Verdict

PHOUDAMOUR is our selection on this occasion with Minella Four Star and It's In The Stars rated the main dangers. Tony McCoy's presence may somewhat sabotage the prices in this race but this is an interesting recruit to chasing and provided that he has suffered no ill effects for a recent tumble, he can get back on the right track this afternoon. Minella Four Star and Quidonc represent the Alan King stable. The former has to reverse the form with It's In The Stars on their Leicester meeting of December but had had more experience going into that contest. Quidonc, on the other hand, bids to avoid an unfortunate treble of Pulled Ups. Quick Fix could literally be anything so the market is best watched for clues. Blazing Diva badly lost her confidence at Bangor and David Crosse could have been forgiven for pulling her up earlier after a series of poor leaps.

Formwatch

It's In The Stars 10-1 (11-0) Led, blundered 2nd, headed 4th, mistake next, led 9th, headed 14th, mistake and weakened 3 out, left moderate 2nd last, 2nd of 8, 9l behind Dream Garden (11-3) at Leicester 2m 7f nov chs (3) gs in Dec.

Minella Four Star (IRE) 3-1 (11-0) Held up, soon in touch, mistake and reminded 7th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened before 2 out, 3rd of 8, 13l behind Dream Garden (11-3) at Leicester 2m 7f nov chs (3) gs in Dec.

Phoudamour (FR) 3-1fav (11-2) Held up mid-division, mistake 13th, good headway on inner approaching 3 out, joined winner 2 out, soon ridden, one pace when fell at the last in race won by Kate's Gift (11-2) at Leicester 2m 7f mdn chs (4) sft in Dec, 9 ran.

Quick Fix (IRE) (12-0) 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Cute N'Smooth (12-0) at Taylorstown 3m ire ptp in Oct.

Quidonc (FR) 20-1 (11-6) Mid-division, closer order 3rd, weakened after 4 out and pulled up at the last in race won by Jaunty Journey (11-3) at Chepstow 3m mdn hdl (5) hvy, 13 ran.

Blazing Diva (IRE) 9-4fav (10-6) Chased leaders, mistake 6th, pushed along after 8th, lost place 10th and pulled up 5 out in race won by Firth Of Forth (10-13) at Bangor 2m 4f nov chs (4) sft in Dec, 4 ran.