Verdict

Alderley Rover's last two runs have been over the smaller obstacles but Donald McCain's grey is generally better known as a chaser and may struggle to concede weight here to KELLS BELLE. Nicky Henderson's mare was put up 5lb after finishing third on her reappearance at Cheltenham but she's a progressive sort and has the size to cope with her big weight. Fiendish Flame is starting to look well handicapped and could make the frame but Edgeover returns from a lengthy lay-off and Jolly Roger's confidence may be at low ebb.

Formwatch

Alderley Rover (IRE) 28-1 (11-9) Held up behind on inside, ridden and headway into mid-division after 2 out, kept on same pace, never on terms, 8th of 18, 15l behind Rangitoto (10-11) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) gs in Nov.

Kells Belle (IRE) 12-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, ridden approaching 3 out, headway when hampered on bend before last, went 3rd flat, ran on, nearest finish, 3rd of 23, 2 3/4l behind Decoy (11-6) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Nov.

Fiendish Flame (IRE) 28-1 (11-5) Led, took keen hold, jumped right, headed 3 out, weakened 2 out, 7th of 12, 23l behind Desert Cry (11-12) at Haydock 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Nov.

Architrave 20-1 (11-5) Prominent, ridden after 6th, weakened from 3 out, 16th of 23, 48l behind Decoy (11-6) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Nov.

Edgeover 11-2 (11-0) Held up in rear, headway 9th, went 2nd before 3 out, joined leader on bit 2 out, left well clear last, won at Market Rasen 2m 4f beg chase (4) gd in Jun '10 beating Viper (11-0) by 31l, 7 ran.

Jolly Roger (IRE) 40-1 (10-8) Blundered 1st, in rear, lost touch 4 out, soon pulled up, in a race won by Rangitoto (10-11) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) gs in Nov, 18 ran.