tracked leaders, not fluent 1st, went 2nd 11th, challenged 2 out, beaten when awkward last
with winner until 10th, lost 2nd next, 4th and weakening 4 out
tracked leaders, not fluent and lost a bit of ground on rivals 10th, never on terms after, stayed on same pace form 3 out, closed on 2nd last
made all, pressed 2 out, soon ridden, clear last, stayed on well
Josses Hill was an expensive failure in this last year and has never won over a trip this far. He fell on his reappearance at Sandown and also finished behind GOD'S OWN in last year's Arkle at Cheltenham, though is 7lb better off. Given the likely odds, Tom George's classy eight-year-old may offer better value, though Aso has scope and was quite impressive last time at Market Rasen. Kings Lad is a consistent sort at this level and won’t fail through lack of stamina though has plenty to find at the weights.
God's Own (IRE) 7-2 (11-3) Tracked leader from 1st, challenging when not fluent 4 out, no impression on winner before last, stayed on same pace and lost 2nd flat, 3rd of 5, 6 1/4l behind Vibrato Valtat (11-0) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp (1) sft in Nov.
Kings Lad (IRE) 16-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, outpaced 8th, left modest 4th 4 out, 4th of 6, dist behind Royal Regatta (11-7) at Ascot 2m 5f (2) gs in Dec.
Aso (FR) 2-1fav (10-10) Tracked leaders, led after 4 out, kept on, driven out, won at Market Rasen 2m 5f (2) sft in Jan beating Ballyalton (10-10) by 1 3/4l, 5 ran.
Josses Hill (IRE) 7-1 (11-7) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd after 2nd, blundered badly and fell 3rd, at Sandown 2m (1) gs in Dec.
