led, ridden and headed before 2 out, weakened soon after
tracked leader and keen, ridden to lead before 2 out, headed 2 out, soon weakened
held up towards rear, headway before 7th, led 2 out, ridden and headed before last, one pace
behind, reminders after 4th, soon in rear, never dangerous, pulled up after 3 out
mid-division, soon chased clear pair, outpaced from 3 out, headway before 2 out, went 3rd before last, kept on to take 2nd close home, no chance with winner
towards rear, headway to go 3rd from 8th, led before last, kept on well, pushed out
in touch, lost place and in rear from 6th, headway after 2 out, kept on same pace, no impression
Pouvoir was a smart hurdler but his form over fences isn't nearly as impressive and he disappointed twice after winning at Uttoxeter last September. Alfie Flits has a very similar profile and also steps out of novice company for the first time, while Kellystown Lad has struggled since winning a modest event at Sedgefield in November. Storymaker is 6lb higher than when scoring over C&D last May while Grand Lahou was beaten when falling two out in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham, though should find this opposition more to his liking. But a chance is taken on the fitness of SIR IAN, who was much improved last year and has gone well fresh in the past. He'll certainly enjoy the quicker conditions today.
Grand Lahou (FR) 66-1 (10-3) Mistake 1st, tracked leaders, joined leader 8th, lost place 10th, 5th and outpaced when hit next, weakening when fell 2 out, in a race won by Oiseau de Nuit (10-13) at Cheltenham 2m hcp chs G3 (1) gd, 23 ran.
Sir Ian (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) In touch, chased leading pair 5 out, challenged 3 out, every chance next, soon ridden and one pace, no imnpression flat, 3rd of 11, 12l behind Buffalo Bob (11-6) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Nov.
Storymaker 100-1 (10-5) Behind, mistake 9th (water), soon outpaced, stayed on from 3 out, never near leaders, 10th of 20, 30l behind Holmwood Legend (10-6) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs G3 (1) gd.
Kellystown Lad (IRE) 10-1 (11-1) Tracked clear leaders, keen hold, took closer order 10th, soon under pressure and lost place, last of 6, 35l behind Rougham (11-2) at Ascot 2m 3f nov ltd hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Jan.
Simarian (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Held up in 4th, took keen hold, mistakes 5th and 9th, weakened after 11th, tailed off, last of 4, well behind Kerada (11-1) at Ffos Las 2m 5f nov chs (3) sft in Feb.
Pouvoir (FR) 11-4 (11-3) Tracked leaders, travelling well when mistake 3 out, weakened next, 3rd of 4, 37l behind Fruity O'Rooney (11-3) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov chs (2) gs in Feb.
Alfie Flits 11-2 (11-4) Soon tracking leaders, outpaced approaching 3 out, headway approaching last, never able to challenge, 3rd of 5, 19l behind Nine Stories (10-12) at Kelso 2m 1f nov chs (3) gs.
