The Brigadier

Sandown 1.50 A bumper field to start the day’s ITV action with a maximum twenty runners going to post for this class 2 2M Novices’ Championship Handicap Hurdle. Many are making their handicap debuts so have the potential to be better than their mark although the one I like has already had a run in a handicap. Sam Thomas’s Steel Ally followed up his cosy Wincanton win by pushing subsequent Cheltenham winner Doyen Quest to a neck at Newbury last month with the third, some 9 3/4L back in third, Imperial Saint also winning since to further boost the form. He has been shunted up 7lb for that fine effort and can run well each way. Also on the shortlist is John O’Shea’s Maasai Mara who looks well treated in his first handicap in first time cheek pieces. I can see him running well also. STEEL ALLY 1 point each way @ 10/1 bet365 1/5th 12345 MAASAI MARA 1 point each way @ 14/1 bet365 1/5t 12345 Leicester 2.05 The feature race of the day at Leicester, and covered by the team at ITV is the 1M class 2 King Richard III Cup Handicap. Last year’s ready 4 1/4L winner Al Mubhir has his ground again and although 7lb higher than that win is most definitely the one they all have to beat. Trained by the in form William Haggas that was his only victory last season and he has been gelded since last seen. He did however come into last year’s race having had a run when 5th in the Lincoln and although the most likely winner is no value at his current odds of around 9/4. I’ll take him on with Tony Coyle & Keane Wood’s mud loving Thunder Roar. A dual winner in the mud last Autumn at York and Doncaster he went down by just half a length to the re-opposing Look Back Smiling (also declared at Haydock) and is a pound better off today. He looks sure to be thereabouts today under Cam Hardie and can be backed each way. THUNDER ROAR 1 point each way @ 5/1 bet365 1/5th 123 Sandown 2.25 Just the seven face the starter for this Grade 2 bet365 Oaksey Chase run over 2M 6 1/2F. The best in at the weights by a pound is Patrick Neville’s The Real Whacker who drops in trip and, according to his trainer in the trade press earlier in the week, will relish the drier ground. He looks the most likely winner to me. Paul Nicholl’s Hitman sports blinkers for the first time and at the weights is the likely danger with the Willie Mullins representative Easy Game having to carry a 6lb penalty and also sporting first time cheek pieces. Not a very inspiring race with all bar Fantastic Lady sporting some form of headgear but the pick is The Real Whacker to small stakes. THE REAL WHACKER 1 point win @ 5/2 bet365 Haydock 2.45 A ten runner 7F class 2 handicap which is covered by the ITV cameras today and it really does have an open look about it. With the ground riding very soft all bar last year’s winner Rainbow Fire should be in their element. Katie Scott’s Gweedore was runner up last season and has won first time out for the last two seasons and has to be on the shortlist with the selection being the Richard Hannon trained Tacarib Bay. His last five starts have all been on the all-weather which include a 6F listed win last November at Newcastle but he’s equally as effective on the turf as he proved when running some good races in defeat in big handicaps last summer. He obviously likes this track as he’s won two of his three visits here and is currently on the same handicap mark as when scoring over course and distance in July 2022. He looks good each way value for a trainer who’s been amongst the winners recently especially if able to find a firm paying four places. TACARIB BAY 1 point each way @ 9/1 Betfred 1/5 1234 Sandown 3.00 The 1m 7 1/2f Grade 1 Celebration Chase looks a match between Willie Mullins’s Cheltenham flop El Fabiolo and Nicky Henderson’s impressive Aintree winner Jonbon with officially just 5lb between the pair in favour of the former. That pair are rated 6lb (Edwardstone next best) and more better than the other five and in what is a race to saviour can be won by Nicky Henderson’s Jonbon who is unbeaten at the Esher track in three starts here including in this race last year. He looked good over further last time but also has speed and may actually cope with the drying ground better than the Mullins runner who has raced exclusively on soft ground and of course has the poor run at Cheltenham to put behind him. It’s hard to split the pair so at the prices the pick will be J P McManus’s Jonbon who will be ridden by Nico De Boinville. JONBON 1 point win @ 9/4 bet365 Sandown 3.35 A bumper maximum field of twenty line up for the 3M 4 1/2F bet365 Gold Cup (hands up if you’re old enough to remember the race as the Whitbread Gold Cup). Current favourite is last year’s winner Kitty’s Light who has to be part of the staking plan having run so well when leading over the last in the Grand National a fortnight ago. The quick turnaround doesn’t worry me as he won the Scottish Grand National and this contest with a week between them last year. He’s 5lb higher than last season but the ground appears to have come right for him and Christian Williams’s eight year old looks sure to be thereabouts. An outsider who I feel is overpriced is Anthony Honeyball’s Sam Brown who is arguably the best handicapped horse in the field as he goes up 4lb in future handicaps for his highly creditable run at Aintree a fortnight ago when runner up to Cruz Control under today’s pilot Freddie Gingell. He’s the oldest horse in the race by two years plus and maybe that’s why he’s been neglected in the betting but he had one of today’s rivals in Kinondo Kwetu just under 7L behind that day and on the same terms is a bigger price. Many others have chances but it’s Kitty’s Light and Sam Brown for me. KITTY’S LIGHT 1 point each way @ 5/1 William Hill 1/5th 12345 SAM BROWN 1/2 point each way @ 33/1 bet365 1/5th 12345

Morning Dave, Welcome aboard

oops good spot mate !!

