led, awkward 11th, ridden and not fluent 2 out, headed before last, no extra
chased leader, close up 8th, not fluent 10th, pushed along and not fluent 4 out, not fluent 3 out, weakened
raced in 3rd, travelled strongly to chase leader 3 out, ridden to lead before last, stayed on strongly flat
in rear, fell 9th
Grand Mogul is hard to assess as he was highly tried after landing a maiden hurdle. He was well beaten when upped to Grade 2 level and then overturned at 2/11 next time but he's since had wind surgery and now makes his chasing debut. He may well outclass these but has a bit to prove at present and OSKI is preferred. The latter has proved hit and miss on six chase starts but the best of his form affords him a strong chance here with conditions to suit. First Lord De Cuet shaped well enough on his chase debut and should progress for the run but Ashjan, the sole northern representative, is 18lb out of the weights.
First Lord De Cuet (FR) 8-11fav (11-0) Led, not fluent 1st, headed next, pressed leader 4th, led before 6th, headed next, jumped slowly 10th, pressed leader before 3 out, not fluent next, soon ridden for effort, stayed on to go second after last, 2nd of 7, 4 1/4l behind Getareason (11-0) at Hexham 2m 4f (4) gs in May.
Oski (IRE) 9-4fav (11-4) Tracked leader, followed leader in 2nd after 14th, not fluent 4 out and pecked on landing, ridden after 3 out, looking held and disputing 2nd when fell last, at Cheltenham 3m 1f hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Grand Mogul (IRE) 2-11fav (11-4) Led, headed 4th but upsides again next, quickened to lead approaching last but soon joined and passed, not pace of winner, 2nd of 4, 9l behind Golden Boy Grey (10-12) at Sandown 2m (3) hvy in Dec.
Ashjan 9-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, pushed along after 2 out, stayed on flat, went 2nd, unable to trouble winner, 2nd of 9, 1 3/4l behind Holme Abbey (11-5) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (5) sft in May.
