God's Own heads high-quality entry for Old Roan Chase

God’s Own, runner-up in the 188Bet Monet’s Garden Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase 12 months ago, is likely to attempt to go one better in the Aintree Grade 2 on Sunday.

Beaten a length and three-quarters by Third Intention last year, triple Grade 1-winner God’s Own is reported in great shape by trainer Tom George ahead of his seasonal reappearance.

“He was a bit unlucky in the race last year when he jumped into the back of a horse,” George said. “He’s in great form, and it looks the right starting point for him. It’s more than likely he’ll run at Aintree.”

God’s Own’s programme this campaign will be primarily governed by the ground. His best form has come when conditions underfoot haven’t been testing, and George said: “We plan to step him up in trip this season – that’s the route we’re taking – but he’s ground-dependent.”

Bet365 quote God’s Own as 4-1 second favourite for the 2m4f feature behind their 3-1 market leader Cloudy Dream.

Another with proven rock-solid form round Aintree – he finished runner-up to Flying Angel in the Grade 1 Manifesto Novices’ Chase in April – Cloudy Dream begins his second season over fences as a horse with still untapped potential.

“He schooled on Tuesday morning and went very well,” trainer Malcolm Jefferson said. “He has done tremendously well over the summer and hope there's further improvement in him.”

Third Intention, Tea For Two, Bristol De Mai and Shantou Village are among other entries for a race which has been graced by Monet’s Garden (three wins between 2007-10) and Kauto Star, successful in 2006.

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