Ayr 1.15 The first of five races covered by ITV is the 2M 1/2F Scotty Brand Premier Handicap Chase with just six runners going to post. Paul Nicholls’s Sans Bruit did us a favour at Aintree when given a peach of a ride from the front by Bryony Frost who came home 4L to the good and despite a 10lb rise in the weights he may still be well handicapped on his back form in France. Expect Frost to employ the same tactics and if getting into a good rhythm will be tough to pass. Willie Mullins sends a formidable team to the West Scotland track and his Uncle Phil maybe the one to chase the selection home. SANS BRUIT 1 point win @ 3/1 BetVictor Newbury 1.30 It’s Greenham Stakes day at Newbury and proceedings kick off with the 1M 4F Group 3 John Porter Stakes which has attracted ten runners. Ground on the easy side are very much in the favour of the front two in the betting, William Haggas’s Hamish who has to shoulder a 3lb penalty for his group 3 victories last year and John & Thady Gosden’s Arrest who was last seen when finishing runner up in the St Leger at Doncaster. The Gosden runners have all been seen to be needing a run this week but the vibes are strong for this Frankel four year old and he’s the pick. ARREST 1 point win @ 11/8 William Hill Ayr 1.50 Thirteen face the judge for the class 2 3M Novices’ Champion Handicap Chase. Willie Mullins’s Sharjah heads the weights in his first handicap chase and shouldn’t be dismissed despite the big weight. Richard Bandey has his string in good form and he can take this with his MacLaine who looks favourably weighted towards the bottom of the weights. Formerly trained by Oliver Sherwood he’s shown promise for his new trainer with his latest victory at Newbury coming over the furthest trip he’s tried in his career over 2M 6 1/2F where he was strongest at the finish passing the line an eased down 3 1/2L ahead of his field. A rise of 8lb will make things tougher for him but with his stamina drawn out further he looks a good value each way bet in a competitive contest. MACLAINE 1 point each way @ 10/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Newbury 2.05 Just six three year old fillies go to post for the Group 3 Fred Darling Stakes with the highest rated being the William Haggas trained Relief Rally who isn’t certain to stay this trip of 7F mind and is opposable. John & Thady Gosden could be in for a good day with Arrest in the John Porter and can take this with their Frankel filly Regal Jubilee who will certainly enjoy any ease in the ground having won the listed Montrose Stakes on heavy ground at Newmarket last backend. Marco Botti has taken charge of a decent unbeaten Italian filly in the shape of Folgaria and she’s very hard to assess having won five times in her native country last year including in Group 3 and 2 company. REGAL JUBILEE 1/2 point win @ 5/2 bet365 Ayr 2.25 We have a good turnout of fifteen runners for the Coral Scottish Champion Hurdle which is a handicap run over a distance of two miles. Last year’s winner Rubaud heads the weights but is 13lb higher now than last year’s victory and has it to do. Willie Mullins has three stabs at the race with Paul Townend presumably choosing Bialystok over Westport Cove and Alvainy although he was 19L behind L’Eau Du Sud in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham last time and I can’t see any reason why he would turn the form around despite a pull of just 3lb. Dan Skelton trains L’Eau Du Sud and he’s put up two excellent efforts in defeat in the Betfair Hurdle (2nd to Iberico Lord) and in the aforementioned County Hurdle (2nd to Absurde). A 3lb rise in the weights is unlikely to stop him from being highly competitive again and he is the one they all have to beat. Nicky Henderson has his string in great shape now and his First Street is worth a small each way saver. 8th in this last year he has a 20lb pull for 18L with the winner Rubaud and looked back to form when third to Lossiemouth in the Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham when last seen in January. He’s also had a wind operation since last seen and can run well. A tough race but L’Eau du Sud is the selection. L’EAU DU SUD 1 point win @ 4/1 Coral FLEET STREET 1/2 point each way @ 12/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Newbury 2.40 The trial for the 2000 Guineas is the Greenham Stakes run over 7F and we have a field of eleven. Ralph Beckett’s unbeaten Zoum Zoum heads the market but looks far too short in my eyes for a horse that on official ratings is only third joint best and joint seventh best on Timeform ratings. Even though he is very promising I can’t be going near him at his current odds of around even money (big drifter since published.) The value bet may be Adrian Keatley’s Ballymount Boy who showed good progressive form as a juvenile finishing runner up in group races won by Vandeek and Indian Run and ended the season with a listed win at the final Doncaster meeting on heavy ground. James Doyle takes the ride for his new employers Wathan Racing and can be backed each