held up, headway 6th, ridden after 9th, weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
raced keenly, held up, headway 7th, mistake 4 out, weakened 2 out
chased leaders, weakened 8th
held up, losing touch when not fluent 6th, tailed off when pulled up after 8th
prominent, jumped slowly 3rd, lost place 4th, behind from 6th, tailed off when pulled up after 8th
not fluent, chased winner, no impression from 3 out
made all, mistake 5th, well in command from 3 out, very easily
Good Spirit is the pick over Alph, with Bright Eagle and Royal Paradise perhaps in with a bit of a squeak. Jumping will be the key factor here, as neither of the two main protagonists have looked foot perfect up to now. Good Spirit was successful three times in France, but crashed out at the final flight when all set to land what was to be his final start before moving to Paul Nicholls. Sent to Warwick for his chase debut in October, he made too many mistakes and failed to justify his short price, only finishing third to Howle Hill in the end. Off since, and sure to have been intensively schooled, he can make the most of the age allowance to open his account here. His main rival Alph looked all set to give the selection's stablemate Phar Bleu a fright when falling at the last at Plumpton, and although Nicholls will know where he stands, it could be another close call if Alph gets his jumping together. Bright Eagle was a maiden on the level and over hurdles but may do better over fences in time, while Royal Paradise was extremely useful over hurdles when trained in Ireland, and may be coaxed back to his best by Paul Webber this term. The pick today though is Good Spirit.
