THE JUKEBOX KID impressed me, with his jumping on chase debut at Carlisle. The Jukebox Jury gelding attacked his fences well and scored comfortably by four lengths. He is open to any amount of progress, having been switched to fences, and offers potential to rate higher than this grade. A 9lb rise may appear harsh, but he is thoroughly unexposed, and his trainer arrives in good form, having saddled seven winners in the last fortnight.

JAGWAR was a real success story for us last season – winning four times over fences – culminating in victory at the Cheltenham festival. I’m confident he can scale new heights this campaign, as a lightly-raced chaser, who is likely to have further improvement as a six-year-old. This is a tough seasonal debut, without doubt, but he showed a real touch of class last term, and his course form is excellent. 

SHE IS FOR ME BOYS impressed with her jumping technique, when registering an easy chase victory on debut over fences at Kempton. She is 3-4 in her career and adores quick ground – which she is likely to have this afternoon. A 7lb rise may not prevent her from going in again, if jumping with the same fluency here. Theonewedreamof rates the obvious danger, as she brings more experience to the race, but I’m sticking with the selection to continue her winning spree.

JAGWAR was a real success story for us last season – winning four times over fences – culminating in victory at the Cheltenham festival. I’m confident he can scale new heights this campaign, as a lightly-raced chaser, who is likely to have further improvement as a six-year-old. This is a tough seasonal debut, without doubt, but he showed a real touch of class last term, and his course form is excellent. 

Conman John is definitely the horse to beat, following an impressive success at this trip, on the old course, here last time. He has no stamina doubts but is a shorter price than I envisioned. If you can find an each-way market for three places for this contest, I’d advise backing the Nicky Henderson-trained RECKLESS SPENDING.

The Sholokhov gelding has been kept to good ground, in his short career, and has run well without winning. His 2nd, in a 3m point, behind a subsequent 21-length Irish maiden hurdle winner, reads well. He also showed promise in his sole starts in flat and hurdle outings. The rise in distance is what intrigues me the most. He may benefit from stepping up in journey and offers claims at fair odds.

SIOG GEAL is one who ought to appreciate quicker conditions than we may be used to in December. The Grade Two hurdle winner scored over this trip at Newbury last term, indicating she had a promising future.

The Fergal O’Brien-trained mare delivered a pleasing comeback 3rd at Carlisle, which should set her up perfectly for this assignment. I can see her being well supported in the market, and going off favourite. Pretending is another to consider at a big price, having already shown winning form at this venue.