way. BALLYMOUNT BOY 1 point each way @ 8/1 William Hill 1/5th 123 Ayr 3.00 Next up is a class 2 3M 70 yard mares’ handicap hurdle which has attracted a field of eleven. Willie Mullins saddles three here in his quest to maintain the advantage in the British jockeys championship and with A Penny A Hundred the pick of stable jockey Paul Townend she looks the one to be with. The lightly raced five year old is asking her handicap debut but has looked useful in winning a bumper and a novice hurdle before being placed in listed and grade three mares company. She was a 66-1 chance when not being disgraced in fourth (beaten 20L) in a grade one mares race won by the smart Jade De Grugy three weeks ago and a mark of 133 seems fair enough. The Dan Skelton runner Coco Mademoiselle (Chepstow novice hurdle winner last time) and Paul Nicholls’s Larchmont Lass look dangers but this can be one for the Irish maestro Willie Mullins. A PENNY A HUNDRED 1 point win @ 10/3 bet365 Newbury 3.15 The big handicap of the day at Newbury is the 1M OLBG Spring Cup with a big field of 21 spread across the straight track. As you would expect it has a wide open look about it. Lincoln Handicap runner up Lattam looked a tad unlucky to me and can confirm that form with the third Navarro, fourth Alpha Crucis and seventh Thunder Ball and run well. Julie Camacho is not really firing at the present and for only that reason the selection is the Richard Hughes trained Real Gain. Hughes has been in unstoppable form recently winning with 7 of his 20 runners at time of writing and he took a handicap at Newmarket apart last September off of a mark 11lb lower than today’s on fast ground. He’s been gelded since last seen and he has to prove his effectiveness on softer ground but he wasn’t disgraced on soft group in a Group 3 when last seen and can reward an each way wager in a wide open mile handicap with a small each way saver on Lattam. REAL GAIN 1 point each way @ 14/1 bet365 1/5th 12345 LATTAM 1/2 point each way @ 10/1 bet365 1/5th 12345 Ayr 3.35 A near maximum field of 26 line up for this year’s renewal of the 4M Coral Scottish Grand National. There’s plenty here who will struggle at the trip with five of the six Willie Mullins having stamina to prove with Mr Incredible the exception although he’s hardly had the best prep for this having unseated at the chair in last weekend’s Grand National. My short list include Sara Bradstock’s Mr Vango who stays so well having won the Devon National by a staggering 60L prior to a creditable third in the NH Chase at Cheltenham won by subsequent Grade 1 winner Corbetts Cross. He holds decent each way claims despite a 3lb rise. Out and out stayer My Silver Lining ran a stormer in the Midlands Grand National finishing third to the re-opposing pair of Beauport and Mr Incredible and can come out best of those who finished ahead of him over this 2F less distance. My main fancy though has to be the Jamie Snowden trained Git Maker who is stepping up in trip here but has always looked an out and out stayer throughout his career. He’s only gone up a pound for finishing runner up to the handicap blot that was Inotherwayurthinkin in the Kim Muir with 18L back to the third , the re-opposing Whacker Clan. The winner has gone on to win a grade 1 at Aintree to frank the form and had he not been in the race at Cheltenham we would be looking at a 18L winner of that race who would have gone up an awful lot more than 1lb. As long as he stays he looks easily the best handicapped horse in the field. I’ve managed to tip/back the Irish National and Grand National winners this year in Intense Raffles and I Am Maximus and my main pick for the Scottish version is Git Maker with each way savers on My Silver Lining and Mr Vango. GIT MAKER 2 points each way @ 8/1 bet365 1/5th 123456 MR VANGO 1/2 point each way @ 16/1 Betfred 1/5th 123456 MY SILVER LINING 1/2 point each way @ 16/1 bet365 1/5th 123456

been plenty of bad stories on social media about them although I do know @MCLARKE had a good spin with them

Newmarket 1.50 The first of six races screened by the ITV cameras is the 6F class 2 handicap for three year olds which has attracted a good sized field of 17. This really does have an open look about it with any market moves to be taken seriously. Adrian Nicholls’s Ingleby Ivy is one to keep an eye on having impressed when winning at Ripon by 4 1/4L last September prior to being out of his depth in listed company at York. Simon & Ed Crisford’s Rabaah Racing owned Pen Portrait is another interesting runner who’s making his handicap debut here having been gelded. He beat one of his opponents City House by 3/4L at Wolverhampton last September and is actually 5lb better off now. He could be a player but it’s the John & Thady Gosden trained Gamekeeper who catches my eye. This is his handicap debut and although some of the Gosden runners are need ing their first run this one was last seen only 22 days ago when third in a hot novice stakes at Kempton. William Buick is booked and he’s the one for me. GAME KEEPER 1 point each