tracked leading pair throughout, outpaced when not fluent and stumbled 3 out, no impression, just held on for 3rd
chased winner throughout, hit 6th, readily outpaced from 3 out, no chance with winner
took keen hold, held up last, closer 11th, outpaced before 3 out, kept on pressing for 3rd near finish, never any chance
eventually set off in front and dictated very steady pace, jumped well, quickened approaching 3 out, clear next, great jump last, eased run-in, unchallenged
King's Socks was last seen chasing home this season’s leading novice Footpad in a Grade 1 over hurdles at Auteuil but that was back in 2016. He has won over fences but may just need this. Paul Nicholls won this last year with the smart Politilogue and MODUS can get back on track after falling when odds-on at Exeter - he’d won a Grade 2 earlier at Wincanton. Overtown Express is best in a fast-run race over 2m and on heavy going while Max Ward disappointed when favourite at Musselburgh and has a bit to prove now.
King's Socks (FR) (10-7) 2nd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Footpad (10-7) at Auteuil 2m 3f sft in Jun.
Max Ward (IRE) 5-2fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, pushed along and weakened before 4 out, soon pulled up, at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp (2) gs in Jan.
Overtown Express (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Held up off the pace in 4th, closer tracking clear leading pair before 3rd, awkward 8th, trying to close on outside when not fluent 3 out, no chance after, 3rd of 4, 19l behind Speredek (10-11) at Sandown 2m hcp (2) hvy in Jan.
Modus 1-2fav (11-8) Held up, went 3rd from 3rd, went 2nd before 4 out, shaken up and struggling to close 5 length gap when fell 3 out, at Exeter 2m 3f (2) sft in Dec.
