tracked leader until after 7th, outpaced approaching 4 out, kept on again from last
tracked leaders, went 2nd after 7th, led after 4 out, blundered and headed 3 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace from last, gifted 2nd final 40 yards
led, ridden and headed after 4 out, soon beaten, pulled up before last
held up, headway approaching 8th, led 3 out, soon ridden, headed last, held when rider mistook winning line final 40 yards, lost 2nd near finish
held up behind leaders, headway 4 out, soon ridden, led last, kept on, driven out
chased leaders until 4th, behind from 6th, tailed off
lost touch 6th, pulled up after next
jumped badly right throughout, always in rear, tailed off
ACTION SPIRIT is given another chance to get his head in front here and he is nominated over the likes of Vibe and Lady Malousa. The selection was sent off favourite on his seasonal reappearance at Southwell last month, but he did not get very far. He is perhaps better judged on his chase debut run at Folkestone when he was only narrowly beaten by Bill Owen and if he can replicate that form here then he should be the one to beat. Vibe finished third at Southwell last time in the same race that our selection had fallen in. He was doing his best work at the finish that day so this step-up in trip should suit and he is considered. Lady Malousa has shown only moderate form over hurdles so connections will be hoping that the switch to the bigger obstacles will help to bring about some improvement. Brendan Powell has two runners in this race and of the pair Alecia looks to be his best hope. However, if Action Spirit can put in a clear round of jumping today then he should be tough to beat. (Tim Thornton)
Alecia (IRE) 14-1 (10-4) Prominent, not fluent 5th, weakened 3 out, tailed off, 9th of 10, well behind Strong Coffee (10-12) at Southwell 3m nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.
Quartz Du Montceau (FR) 6-1 (10-6) unseated rider in race won by High Oscar (11-5) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs, 7 ran.
Action Spirit (GER) 7-2fav (11-12) Led and fell in race won by Ours (11-12) at Southwell 2m hcp chs (5) gd in Oct, 16 ran.
Lady Malousa 9-1 (10-3) Mid-division, ridden and headway from 3 out, stayed on from 2 out, 4th of 17, 14l behind Norisan (10-4) at Wincanton 2m nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in Oct.
Vibe 5-1 (11-0) Held up, ridden 8th, headway after 4 out, left 3rd 2 out, no impression on leading pair, 3rd of 16, 8l behind Ours (11-12) at Southwell 2m hcp chs (5) gd in Oct.
The Wicked Witch 28-1 (10-7) In touch, ridden after 7th, soon weakened, 16th of 18, well behind Nemetan (11-4) at Exeter 2m 3f cnd nov hcp hdl (5) gf in May.
Slo Mo Shun 16-1 (10-0) Chased leader to 6th, weakened approaching 2 out, 8th of 13, 16l behind Melvino (11-5) at Stratford 2m ldy hcp hdl (4) gf in Oct.
Park Lodge 150-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, 10th of 13, well behind Mhilu (11-5) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov hdl (4) frm in Oct.
