Final Assault has run three times over fences and gone up in the weights without winning. But he hasn't been beaten far and scored on heavy ground over timber so must be considered. Useful bumper and hurdler Lord Wishes has struggled in his two starts over fences while Spirit D'Armor was undone by a bad early mistake on his chasing debut at Fontwell. KEEL HAUL (NAP) won twice on heavy ground over hurdles in February and made a reasonable chasing debut at Uttoxeter where he jumped well. He should have improved for the experience and, with conditions in his favour, is taken to get back on the winning trail. The remaining pair are by no means lost causes in a tight handicap as they are both suited to heavy ground.
Beauboreen (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) Not fluent on occasions, in touch in rear, ridden and outpaced 3 out, not trouble leaders, 4th of 7, 14l behind Big Water (11-0) at Carlisle 2m 5f nov hcap ch (3) hvy.
Keel Haul (IRE) 9-4fav (11-8) Tracked leaders, went 2nd from 3rd, ridden 3 out, not fluent next, soon no impression, 2nd of 5, 9l behind Key To The West (11-7) at Uttoxeter 2m nov hcp chs 0-120 (4) sft.
Smadynium (FR) 14-1 (11-5) Mid-division in touch, chased leaders when blundered 4 out, outpaced next, soon ridden and weakened, tailed off, 5th of 13, well behind The Young Master (11-8) at Cheltenham 3m 1f am hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Oct.
Final Assault (IRE) 9-4 (11-6) In rear, headway fter 5 out, challenged 2 out, ridden and every chance last, stayed on towards finish, just held, 2nd of 6, nk behind Revolutionary Road (10-5) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (4) gd.
Lord Wishes (IRE) 12-1 (10-13) Always in rear and mistakes, reminders after 2nd, pulled up, in a race won by Wakanda (11-4) at Kelso 2m 7f nov chs (3) sft, 6 ran.
Spirit D'armor (FR) 6-1 (10-7) Chased leaders in 4th until blundered and dropped to rear 2nd, went 4th before 2 out, plugged on into poor 3rd in closing stages, 3rd of 6, 17l behind Kings Lad (11-7) at Fontwell 2m 2f nov ltd hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy in Nov.
