tracked leader until 7th, 2nd again after 4 out, driven and closed final 100 yards, just held
held up in touch, niggled along after 5th, closed 8th, about 3 lengths 3rd when mistake (virtually fell) and unseated rider 3 out
led, not fluent 7th, headed next, last 4 out, weakened after next
tracked leaders, took keen hold, not fluent 6th, went 2nd next, led 8th, driven flat, held on
All of these have had a break of sorts so fitness is unlikely to be an issue. We'll take a chance on WILLOW'S SAVIOUR, who was last seen landing a Grade 3 over hurdles at Ascot in December 2013. His stable is in good form and he's just preferred to course winner Ballyalton, second to the brilliant Faugheen in the Supreme Novices' at The Festival in 2014 and likely to make a chaser. Ballybolley didn't quite hit the heights expected over timber but won twice last season and could yet fulfil his potential over fences while Aso won a Grade 2 at Haydock in January, though is best when the mud is flying.
Aso (FR) 33-1 (11-4) Mid-division on outside, headway and in touch 2 out, driven and lost place before last, soon weakened, 11th of 24, 21l behind Wicklow Brave (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp (1) sft in Mar.
Ballyalton (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Mid-division, headway and in touch 4 out, effort 2 out, ridden to chase winner before last, kept on when hard pressed for 2nd flat, no chance with winner, 2nd of 15, 4 1/2l behind Faugheen (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f (1) gd in Mar.
Ballybolley (IRE) 16-1 (11-4) Led, headed 2 out, weakened run-in, 5th of 12, 18 1/4l behind Nichols Canyon (11-4) at Aintree 2m 4f (1) gd in Apr.
Willow's Saviour 10-1 (10-5) Chased leaders, led 2 out, driven 3 lengths clear before last, kept on strongly, won at Ascot 2m hcp (1) sft in Dec beating Ptit Zig (11-12) by 4l, 20 ran.
