dangerous, 3rd of 8, 2l behind Venetian Dove (11-7) at Fakenham 2m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Nov.
Empire Levant (USA) (9-2) 2nd of 8, shd behind Marceti (9-2) at Nantes(FR) 1m 4f stk gd in Jun (flat).
Lajidaal (USA) 50-1 (9-2) Soon in touch on outside, reminders and lost place after 6f, soon behind, last of 15, well behind Activate (8-9) at Haydock 1m 6f 3yo hcp 0-90 (3) gf in Sep (flat).
Langley (9-2) 8th of 10, 14l behind Juvenil Delinquent (8-11) at Saint-cloud(FR) 1m 2f stk gs in Sep (flat).
Looks Like Slim 50-1 (8-10) Slight lead until ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened inside final 2f, 11th of 14, 11l behind Lady Lam (9-7) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Nov (flat).
Othello (IRE) 40-1 (10-5) Jumped slowly 1st, mid-division on outside, pushed along 5th, behind from next, weakened 3 out, tailed off, 9th of 11, well behind Kahfre (10-12) at Plumpton 2m 3yo hdl (4) gf in Sep.
Professeur Emery (FR) 16-1 (10-12) Took keen hold, chased leader, led 3rd until next, chased leader, hit 4 out, weakened soon after, eased from 3 out, tailed off, 6th of 9, well behind Smad Place (10-12) at Newbury 2m 3yo hdl (3) gs in Nov.
Third Intention (IRE) 7-1 (9-5) Chased leaders, led after 5f, clear 3f out, ridden and kept on well from 2f out, won at Bellewstown 1m 5f mdn stks gf in Jul beating Don Leone (9-5) by 4 1/2l, 13 ran (flat).
Time Square (FR) 100-1 (8-10) Chased leader until 3f out, soon weakened, last of 13, 26l behind Prince Of Johanne (8-8) at Windsor 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Oct (flat).
Titan De Sarti (FR) 11-4fav (10-12) Took keen hold, soon steadied towards rear, steady headway before 4th, chased leaders before and every chance when slight peck 3 out, ridden found nil and weakened before next, 5th of 15, 33l behind Sam Winner (10-12) at Cheltenham 2m juv nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gs in Nov.
Whipperway (IRE) 15-8fav (10-7) Held up in last pair, slow 4th, went 3rd under pressure after 2 out, well beaten when hit last, 3rd of 6, 18l behind Pepite Rose (10-5) at Folkestone 2m 1f 3yo hdl (4) hvy in Nov.
Wild Geese (IRE) 5-1 (9-3) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, soon every chance, no extra inside final furlong, 2nd of 13, 4l behind Tarooq (9-8) at Newcastle 1m mdn stks (5) gd in Sep (flat).
Rare Symphony (IRE) 12-1 (8-12) Disputed lead, headed approaching straight, 2nd 2f out, kept on same pace under pressure, 5th of 12, 6l behind Emulous (9-3) at Naas 1m fll lst stks (1) gd in Oct (flat).
Tatispout (FR) 5-1 (10-5) Led, ridden approaching 3 out, headed soon after, weakened 2 out, just held on for 3rd near finish, 3rd of 9, 26l behind Local Hero (10-12) at Wetherby 2m 3yo mdn hdl (5) sft in Nov.
