Tiutchev to show why he's a class act

Instead, stick with the proven class act. Admittedly, Tiutchev hardly answered to that billing when a distant last to Flagship Uberalles in last month's rescheduled Tingle Creek Trophy at Cheltenham. But last year's Arkle hero had suffered a training setback in the preceding fortnight and was not expected to shine that day.

Since then, the vibes have been loud and clearly positive from Nicky Henderson's yard - so much so that the Lambourn trainer admitted to wishing the Champion Chase was staged this month rather than in March. Tiutchev is bouncing and ready to defy 11st 10lb top-weight - a feat not matched since Waterloo Boy nine years ago.

After some initial stuttering, Tiutchev's fencing is now reliably clean and efficient and he has the class to complement it. As he stays beyond the dead two miles, he will appreciate this testing track and, whereas drying ground may count against Function Dream, he handles all surfaces well. Grab any 4-1 you can.

With 20-1 still available, it's definitely worth having an each-way saver on Corniche. Although he failed to win a chase as a novice last season, he showed great promise in the Spring, first when third to Cenkos at Aintree and then when filling the same role behind Tiutchev at Punchestown. He's now 15lb better off for a 14-length deficit with the former and 10lb better off for a 13-length disparity with the latter. After almost scalping high-class novice, Dusk Duel, at Kempton on Boxing Day, Nigel Twiston-Davies's charge looks booked for a place provided he doesn't get locked in a duel for the lead with Get Real.

Attempting to retain his crown from a 5lb higher mark, Nordance Prince looks over-big at 20-1. Progressive then, he since came undone with three straight falls, including when going well in the Champion Chase. A decent fourth over hurdles rounded off his season on a positive note and he is feared if staying on his feet.

Strictly, old Celibate is weighted to reverse his third to Nordance Prince in last year's renewal and has twice before won off tomorrow's mark and higher, but he always tends to find a couple too good at this level. Get Real, after two last-gasp defeats at this his favourite track this season, may be on the wane.

Cenkos is yet to hit form and, although he showed rapid improvement this time last term, his best is still short of Tiutchev's, even in receipt of 3lb.

Function Dream may still have the call over Jungli on revised terms and Davoski is held by both. Progressive Red Ark and Exit Swinger, who ran badly last time out, need further, while Carlovent, is error-prone and inconsistent.