Verdict

Tom George sets a poser here by saddling both Gorsky Island and Kilbree Kid. The latter would certainly have claims on his best form while the former had IT'S A STEAL and Drumshambo behind when third over course and distance last time. But we're prepared to give Evan Williams' charge another chance as he usually goes well around here and will strip fitter today – the same trainer/jockey combination won this last year. Kings Apollo has never won off a mark this high but returned to form last time at Taunton and is preferred to Bob Tucker and Winged Crusader.

Formwatch

Gorsky Island 6-1 (11-7) Held up in rear, headway to chase leaders after 3rd, effort 3 out, weakened before last, 3rd of 11, 18l behind Katkeau (11-12) at Ludlow 3m hcp (3) sft in Dec.

Kilbree Kid (IRE) 50-1 (11-8) Always towards rear, pulled up before 8 out, at Cheltenham 3m 6f (2) gs in Dec.

It's A Steal (IRE) 15-2 (11-3) Held up, headway 4 out, chased leaders next, weakened after 2 out, 5th of 11, 24 3/4l behind Katkeau (11-12) at Ludlow 3m hcp (3) sft in Dec.

Bob Tucker (IRE) 5-1jfav (11-10) Chased leaders, hit 16th, driven along in 5th after 3 out, weakened 2 out, 6th of 9, 16 1/4l behind Fruity O'Rooney (11-0) at Ascot 3m hcp (3) sft in Nov.

Drumshambo (USA) 17-2 (10-9) Prominent, pushed along 12th, weakened 5 out, 6th of 11, 26 3/4l behind Katkeau (11-12) at Ludlow 3m hcp (3) sft in Dec.

Winged Crusader (IRE) 7-1 (11-9) Led to before 6 out, reminders and quickly weakened before 5 out, pulled up before 4 out, at Exeter 3m hcp (3) hvy in Nov.

Kings Apollo 6-1 (10-0) Pressed leader, led after 12th, drew clear from 2 out, stayed on well, won at Taunton 2m 7f hcp (3) hvy in Dec beating Union Jack D'ycy (11-10) by 6l, 7 ran.

American World (FR) 33-1 (10-8) Chased leaders, not fluent 11th, went 2nd before 11th until 4 out, one pace and no impression after 2 out, hit last, no extra, 3rd of 6, 13l behind Bredon Hill Lad (11-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (5) sft in Nov.