A former Grade 1 winner, Esprit Du Large has won on soft going but was a disappointing odds-on favourite on heavy ground at Carlisle last month. TIQUER hasn’t raced since a surprise winner of this off a 5lb lower mark 12 months ago but doesn’t stand much racing and will be ready. My Way was disappointing at Sandown after a good run at Wincanton but the drop in distance may help. Aso has his sights lowered and Gala Ball can race off the same mark as when runner-up at Newbury but Moonlighter is a keen going type who may struggle to get home. Equus Dancer has won both start so far over fences but conditions today may not suit.
Aso (FR) 14-1 (11-8) Behind until fell 9th, at Aintree 3m 2f hcp (1) sft in Dec.
Esprit Du Large (FR) 10-11fav (11-9) Tracked leader, mistake 5th, almost upsides 8th, chased leaders when ridden 2 out, no extra flat, 3rd of 6, 7 1/2l behind Whoshotthesheriff (10-12) at Carlisle 2m (2) hvy in Nov.
Moonlighter 7-4fav (11-12) Led, fell 5th, at Newbury 2m hcp (2) gd in Nov.
Gala Ball (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Led, blundered 1st, ridden and headed before last, switched right last, kept on to grab second final strides, 2nd of 10, 2 1/4l behind Clondaw Castle (11-8) at Newbury 2m 4f hcp (2) gd in Nov.
Equus Dancer (IRE) Evensfav (11-12) Chased clear leader, led 4 out, pushed along before 2 out, ridden and went clear before last, went right last, ran on well despite hanging right flat, won at Sedgefield 2m 3f hcp (4) gd in Nov beating Onthefrontfoot (11-13) by 12l, 6 ran.
Tiquer (FR) 16-1 (10-7) In touch, went 2nd 4 out, led next, clear last, stayed on, ridden out, won at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp (2) hvy in Dec beating Springtown Lake (11-3) by 3 3/4l, 7 ran.
My Way (FR) 9-4fav (11-9) Held up in last trio, closer 10th, chased leaders 12th, went 2nd well before 3 out until ridden between last 2, chased leaders, 3rd when not fluent last, weakened run-in, 5th of 7, 21 1/2l behind Call Me Vic (11-3) at Sandown 3m hcp (3) sft in Dec.
