Verdict

Colin Tizzard has always held GOLDEN CHIEFTAIN in high regard. He would almost certainly have finished ahead of Five Star Wilsham had he not fallen on his chasing debut at Exeter and made no mistake at Uttoxeter next time. The six-year-old can make the most of the weight his receives from Wetherby and Fakenham winner Helpston, while Carpincho needs to improve again on his victory at Market Rasen. Alfie Spinner, Our Island and Vino Griego all have ability and the former is possibly open to the most improvement having been highly tried in his two runs over fences so far.

Formwatch

Helpston 11-4 (11-10) Tracked leader, led 14th, ridden 2 out, stayed on flat, won at Fakenham 3m nov chs (3) gd in Nov beating Larks Lad (11-10) by 4l, 4 ran.

Carpincho (FR) 5-2 (11-2) Headway to tracked leaders first, effort when left in lead 3 out, ridden and stayed on run-in, won at Market Rasen 2m 6f beg chs (4) gs in Nov beating Moonlight Drive (11-2) by 4l, 10 ran.

Five Star Wilsham (IRE) 4-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, no impression on leaders when left 4th 4 out, one pace, 4th of 9, 10l behind Connak (11-3) at Exeter 3m nov chs (3) gs in Nov.

Alfie Spinner (IRE) 14-1 (11-2) Chased leader until 14th, weakened next, last of 4, 18l behind Grands Crus (11-9) at Newbury 3m nov chs Grade 2 (1) gd in Nov.

Golden Chieftain (IRE) 11-8fav (11-2) Tracked leading pair, challenged between horses before 4 out, led next, drew clear from 2 out, comfortably, won at Uttoxeter 3m beg chs (5) gs in Nov beating Jetnova (11-2) by 15l, 4 ran.

Our Island (IRE) 11-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, jumped slowly and lost place 4th, soon in rear and no impression, 9th of 15, 39l behind Roalco De Farges (11-6) at Newbury 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in Nov.

Vino Griego (FR) 9-1 (11-10) In mid-division when badly hampered and unseated rider 2nd, in a race won by That'lldoboy (10-5) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Nov, 13 ran.