chased winner until 8th, went 2nd again after next until approaching 14th, dropped to 4th soon after 4 out, went well held 3rd again last
raced on inside, held up, steady headway to chase leading trio from 9th, went 2nd and not fluent 14th, ridden and no impression when hung right under pressure before 3 out
chased leading trio, chased leading pair 3rd, went 2nd 8th until after next, weakened 12th, soon no chance, tailed off when hit 3 out
chased leading pair until mistake and dropped to rear 3rd, remiders after 6th, struggling 11th, soon tailed off
held up in 5th, chased leading trio 3rd, went 3rd soon after 4 out, soon no chance with leading duo, weakened to 4th last
jumped well, made all, clear 11th, well in command when hit 2 out, stayed on strongly, unchallenged
Nonrunner
Though he's yet to prove he stays this trip and carries a penalty for his easy Chepstow win, PLEIN POUVOIR represents a stable in terrific form and this is probably the best course in the country for those with dubious stamina. Alderburn has been a grand servant to connections down the years and won at Aintree in the autumn. He unseated his rider early on in a veterans' chase at Huntingdon last time, however, while Ravethebrave fell at the first in a novices' handicap at Cheltenham last month and C&D winner Fortification was pulled up when Soixante finished fifth at Sandown five weeks ago. Rory Boy is useful on his day, however, and should appreciate the drop in grade though hasn't raced since finishing well beaten at Haydock in November.
Alderburn 9-2 (11-10) Tracked leaders, mistake and unseated rider 4th, in a race won by Mister McGoldrick (11-12) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in Nov, 6 ran.
Ravethebrave (IRE) 11-2 (11-1) In touch when fell 1st, in a race won by The Giant Bolster (11-12) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov chs (2) gs in Jan, 8 ran.
Rory Boy (USA) 9-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, pushed along after 9th, ridden next, soon behind, tailed off 4 out, 5th of 8, well behind King Fontaine (11-1) at Haydock 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in Nov.
Fortification (USA) 25-1 (10-12) In rear on outside, headway approaching 9th, lost place before 13th, modest 7th when blundered 17th, behind before 3 out, pulled up after, in a race won by Nicto De Beauchene (10-7) at Sandown 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) sft in Jan, 13 ran.
Plein Pouvoir (FR) 3-1 (11-7) Soon close up in 4th, headway to 3rd at 9th, led travelling well 5 out, came clear from 3 out, very easily, won at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft beating Rateable Value (10-7) by 28l, 8 ran.
Carrickmines (IRE) 14-1 (11-8) Held up in rear, not much room before 1st, not fluent 5th, headway 3 out, led and hit 2 out, headed approaching last, weakened flat, 6th of 16, 11l behind Apache Chant (10-3) at Market Rasen 2m 5f cond hcp hdl 0-1115 (4) gd in Jan.
Soixante (IRE) 33-1 (10-9) Prominent, not fluent 12th, ridden 16th, 4th when blundered 4 out, weakened before next, tailed off, 5th of 13, well behind Nicto De Beauchene (10-7) at Sandown 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) sft in Jan.
