Read The aidan-coleman.com Blog Novices' Chase

Off time: 15:55 | Winning time: 5m 24.80s

Financier^t³³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: J E Moore| T: Kerry Lee

11/1

Off the mark on his second start over the larger obstacles at odds of 25/1 when landing a Ludlow 2m beginners contest on soft ground last month. More progress possible but probably up against it here.

Form: 1305-P1

Moonlighter³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: T Scudamore| T: Nick Williams| OR: 143

10/3

Heavy ground winner here over extended 2m before finding Warwick Grade 2 an altogether tougher nut to crack. Not totally dismissed but 3lb to find on Tidal Flow.

Form: 7-U2U14

Senior Citizen²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Adrian Heskin| T: A King| OR: 134| D

7/2

Good ground winner over hurdles gained first chase success latest when winning a 2m5f Fakenham contest by 11L on soft. On the upgrade but plenty to find on Moonlighter and Tidal Flow.

Form: 6406-21

Tidal Flow^p⁷²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 146| BF| D

5/6

Easy winner in heavy ground at Uttoxeter two starts ago, and then better still when runner-up to Burbank in a competitive handicap at Newbury in December. Will look to get back to winning ways here.

Form: 642-312

Forecasts

Tidal Flow (5/6), Moonlighter (10/3), Senior Citizen (7/2), Financier (11/1)

It's hard to look past the chances of the Phillip Hobbs-trained TIDAL FLOW in this four-runner contest. The seven-year-old was in a fine run of form towards the end of the year and should be able to see off his nearest threat, Moonlighter for trainer Nick Williams. The Alan King-trained Senior Citizen is more than capable to take advantage if any of the main protagonists are off their game.