way @ 15/1 William Hill 1/5th 12345 Cheltenham 2.05 The first of two races covered by the ITV cameras is this ten runner mares only handicap chase run over 3m 1F 56 yards. Charlie Longsdon saddles an interesting runner in the shape of I Am Gonna Be who has joined Longsdon from Lucinda Russell and has had a wind operation since last seen 104 days ago. The most likely winner though has to be last year’s runner up Juniper who is trained by Anthony Honeyball in Dorset. The ten year old comes here in excellent form having won her last two starts at Taunton and Wincanton rising 11lb on soft ground. The ground was good when she ran so well to finish runner up to My Silver Lining last year for Harry Whittington and although she is now 12lb higher appears to have improved for the stable switch. She’s the bet here although I can’t resist a small each way saver on I Am Gonna Be. JUNIPER 1 point each way @ 9/2 Betfred 1/5th 1234 I AM GONNA BE 1/2 point each way @ 12/1 Betfred 1/5th 1234 Newmarket 2.25 The 1M Wood Ditton Stakes features thirteen unraced three year olds in a race that is going to be worth following over the following month or so. The best guide here will be the market with the likes of Charlie Appleby’s full brother to Key Victory, First Conquest and the trio of John & Thady Gosden runners Earl Of Rochester, Pipes And Drums and Lead Artist all worth monitoring in the market. The only runner in the field who has future group entries at this stage is the Amo Racing owned, Dominic Ffrench-Davis trained Padesha who is entered in the Dante, Irish & English Derbys and the Irish 2000 Guineas. With little to go on I’ll take a chance on the latter who’s fancy entries surely suggest he can go a bit. PADESHA 1 point win @ 4/1 bet365 Cheltenham 2.40 A near maximum field of seventeen face the judge for this 2M 4F 56 yard mares handicap hurdle. The race has a wide open look about it with the favourite around the 7/1 mark. Dan Skelton is always to be feared in these type of contests and saddles a brace of runners here in Notnowlinda and Cottie. The latter is ridden for the first time by Harry Skelton on only her fourth start for his brother, having previously been trained in Ireland by Henry De Bromhead. She’s an intriguing runner especially if the money comes for her but the one I like is the Philip Kirby trained Lone Star. She came into this race last year having won five of her previous six starts as a 9/1 chance and finished sixth (beaten 13L). She can race off of a handicap mark 8lb lower today having shown little on her last four starts which all came on unflavoured soft ground. With drying ground very much in her favour she can run a big race with regular pilot Joe Williamson in the saddle. LONE STAR 1 point each way @ 14/1 bet365 1/5th 12345 Newmarket 3.00 Next up is the 6F Group 3 Abernant Stakes run over 6F. This has supposedly been the target for Richard Hannon’s Shouldhavebeenaring who was incredibly easy to back at Wolverhampton following a 160 day beak 40 days ago drifting from 11/10 out to 9/4 and running as the market suggested. His trainer stated afterwards his early season target is this race so he has to be given a big chance although the one I like is Karl Burke’s Marshman who unlike the majority of his opponents today comes here with a recent run under his belt which must be a big bonus. That run came in the Cammidge Trophy Stakes at Doncaster on Lincoln day when running a decent neck second to the fast finishing William Haggas runner Montassib (4th Adaay In Devon won handicap since). He’s a consistent sprinter who, with that run behind him, can run well in a competitive renewal. MARSHMAN 1 point each way @ 13-2 Coral 1/5th 1234 Newmarket 3.35 The meeting’s feature race is the 1M Craven Stakes which has attracted just seven runners this season. John & Thady Gosden’s Eben Shaddad brings the best form to the table with his Dewhurst third to City Of Troy (beaten 4 1/2L at 25/1) making him the joint officially top rated with Andre Fabre’s French challenger Alcantor. A Group 3 winner at Saint Cloud and runner up in the Group 1 Criterium International to David Menusier’s Sunway he has some solid juvenile form although all of his efforts came on soft ground. If there’s one horse in the race who may just be better than that pair then surely it’s the Charlie Appleby trained Native Approach, an imposing son of Too Darn Hot who followed up a debut second at Kempton by taking a maiden in easy style in February. That form will need to be bettered to take this but the vibes are strong and with his trainer having won this race three times in the last five years he has to be the pick here under William Buick. NATIVE APPROACH 1 point win @ 9/4 William Hill

Hi @Capecross, I'm so sorry to hear about your experience. I'm afraid BetMGM have a very bad reputation for doing all sorts of wrong things and I'm not really sure where you can go with this. You could threaten them with legal action (via small claims court) which from cases I've heard of may force them into paying what you're owed.

