Improved jumper Monnaie Forte appeals as a sound wager off his handy mark in the New Year Handicap Chase at Newbury today.

A useful hurdler last season, winning three handicaps in the second half of the campaign, the eight-year-old was let down by his jumping in most of his races over fences - won twice but pulled up once and fell on another three occasions.

However, he looks a different proposition this term. On his reappearance James Adam's gelding put in a good round to slam Political Tower by five lengths at Ayr and followed that effort with a game second to Green Green Desert at Doncaster, making his rival work unusually hard.

Monnaie Forte, who is capable of progressing further, earns the nap vote to regain his winning ways at the Berkshire track.