Can't Buy Time Back to Defend Victor Chandler Chase

The New Years Day fixture at Cheltenham looks set to beat the weather and we'll be counting on plenty of action and excitement over timber for the entire six race card. 

The main feature looks to be the Grade 3 Victor Chandler Chase- a first-rate handicap featuring a number of talented contenders. 

The betting markets seem to be an outright duel between Nicky Henderson's Carole's Legacy and Peterborough Chase winner Tartak. They're both trading around the 4/1-9/2 corridor but the overall make-up of the race seems to be quite open and there are a number of plausible winners here. 
 

Tartak has graded victories to his credit while Carole's Legacy is just coming in off the listed circuit. It's also worth noting that she has only won at listed level against other mares. A second place finish in the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham is a solid reference for her poise and jumping ability, but the switch to the chase circuit could be her undoing. Surely 4/1 is a bit short for a contender with so many questions over top. 
 

Jonjo O'Neill's Can't Buy Time hasn't won since scoring in this race last New Year's Day, and he gets AP back for this one. He was pulled up in the Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase back in November but he should be rested up nicely for this one. His 10/1 price makes him an attractive win-only selection but he has only finished one of his past three races. 
 

I'msingingtheblues boasts a credible second place finish to Master Minded in the Amlin Chase but he struggles to find the line first. He's not won in nearly a year but the David Pipe charge could be a factor if he gets a clean trip. 
 

The best selection at this point appears to be Paul Nicholls' TARANIS, who came back off a nearly three year lay-off to score against the likes of Carruthers, Ollie Magern and Madison Du Berlais last January. It should be noted that it was over the Cheltenham surface.  He put in a decent shift in his seasonal debut at Newbury, but could be set to take advantage of a cut back in distance to 2m5f.