I've been forcing golden ox basically 90% of the games and it's a very consistent comp if you are able to get some kind early advantage or specific augments/traits:

when it's time to force it:

\- you looted a j4 on stage 1

\- you have a graves 2 on stage 1/2

\- you got a good gold augment or exp augment (anything that supports your econ really)

\- you have an emblem

if you find any of the above you're able to comfortably force the comp since most of it is uncontested. your main carry is 100% aphelios and you should probably avoid building items on Annie, specially if you find a viego early. I put items on her because my main strat is to slowroll lvl 9 so I will 3\* any of them, but if you just want to hit lvl 10 then avoid annie because shes garbage. viego and aphelios on the other hand are really good.

I always try to hit lvl 9 and then just slowroll. usually you will be stuck with only 2-3 vanguards, but its a good tradeoff for you to put in something like a nobuko or zac. since you're slowrolling lvl 9 zac becomes a huge priorty. the print of this game my zac had 150 blobs, which would be more than enough to carry my team even without hitting the 3\*.

so, good econ and early advantage, zac, emblem. most of games you will get none or just one of these. but when you get a good feeling of the comp and is able to get it rolling it's very fun to play.

I was able to hit a 4cost 3\* in 9 of my last 20 golden ox games, which is insane.

and Aphelios is one of the best 4cost 3\* in the game, I've faced 3\* Ziggs, Xayah and MF and they all have lost against him.

easiest way to force 4cost 3*: golden ox