Key questions and trainer views as Aso bids to defy penalty in hot handicap

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Can Aso defy rise?

The smart Aso had just one run last term, but looked like he was making up for lost time when bolting up at Newbury in November.

His previous form, which includes a third to Un De Sceaux in the 2017 Ryanair Chase, suggested that should not have been a surprise, but it has resulted in an 8lb rise from the assessor.

There is, however, plenty to offer encouragement, according to jockey Charlie Deutsch.

"I'm looking forward to him," he said. "He's put in some good runs around Cheltenham so we know he likes the track and it was a great performance last time – hopefully he can do the same again.

"He felt fairly fit and ready at Newbury, so I don't think he'd have necessarily come on for it that much. I suppose his 8lb rise is fair. I don't know if we beat a lot, but he did it well and won a long way. I'd have no concerns with the ground."

Will Divine spear rivals?

While Aso's efforts have not escaped the handicapper, Divine Spear might be harder to evaluate because he has had just three runs over fences, winning twice.

The son of Oscar has not been seen since February but has been successful first time out for the three years of his career.

Divine Spear: is less exposed than some of his rivals but has been off since FebruaryCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Tom Palin, who manages the jumps branch of owners Middleham Park Racing, said: "We go there hopeful, rather than confident. He's been off the track for a while, but he's fresh and well, and working and schooling very well. He's always been an immaculate jumper and for an eight-year-old he's got low miles on the clock.

"He's probably a bit less exposed than others in the race and you've not seen the best of him. We'll learn a lot. He can travel and his jumping will be a big asset, while I think he's well in just because we haven't seen enough of him over fences."

Divine Spear is based with champion trainer Nicky Henderson and Palin added: "The ground will be perfect for him and he's also a horse who goes best fresh. The fact he comes here with a full tank of petrol is a plus, and he's got plenty of good form in handicap hurdles so he's used to hustle and hurly-burly."

Can Dustin make most of light weight?

Right at the bottom of this £75,000 handicap, getting 25lb from Aso, is the lightly raced French import Dustin Des Mottes, who represents Richard Newland.

"He ran really well at Ascot last time but just jumped very left-handed, which surprised us," said the Grand National-winning trainer.

"He's come out of the race 100 per cent, and we hope going left-handed will suit him much better.

"He's stepping up in trip and I couldn't be completely certain he'll stay, but he ran as if he was staying on strongly over two miles and one furlong last time out.

"I hope he's capable of winning a decent race at some point. He's still a novice this season so we'll have to see where we get to, but generally speaking he's a good jumper and hopefully he'll be competitive."

What they say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Give Me A Copper
He jumped well when winning at Kempton and we are looking forward to running. I love this horse to bits. He came back a bit jarred up after his win over fences at Kempton last autumn, so we were forced to draw stumps. We have played a patient game with him all along, but I hope it will be rewarded as he is a huge talent who can win a big one somewhere down the line.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Ballyhill and Foxtail Hill
It was great to see Ballyhill bounce back at Aintree last time and he won this race last year, so he must have a chance. He went up 10lb, but that's what life is about. He won a bit well and the rise might be hard work for him. Foxtail Hill hasn't been so good for a bit, but he's weighted to run well now.

Kerry Lee, trainer of Happy Diva
She had quite a nasty fall when brought down in the BetVictor Gold Cup and it's taken her a little while to recover. It's a hot race, but she's consistent and has done well in mares' company, while winning at Ascot last season was nice form – she beat Adrien Du Pont, who won last week. The ground should be fine.

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