Newmarket 1.50 Day Two of the Craven meeting starts with a maximum field of twenty for this class 2 6F handicap. The race was won last year by Charlie Hills’s Orazio and he’ll be tough to beat back to defend his title even though he will be 11lb higher than last year. He prepped for this by running a fine third in the listed Cammidge Trophy (beaten 1 1/2L by Montassib) at Doncaster (his first since being gelded) and the ground should be ideal for him today with William Buick back on board from a similar stall as last year. He’s the bet here with the likes of Significantly and Chipstead the types who could also run well. ORAZIO 1 point each way @ 9/2 William Hill 1/5th 12345 Cheltenham 2.05 A maximum field of eighteen line up for the first of two races aired live by ITV in the shape of this 2M 4F 56 yard class 2 handicap hurdle. The race has an open look with amongst the front of the betting being the hat trick seeking Spring Note of Nicky Henderson’s and Chris Gordon’s easy Plumpton winner Sea Invasion. Both hold solid chances but I prefer the in form Robbie Llewelyn trained Titan Discovery who has been a revelation since going handicapping winning at Ascot and Sandown and going down by half a length to Boombawn at Kempton on the Saturday after Cheltenham. That form has already been boosted by the win of the fourth Dan Skelton’s Kateira at Aintree. He’s risen 20lb since going handicapping and is up another 3lb for that latest second. Llewelyn has won with 3 of his last 4 runners and he looks a good each way bet. TITAN DISCOVERY 1 point each way @ 8/1 Coral 1/5th 12345 Newmarket 2.25 Ten promising three year olds go to post for this listed 9F Feilden Stakes which can throw up a nice type (Golden Horn won this in 2015). Andre Fabre is a rare visitor to these shores nowadays and anything he sends over has to be respected so the fact that Narkez is here, having won already in France 22 days ago, is highly significant. His two wins however have come on very soft ground so I’ll look elsewhere for the winner. Charlie Appleby’s El Córdobes who cost 2,000,000 guineas as a yearling being by Frankel out of a Sea The Stars mare improved to take a Kempton novice stakes over a mile on his second start at the turn of the year and looks a horse to follow. This represents a step up in class for him but he looks sure to be thereabouts and can run a big race. Aidan O’Brien also sends one over from Ireland in the shape of Group 2 Zetland Stakes runner up Gasper De Lemos and must also be given plenty of respect. EL CORDOBES 1 point each way @ 5/1 bet365 1/5th 123 Cheltenham 2.40 The valuable 2M 4F 127 yard Silver Trophy Handicap Chase has attracted a dozen chasers and has an open feel about it with Cheltenham’s Grand Annual Handicap Chase fifth In Excelsis Deo high on the shortlist. The ground will be better here now mind and that may play into course specialist Il Ridoto’s hands. Trained in Somerset by Paul Nicholls his course figures here read 844163238 and although theres just one victory there he’s been placed in many of the better 2M 4F handicap chases here over the past three years. He wasn’t disgraced when 8th in the Plate Handicap Chase at the Festival here in March and surprisingly the handicapper has dropped him 3lb putting him onto a mark that he was a short head second to Fugitif over course and distance in the December Gold Cup. He looks sure to run his race with Harry Cobden taking over from conditional Freddie Gingell. IL RIDOTO 1 point each way @ 11/2 bet365 1/5th 1234 Newmarket 3.00 Ten have declared for the Group 3 Earl Of Sefton Stakes in which last year’s winner Ottoman Fleet, trained by Charlie Appleby, looks sure to go well and enhance his excellent course record of three wins from four starts. He may bump into one here mind in the shape of the Roger Varian trained Embesto who had a good first season last year as a three year old winning three of his five starts ending the season with 2 1/2L fourth in a Group 2 at Longchamp. The vibes are strong from Newmarket about this Roaring Lion colt and he looks the value bet in the contest. Royal Rhyme is a progressive horse of Karl Burke’s but seems best on very soft ground and is overlooked on that reason alone. EMBESTO 1 point each way @ 5/1 bet365 1/5th 123 Newmarket 3.35 A 1000 Guineas trial, the Group 3 Nell Gwyn Stakes has attracted a field of eleven this year including representatives from Aidan O’Brien and Charlie Appleby. The warm favourite trained by the latter is Dance Sequence, who is only a 5/1 chance for the 1000 