Tracked leader, brushed 2nd, not fluent 4 out, pushed along before 3 out, looked held next, closed to lead last, idled in front but always doing enough op 4/7
Raced keenly on final circuit, led, reached for 9th, quickened before 3 out, 2 lengths ahead next, ridden and headed when pecked on landing last, kept on run-in, always held op 6/4
With experience and that touch more class on his side, dual Grade 1 novices' chase runner-up and Grade 1 hurdle winner WHISPER should be able to outpoint his opponent here. Clan Des Obeaux can't be ruled out, especially as these types of race can be muddling and it would not be a huge shock if he caught Nicky Henderson's runner cold, but on paper he has 9lb to find and that ought to be enough to tip the scales against him.