32red Kauto Star Novices' Chase (In Memory Of Nigel Clark) (Grade 1)

Off time: 13:55 | Winning time: 6m 12.60s

Ballyoptic^t³⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 154| BF| D

11/4

Smart staying hurdler, made winning start over fences at Exeter (3m, soft) when beating Elegant Escape by 13L in November. 4L second of three behind Black Corton at Cheltenham since, when not helped by making a bad error at the last fence.

Form: 4P5-512

Black Corton^t²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Bryony Le Clerc| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 155| C| D

4/1

Determined performer, saw his five-race winning sequence ended by Elegant Escape at Newbury this month on over just shy of 3m. Was giving the winner 3lb and beaten ¾L there so entitled to reverse placings on these terms but has had a busy time.

Form: 111112

Elegant Escape²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: T J O'Brien| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 150

11/2

Beaten by Mia's Storm and Ballyoptic (second to both) on first two runs over fences but improved and very game to hold off Black Corton at Newbury since (received 3lb). Entitled to improve again, probably has to do so to win this.

Form: 577-221

Fountains Windfall²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Aidan Coleman| T: A J Honeyball| BF

13/2

Ready winner over 2m4f (good) on chase bow at Southwell last month and was travelling alongside Elegant Escape and Black Corton with three to jump when coming to grief at Newbury in Grade 2 novice since. Not overlooked.

Form: 111-51F

Some Invitation^t⁵³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| D

40/1

Was no certainty to oblige at odds-on in Wetherby chase debut last month until strong-travelling rival fell two fences from home, leaving him clear of sole other runner. Good deal of improvement needed in jumping department.

Form: 1816-1

West Approach¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: T Scudamore| T: C L Tizzard

11/1

Was beaten 33L behind Black Corton at Cheltenham (3m½f, soft) last month and, though winning a second chase since at Exeter (2m3f, soft), must brush up on his jumping to stand a chance of bridging that gap.

Form: 3PP-131

Mia's Storm⁴⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: A King| OR: 149| D

5/2

Smart hurdler but she already looks destined for much better over fences, readily seeing off Elegant Escape on debut at Cheltenham in October and landing Listed Market Rasen contest with plenty in hand next time. Won't be thrilled if it rains.

Form: 591-111

Forecasts

Mia's Storm (5/2), Ballyoptic (11/4), Black Corton (4/1), Elegant Escape (11/2), Fountains Windfall (13/2), West Approach (11/1), Some Invitation (40/1)

Black Corton has been admirably durable already in his chasing career, just missing out on a six-timer at Newbury last time out. He was held by Elegant Escape there, though Paul Nicholls' charge was conceding 3lb and is perfectly entitled to see a turnaround off levels now. Both of those rivals are respected, as is Ballyoptic (4L behind Black Corton at Cheltenham last month) if he improves his jumping but they may all play second fiddle to the mare MIA'S STORM. She comfortably beat Elegant Escape on her chase bow at Chepstow and built on that when winning again at Market Rasen in Listed class since. She looks a chaser to follow and has scope to improve again on her third start in this sphere, while she'll be spotted a very handy 7lb from the boys in this contest ensuring she holds solid credentials for the in-form Alan King yard.