A five time winner over fences over trips ranging from 2m to 2m4f. The highlight of which came in the Listed Byrne Group Chase at Ascot in October. 12lb higher than for that success, but has continued broadly to run with credit since, but a tough task here at the weights despite being handled by very much the chase trainer of choice this season.
Top rated of this quartet, and whilst returning from a summer break with a fair third in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree in October, hasn't been so good in two starts since. That said, he was out of his depth last time in the Tingle Creek, and a course winner (December 2014) this looks a more suitable option despite never having won at this trip.
Formerly a talented hurdler (Greatwood runner up, International Hurdle runner up and Champion Hurdle tried) who has two chasing victories to his name from six starts over fences. His CV boasts two solid 2m efforts here in Novice Chases (one success), and he meets Quite By Chance on better terms than at Ascot in November.
Course winner, but returns here for his new stable from the best part of a year off the track. Yet to win beyond 2m3f and whilst he promises to stay the trip judged on his beginners chase success at Exeter on New Year's Day 2016, he looks vulnerable on this return on unfavourable terms at the weights.
A small field, in which perhaps only Activial can be ruled out (largely upon account of race fitness rather than a lack of ability), which makes this a tricky puzzle to solve. There's not a great deal to chose between Quite By Chance and VANITEUX based upon their running behind Sire De Grugy at Ascot in November, whilst the top rated Vibrato Valtat hasn't quite brought his 'A' game to the table this season despite admittedly being highly tried. Despite having some questions to fully answer at this trip, overall versatility, and a couple of good previous efforts over these fences over 2 miles is enough to sway the vote to the Nicky Henderson trained Vaniteux.
1. Vaniteux
2. Vibrato Valtat
3. Quite By Chance