Guineas itself. She has looked a smart performer winning bath her starts as a juvenile, a maiden on the July course here and the Group 3 Oh So Sharp Stakes over course and distance last October by a neck from Skellet. She has the highest official rating in the field and will be hard to beat although is no value at her current price. The Aidan O’Brien runner is Matrika who was last seen winning a Group 2 at the Curragh over 6F in July. Only rated 3lb behind Dance Sequence she maybe the value bet at the prices to beat the favourite. Best of the rest may well be the Roger Varian filly True Cyan who, like the two aforementioned fillies, holds a 1000 Guineas entry as well (currently a 66-1 chance). MATRIKA 1 point each way @ 9/2 bet365 1/5th 123

Welcome @rasprerry

Unfortunately I will always place my bets when uploading so had to do with 12-1 which is a bit gutting but on the flip side got 5-2 Jonbon, 11-4 Inoutherwayuthinkin and 2-1 Mystical Power (R4) so can't complain

Aintree 1.20 Grand National day starts with a valuable twenty two runner Premier Handicap Hurdle with a very open look about it. Pertemps Handicap Hurdle winner Monmiral takes on some of those that finished behind him that day with a 6lb rise to contend with. The third that day was Nigel Twiston-Davies’s Cuthbert Dibble, beaten only 3 1/2L and now 5lb better off, which may be enough to turn the form around and he’s the pick on ground that will suit. Dan Skelton fires three arrows at the race with the Harry Skelton ridden West Balboa, who took this last year from a 6lb lower mark and is unbeaten in two starts here probably the pick of the trio. The unexposed handicap debutant Johnnywho from the Jonjo O’Neill stable is another interesting runner in a contest where cases can be made for plenty but I’m sticking with Cuthbert Dibble each way. CUTHBERT DIBBLE 1 point each way @ 13-2 bet365 1/5th 123456 Aintree 1.55 A field of nine assemble for the 2M 4F Grade 1 Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle. Gordon Elliott’s highly regarded mare Brighterdaysahead heads the market following a creditable 1 3/4L second in the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham to Golden Ace which has already been franked by the victory of the fourth Jade De Grugy in Grade 1 company at Fairyhouse. She looks sure to go well. An ex inmate of Elliott’s, Caldwell Potter may well end up the biggest threat as a Grade 1 winner himself at Leopardstown over Christmas. He’s been bought since at the Caldwell Construction Ltd dispersal for an obscene 740,000 euros and makes his stable debut for Paul Nicholls having missed Cheltenham. Gallaghers Novices’ Hurdle second and third Jimmy Du Seuil and Ile Atlantique, both trained by Willie Mullins add further spice to an intriguing race that can fall to Brighterdaysahead. BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD 1 point win @ 2-1 BetVictor Aintree 2.30 Just thirteen line up for this 3M 210 yard Premier Handicap Chase. Jonjo O’Neill’s Crebilly steps up in trip having run well when runner up in the Plate Handicap Chase at Cheltenham although he will need to improve his jumping to take a hand in the finish whilst the Skelton runner The King Of Ryhope showed improved form last time out when fourth of five in the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot, form which ties him in with the runner up that day Kilbeg King. Anthony Honeyball saddles a trio of possibles in Sam Brown (who won this two years ago by 15L), Forward Plan and Kilbeg King who all have claims. At a bigger price I like the look of the bottom weight trained by Venetia Williams in the shape of Denmat. He ran a stormer for a long way in the 3M 2F Kim Muir Handicap Chase when a 33/1 chance on only his third run for Williams under Miss A O’Connor who rode him positively from the front. He weakened two out ending up 9th beaten 36L but the drop to a sharper track and two furlongs less with Charlie Deutsch back in the saddle can pay dividends and he looks a value each way play with an extra place even if it would of been better had Williams had her string in better form. DEMNAT 1 point each way @ 20-1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Aintree 3.05 A dozen staying hurdlers assemble for the Grade 1 JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle. Gordon Elliott’s veteran Sire Du Berlais has won this event for the last two years and it would be no shock were he to pull the hat trick off for owner J P McManus. He was one of five from this field that ran in