tracked leading trio, went 3rd 11th, went 2nd after 12th (3 out), ridden and beaten on long run to next
tracked leader until 5th, tracked leading pair, reminder after 6th, went 2nd again 9th, led after 12th (3 out), came clear on long run to next, kept up to work flat until eased towards finish
always in rear, niggled along before 8th, tailed off 12th, (3 out), pulled up before next
led until ridden after 12th (3 out), soon dropped to 3rd and beaten, tailed off
tracked leading pair, went 2nd 5th until 9th, outpaced after 11th (4 out), no chance after, tailed off
Al Ferof is the form pick on his third in the King George but there must be a big doubt about the grey getting home on this stiffer track on the ground. Walkon is another who may have stamina limitations but Vino Griego beat Harry Topper by 14 lengths at Sandown in December, though the latter stayed on strongly in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham two weeks ago and may be capable of turning the tables if jumping a little better here. KATENKO has been a little disappointing this term but has conditions in his favour today and is given a final chance to prove himself in this grade given he gets weight from all bar one of his rivals.
Al Ferof (FR) 5-1 (11-10) Mid-division, jumped left in places, headway 5 out, chased leaders next, under pressure 3 out, soon rallied, stayed on to go 3rd approaching last, never able to challenge, 3rd of 9, 15l behind Silviniaco Conti (11-10) at Kempton 3m Grade 1 chs (4yo+) (1) sft in Dec.
Harry Topper 6-1 (11-10) In touch on outside, effort and every chance 2 out until one pace approaching last, stayed on to take 3rd flat, just failed for 2nd, 3rd of 7, 7l behind The Giant Bolster (11-0) at Cheltenham 3m 1f chs Grd 2 (1) hvy in Jan.
Vino Griego (FR) 16-1 (11-7) Towards rear, pushed along after 5 out, soon weakened, pulled up before last, in a race won by Wychwoods Brook (9-11) at Haydock 3m 1f hcp chs G2 (1) hvy in Jan, 10 ran.
Katenko (FR) 3-1fav (11-8) Chased leaders in 5th, ridden before 4 out and outpaced, went 3rd before last, kept on run-in, 4th of 10, 2 1/4l behind Wychwoods Brook (9-11) at Haydock 3m 1f hcp chs G2 (1) hvy in Jan.
Walkon (FR) 7-2fav (11-1) Bumped 1st, soon mid-division, headway 8th, mistake 12th, shaken up and tracking leaders when blundered badly and unseated rider 4 out, in a race won by Conquisto (11-0) at Aintree 2m 4f ltd hcp chs Grd 2 (1) gd in Oct, 11 ran.
