IT’S TIME FOR A BIT OF MISCHIEF

Peter Scudamore EIGHT-TIME CHAMPION JOCKEY

It’s a typically wide- open Pertemps Network Final but it’s worth taking a chance on

BLACK MISCHIEF improving on his first attempt at the trip.

Last seen when fourth in a qualifier at Wincanton on Boxing Day, Black Mischief was a winner over 2m 3f at Haydock in November prior to that, finishing strongly to get up close home.

He shaped like a horse who would appreciate further. His pedigree offers hope in this regard, his dam being a half- sister to a 3m winner.

DEFI DU SEUIL and Lostintranslation are closely matched in the JLt Novices’ Chase on their two previous runnings this season but Defi strikes me as classier.

He can confirm winning scilly Isles Novices’ Chase form and add this JLt prize to his win in the triumph Hurdle two years ago.

the Ryanair Chase is a highquality affair but at the prices I will take a chance on last year’s winner BALKO DES FLOS bouncing back to his best. Footpad, Frodon, Monalee, Road to Respect and Un De sceaux will provide stiff competition but if Balko Des Flos returns to the level he showed when beating Un De sceaux in similarly testing ground 12 months ago, he will be a match for any of them.