the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham 30 days ago with Gavin Cromwell’s Flooring Porter coming out the best of the quintet going down by just under four lengths to the winner Teahupoo with Buddy One (4 1/2L), Sire Du Berlais (7L), Dashel Drasher (10 1/2L) and Crambo (10 3/4L) all behind. Flooring Porter has run well in this race before having finished runner up in 2022 and third last year and he can finally take the contest at the third attempt. FLOORING PORTER 1 point win @ 7-2 William Hill Aintree 4.00 A different Grand National with a maximum field of 34 is run over 4M 2F 74 yards and as always looks fiendishly difficult. Last year’s winner and runner up Corach Rambler and Vanillier are back again and both hold chances. With the ground being so soft this year you’re going to need to stay well and the race may fall to one of Willie Mullins’s eight in the shape of I Am Maximus who won the Irish Grand National last season under Paul Townend who is reunited with the eight year old having prepped for this by taking the 3M Bobbyjo Chase in February with Vanillier 14L back in second and now 4lb worse off. He does have his quirks mind but if he takes to the whole experience he may just be too classy for his rivals. John C McConnell’s Mahler Mission looks to have been mapped out for this having not been seen since November and can also go well as he will stay well and loves the mud. The best of the outsiders may well be Delta Work, one of eight trained in the race by Gordon Elliott who was still going ok when unseating eight from home last year. He sports first time blinkers and having been placed in the race two years ago will stay well. Of those at monster prices, Venetia Williams’s Chambard appeals as the sort to run well having shown he handles the fences and heavy ground by winning the Becher Chase last November. I AM MAXIMUS 1 point each way @ 8-1 Ladbrokes 1/5th 12345 MAHLER MISSION 1 point each way @ 16-1 bet365 1/5th 123456 DELTA WORK 1/2 point each way @ 20-1 Betfred 1/5th 1234567 CHAMBARD 1/4 point each way @ 66-1 Betfred 1/5th 1234567 Aintree 5.00 The valuable Grade 1 Maghull Novices’ Chase is run over 2M and we have ten speedy chasers facing the judge. The favourite and the one they all have to beat is Gordon Elliott’s Found A Fifty. His 8 1/2L second spot in the Arkle at Cheltenham to Gaelic Warrior was given a big boost by the third that day Il Etait Temps winning at Aintree on Thursday. At a price I expect Sarah Humphrey’s Nickle Back to run well as a natural front runner who may well be suited by the track and may get an easy lead. He’s worth a small each way saver. The Willie Mullins trained Hercule Du Seuil is chasing a six timer and can’t be dismissed even though we haven’t seen him since the autumn. FOUND A FIFTY 1 point win @ 2-1 bet365 NICKLE BACK 1/4 point each way @ 11-1 bet365 1/5th 123 Aintree 5.35 The three day Aintree Grand National finishes with a 2M 1F Grade 2 NH Flat race. The Jonjo O’Neill trained favourite Mister Meggit has won bumpers at Carlisle and Doncaster in the mud without coming off the bridle and literally could be anything. He’s been priced accordingly mind. Emma Lavelle has her string in decent shape and her runner here Ma Shantou can reward an each way wager. Costing a cool £120,000 last December following a third in a Fairyhouse bumper he too made a scintillating British debut when bolting up at Huntingdon last month. It’s hard to know what he beat that day as nothing has run since from the race but I can see him running well under Tom Bellamy. The impression made by Mister Meggit though means he is the main bet although a small each way saver on Ma Shantou is also advised. MISTER MEGGIT 1 point win @ 9-4 bet365 MA SHANTOU 1/2 point each way @ 7-1 bet365 1/5th 1234

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Aintree 1.45 Day two of a rain sodden Aintree Grand National meeting kicks off with the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase run over 3M 1F. Gavin Cromwell’s Inotherwayurthinkin is one of six runners declared and he made an absolute mockery of his handicap mark at the Cheltenham Festival 29 days ago when ridden with upmost confidence by Derek O’Connor in sauntering to a eight length victory in the Kim Muir Handicap Chase and although this is a step up in grade is the highest rated in the field by 4lb. He can take this with both trip and ground conditions to suit from anther Cheltenham Festival winner in the Kim Bailey trained Chianti Classico who took the Ultima Handicap in good style. Both