Verdict

The fast-improving ANNUAL INVICTUS (NAP) is taken to end the unbeaten record of likely favourite Bear Ghylls. Chris Gordon’s charge had no problem completing his hat-trick upped to this trip at Plumpton and he is guaranteed to act on the ground. He might run the finish out of Nicky Martin’s stable star, who clearly has an engine but continues to treat the obstacles with little respect. Wilde About Oscar also made mistakes when pulled up in the Challow Hurdle while dual Hereford winner Optimise Prime will need to up his game. Took The Lot is also engaged at Doncaster.

Formwatch

Annual Invictus (IRE) 4-7fav (11-12) Made all, pushed along before 2 out, shaken up and in command between last 2, stayed on strongly, unchallenged, won at Plumpton 2m 5f (3) sft in Jan beating Dorking Lad (11-2) by 6 1/2l, 7 ran.

Bear Ghylls (IRE) 10-11fav (11-10) Raced keenly tracking leaders, went 2nd 5th, led approaching 3 out where stumbled, over 2 lengths ahead when mistake last, drew clear run-in, won at Exeter 2m 3f hcp (3) sft in Jan beating Stormy Flight (11-3) by 5l, 8 ran.

Optimise Prime (IRE) 5-2 (11-4) Always prominent, good jump to lead 3 out, still travelling strongly after 2 out, ridden out after last, cosily, won at Hereford 2m 4f (4) sft in Dec beating Velasco (10-12) by 4 1/4l, 8 ran.

Took The Lot 12-1 (10-12) Led, slow 4th, soon headed, led after next, hit 2 out, soon headed and weakened, last of 8, dist behind Make Good (10-12) at Cheltenham 3m (1) sft in Dec.

Wilde About Oscar (IRE) 7-2 (11-7) Held up, not fluent 1st, headway before 4th, left 2nd next, mistake and lost 2nd 7th, outpaced before 3 out, soon last and eased, pulled up before 3 out, at Newbury 2m 5f (1) sft in Dec.