This Gr1 3 mile (4800m) Chase is seen as one of the key races in the lead up to the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March.

This year's edition sees a very promising chaser in Quito de la Roque favourite at 6/4, ahead of Rubi

Light on 3/1, Joncol on 9/2 and the outsider of the race is an old favourite in Roberto Goldback at 25/1

with Nina Carberry riding - there are only 9 runners so why not!

Also on the card the Fort Liney Novice Chase Gr 1 has also 9 starters and is over 3 miles. First

Lieutenant who won the Future Champs Hurdle last year, has moved to the fences and although he

made a hash of a jump at his last outing and was pulled up, he's smart and talented and 9/4. Last

Instalment jumped beautifully to win a Gr 2 at Punchestown recently and has serious claims - he's 3/1,

with Alle Garde on 7/2.

The Christmas Hurdle has 6 starters with Voler La Vedette on 11/8, Mourad, last year's winner, on 9/4

and Dare to Doubt 13/2. We like the fav.

Yesterday Big Zeb had no problems winning the Chase from Noble Prince and Forpaddydeplasterer an

honest third. There were only 5 runners though as Saludos was a non-runner.

The Future Champs was a bit of a disappointment in that favourite Sous Les Cieux ran out of puff in the

straight and the race went to Cash And Go with Dylan Ross finishing ahead of Sous Les Cieux in the

minors.