Last Ran: 28th December 2008

Trafford Lad has completed a hat trick of wins since his return to work in October, one of which was the the Grade 1 Drinmore Chase where he continued to impress and confirm that he is probably the leading middle distance chaser around. The odds have since been slashed for him to win the Sun Alliance at Cheltenham. On bare form he has got to be the one they all have to beat here and it is difficult to see any other result.

Siegemaster has a score to settle here, he went off as favourite when meeting Trafford Lad last time out at Punchestown and after a promising start made some jumping errors that cost him. It was reported later that the saddle had slipped so it will be interesting to see how the pair square up to each other on equal terms.

Other entries include the mount of Ruby Walsh, Drumconvis who looks better than the bare form suggests and Footy Facts, winner of a beginners chase at Thurles in November.