Verdict

Aiteen Thirtythree is sure to be popular having won both starts over the larger obstacles, including a Grade 2 at Newbury last time. But the six-year-old could be vulnerable around this sharper track so the vote goes to MASTER OF THE HALL. Nicky Henderson's charge was hardly foot perfect when beating Fredo in a beginners' chase at Ascot last month but lessons will have been learned that day and there's every chance 3m around here will suit. Loosen My Load tries this trip for the first time having got outpaced behind Ghizao over 2m at Cheltenham last month, but Cois Farraig has more to do than when beating On Borrowed Wings over 2m4f at Newbury last time.

Formwatch

Aiteen Thirtythree (IRE) 13-2 (11-2) With leader, pecked 2nd, soon led, made most after, narrow leader when left well clear 5 out, well in command when jumped right from 3 out, unchallenged, won at Newbury 3m nov chs Grade 2 (1) gs in Nov beating Voramar Two (11-2) by 17l, 5 ran.

Billie Magern 14-1 (11-7) Led until 8th, chased leader, led again after 11th, mistake and stumbled next, headed just before 4 out, weakened and poor 7th when blundered 3 out, left poor 5th next, 5th of 8, 35l behind Wayward Prince (11-4) at Cheltenham 3m nov chs (2) gs in Nov.

Cois Farraig 10-1 (11-1) Led until narrowly headed 4th, chased leader until before 7th, left 2nd and slightly hampered 11th, led 12th, driven after 2 out, stayed on well flat, won at Newbury 2m 4f nov chs Grade 2 (1) gs in Nov beating On Borrowed Wings (11-8) by 2 3/4l, 5 ran.

Fredo (IRE) 9-2 (11-1) Close up, chased leader 8th, led 11th, joined next, ridden and headed 4 out, chased winner, stayed on flat, 2nd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Master Of The Hall (11-1) at Ascot 2m 5f beg chs (3) gs in Nov.

Fruity O'Rooney 25-1 (10-10) Led to 1st, tracked leader, led again before 4 out, headed soon after, weakened from next, 10th of 18, 46l behind Grands Crus (10-10) at Haydock 3m Listed hcp hdl (1) gs in Nov.

Golan Way 10-11fav (11-7) With leader, led 6th, hard pressed from 4 out, ridden and edged right after last, asserted final 100 yards, ran on well, won at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov chs (3) gs in Nov beating Pearlysteps (11-1) by 2 1/4l, 6 ran.

Hell's Bay (FR) 7-1 (11-4) Held up in 3rd and last, mistake 2nd, went 2nd 3 out, ridden after next, soon no chance with winner, 2nd of 3, 12l behind Finian's Rainbow (11-0) at Newbury 2m 1f nov chs (3) gs in Nov.

Loosen My Load (IRE) 7-2 (11-8) Led until after 4th, chased winner, pressed from before 3 out and every chance, pushed along when not fluent 2 out, soon well held, weakened and no impression when lost 2nd final 100 yards, 3rd of 5, 10l behind Ghizao (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m nov chs Grade 2 (1) gs in Nov.

Master Of The Hall (IRE) 10-11fav (11-1) In touch in rear, headway to track leaders 9th, joined leader 12th, led 4 out, clear 2 out, in command when blundered badly last, recovered and ran on, won at Ascot 2m 5f beg chs (3) gs in Nov beating Fredo (11-1) by 3 1/2l, 6 ran.

On Borrowed Wings (IRE) 22-1 (11-8) Took keen hold, held up 5th, hit 3rd, hit 10th, left 3rd at 11th, chased winner 3 out, ridden after next, one pace and no impression from last, 2nd of 5, 2 3/4l behind Cois Farraig (11-1) at Newbury 2m 4f nov chs Grade 2 (1) gs in Nov.