Verdict

Disappointingly just four runners line up for the Aon Chase with Monkerhostin expected to prove to be too good for his rivals and he gets the vote ahead of Take The Stand, Joes Edge and Comply Or Die. The selection has looked in the past to be a better hurdler than a chaser but the Phillip Hobbs-trained gelding has shown much improved form over the larger obstacles this term with a busy campaign that showed him find just Kicking King too good in the King George when last seen. Wisely given a break since then, Monkerhostin will have no problems with the underfoot conditions and is taken to resume winning ways. Take The Stand should also appreciate the ground as he produced a career best effort when runner-up to Kicking King in last season's Gold Cup. Peter Bowen's gelding ran better than could have been expected on a soft surface when second to Therealbandit in the Roland Meyrick at Wetherby and has to be respected with his yard in good form now and in receipt of 6lbs from the selection. Joes Edge and Comply Or Die both have ability but neither should be good enough to beat Monkerhostin, who gets the vote.

Formwatch

Joes Edge (IRE) 10-1 (10-0) In touch, lost place 9th, behind from 4 out, 4th of 10, well behind Therealbandit (9-10) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs Grd 3 (A) sft in Dec.

Monkerhostin (FR) 22-1 (11-10) Held up, headway 18th, chased winner last, stayed on well, just held, 2nd of 9, nk behind Kicking King (11-10) at Sandown 3m chs Grd 1 (A) gd in Dec.

Comply Or Die (IRE) 12-1 (11-7) Never in contention, behind when pulled up at the 15th in race won by L'aventure (10-4) at Chepstow 3m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (A) gs in Dec, 18 ran.

Take The Stand (IRE) 6-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway to chase winner 5 out, every chance 2 out, soon ridden, kept on, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Therealbandit (9-10) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs Grd 3 (A) sft in Dec.