Last Ran: 27th December 2008

Deep Purple looks the one they all have to beat in this years Grade 2 Stan James Wayward Lad Novices' Chase. He has had three runs since returning to work in November and has won won the last two. The latter being the Grade 2 Noel Novices Chase where he looked full of confidence and an exciting prospect that should deliver a good run.

Paul Nicholls puts his hopes on Oumeyade who is also bidding for a seasonal hat trick, last seen winning a decent Novice Chase at Exeter in November he looks the sort with a bright future.

French Opera, trained by Nicky Henderson came back with a bang in October winning at Aintree then disappointed by falling in his last race here at Kempton. He has the ability to run well here so if you can forgive him this he could be worth considering in such a small field.