Verdict

Downward Spiral was beaten a long way when runner-up to the progressive Quincy Des Pictons at Ludlow last time but this looks a weaker event and he's not easily dismissed. However, MALLUSK is stepped up in trip after finishing second over 2m in testing ground on his last couple of starts and it could be what he needs to get his head back in front. He gets the vote as Border Reiver is 7lb higher than when landing this race last year and seemingly out of sorts, while Tooman Lane takes a big step up in class after a recent second at Catterick.

Formwatch

Downward Spiral (IRE) 16-1 (11-6) Jumped left, tracked leader until 11th, went 2nd again before 4 out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 16l behind Quincy Des Pictons (10-3) at Ludlow 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-120 (4) gs in Dec.

Mallusk (IRE) 15-8fav (11-4) Led, hit 5th, ridden and narrowly headed before 3 out, led again 3 out, joined and hit 2 out, headed and no extra flat, 2nd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Rosoff (9-9) at Lingfield 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy.

Border Reiver 14-1 (11-0) Mid-division on inside, chased leaders after 5 out, ridden and kept on same pace from 3 out, never on terms, 4th of 14, 11l behind Cootehill (11-12) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (4) gd in Dec.

Pistol Basc (FR) 16-1 (11-7) In touch, lost place 8th, weakened from 10th, 7th of 8, well behind Doberdan (10-11) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp 0-100 (5) sft in Dec.

Zazamix (FR) 12-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders in 3rd, left 2nd from 3 out, challenged and upsides last when fell, in a race won by Next To Nowhere (11-6) at Catterick 2m nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs, 7 ran.

Allanard (IRE) 9-2 (11-7) Close up, led 8th, jumped right and headed 14th, one pace from 3 out, 3rd of 7, 10l behind Apache Blue (11-11) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Dec.

Tooman Lane (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Held up, headway 3 out, stayed on from next, 2nd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Strathaird (9-8) at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) sft.