Verdict

SPACE MISSION can make use of a hefty weight concession from Kia Kaha, while Nom De Guerre is not out of the reckoning. Paul Webber's front runner probably didn't stay the extended three miles last time out but faced with today's task, he could be able to gallop them into submission from flag fall. Kia Kaha won well at Fakenham last time out. There is a question about his ability to act on this surface and he does have to give weight all around. Nom De Guerre unseated rider at Leicester when holding every chance at the last. This does appear to be a stronger contest today. Oscatello finished fourth in last season's Coral Cup at Cheltenham and makes the transition to the larger obstacles. The market is watched to see if he has shown anything at home. Wiliam Bonney looks exposed nowadays. This is an intriguing affair in which Space Mission secures the recommendation.

Formwatch

Kia Kaha 5-4fav (11-4) Held up in rear, headway and hampered 4 out, went 2nd next, led 2 out, soon pushed along, ran on well, won at Fakenham 2m 5f nov chs (3) gs beating Valley Ride (10-12) by 9l, 6 ran.

Nom de Guerre (IRE) 2-1fav (10-11) Prominent, led 3 out, rider dropped whip on landing 2 out, narrow advantage when blundered and unseated rider at the last in race won by Dream Garden (11-3) at Leicester 2m 7f nov chs (3) gs in Dec, 8 ran.

Oscatello (USA) 16-1 (11-3) Mid-division, ridden after 3 out, weakened and behind when hit 2 out, 10th of 19, 30l behind Mister Gloss (11-7) at Sandown 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Dec.

Space Mission (IRE) 11-4 (11-0) Led, ridden and headed before 2 out, no chance from last, 2nd of 8, 16l behind Its A Dream (11-0) at Folkestone 3m 1f beg chs (4) gs in Dec.

William Bonney (IRE) 6-1 (11-6) Mid-division, headway after 4th, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on same pace, 4th of 11, 25l behind Suntini (10-1) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Dec.