Despite the small field, a fascinating contest in which all five have decent prospects. Spear Thistle hasn't raced since winning at Plumpton in December but is capable of running well fresh and has the ground in his favour. Get It On has been knocking on the door, while Global Flyer has come good with victories at Wetherby and Huntingdon and Dinarius beat a subsequent winner by 11 lengths over C&D earlier this month, though has paid dearly with a 13lb rise in the weights. PLEIN POUVOIR is on a decent mark, however, and can reverse Huntingdon form with Global Flyer over this shorter trip. Runner-up over this C&D earlier, he gets the nod today.
Dinarius 6-1 (11-7) Led in start, led 4th, clear 6th and travelled well after, in no danger before 4 out, eased flat, won at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp chs 0-120 (4) gs beating Upthemsteps (11-6) by 11l, 7 ran.
Global Flyer 9-1 (11-9) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 14th, not fluent next, challenged 2 out, left in lead last, edged right flat, driven out, won at Huntingdon 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs beating Plein Pouvoir (11-0) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Get It On (IRE) 4-1 (10-12) Tracked leader, not fluent 3rd, led 7th, headed when mistake 2 out, weakened last, 3rd of 6, 16l behind Kauto Relko (10-12) at Bangor 2m 4f nov chs (4) gd.
Spear Thistle 5-1 (11-0) Made virtually all, joined and ridden 3 out, driven and strongly pressed but kept narrow lead from 2 out, driven out and stayed on gamely from last, won at Plumpton 2m 1f nov chs (3) sft in Dec beating Cucumber Run (11-4) by hd, 3 ran.
Plein Pouvoir (FR) 18-1 (11-0) In touch, not fluent 6th, went 2nd briefly 3 out, soon ridden, left 2nd last, stayed on to close on winner flat, no impression towards finish, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Global Flyer (11-9) at Huntingdon 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs.