Iroko and Heart Wood have stamina to prove whilst the first time cheek pieced Broadway Boy also has claims. INOTHEWAYUTHINKIN 1 point win @ 11-4 William Hill Aintree 2.20 A maximum sized field of twenty two face the starter for this William Hill sponsored Premier Handicap Hurdle run over a trip of 2M 4F. It has a wide open look about with Dan Skelton throwing five into the race so with stable jockey Harry Skelton apparently choosing Kateira, she should be on anyone’s short list. One who catches my eye is the bottom weight Making Headway, trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero. A lightly raced 3M Irish point to point winner he should relish stepping up to 2M 4F for the first time and with his two victories at Carlisle and Newbury both coming in heavy ground today’s boggy terrain will be of no concern to his connections. His fourth to Go Dante at Sandown in a similar handicap last time was decent form especially as he was staying on up the run in looking to all that a step up in trip will suit. He sports first time cheek pieces as well and looks a good each way bet. MAKING HEADWAY 1 point each way @ 8/1 bet365 1/5th 123456 Aintree 2.55 A field of eight line up for this Grade 1 Trustatrader Top Novices’ Hurdle run over 2M 103 yards. A strong fancy is the Willie Mullins trained, J P McManus owned Mystical Power who had both Firefox and stable mate Mistergif 3 1/2L and 6L respectively behind in the Supreme Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham and there seems no real reason why either should turn the tables on the pick. I worry about the very testing ground for Fergal O’Brien’s smart mare Dysart Enos, who missed Cheltenham through injury and a bigger danger may well be Jeremy Scott’s mare Golden Ace who took the mares novice hurdle at Cheltenham four weeks ago. This looks one for Mullins and J P McManus though with Mystical Power. MYSTICAL POWER 2 points win @ 2/1 William Hill Aintree 3.30 A small but select field of seven go to post for the 2M 4F My Pension Expert Melling Chase. The highest rated is the Nicky Henderson trained Jonbon who will be the pick but only if there are signs on day one that all is well with his stable following his nightmare Cheltenham. Henderson has run nothing of real note since and with Jonbon missing Cheltenham will hopefully come here a fresh horse. He’s stepping up to 2M 4F for the first time but was a 15L Irish point to point winner over 3M so I don’t really see that as being an excuse. He will also have to jump better than he did when last seen at Cheltenham but he is a class performer who’s won 12 of his 15 starts having been runner up in his three defeats. Ryanair one - two Protektorat and Envoi Allen will have their supporters along with last years winner Pic D’Orhy but a fit and healthy Jonbon can score and put a smile back on the master of Seven Barrows. JONBON 1 point win @ 5/2 bet365 Aintree 4.05 The day’s race over the Grand National fences is the 2M 5F Topham Handicap Chase in which we have a strong field of twenty five lining up. Last year’s winner Bill Baxter, from the in form (a double on Tuesday) stable of Warren Greatrex can run well although he’s shown very little this season, including last time when well backed on his favoured ground and is scant value at around the 9-2 mark. Harry Redknapp’s Shakem Up’arry won the Plate at Cheltenham and even with a 6lb rise can also be competitive for Ben Pauling and Ben Jones. Buckinghamshire trainer Stuart Edmunds has had his string in excellent form for a while now and his runner here Arizona Cardinal is an interesting runner. An easy winner at Leicester and Ludlow on soft ground this year (rising 14lb) this race was mooted after the victory at the latter track by his owners and he could be some each way value in a wide open contest. ARIZONA CARDINAL 1 point each way @ 12-1 William Hill 1/5th 123456 Aintree 4.40 Nine staying novice hurdlers face the judge for this Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle. The best form is brought to the table by Ben Pauling’s The Jukebox Man who ran a stormer in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham when runner up, having been run down on the run in, by the 33/1 outsider Stellar Story. He had the Willie Mullins pair Dancing City 7L behind in third and the favourite Reading Tommy Wrong (pulled up) behind that day and can confirm that form under Kielan Woods. The interesting runner, especially if Nicky Henderson’s runners have run well coming into the race, is the Mrs J Donnelly owned Shanagh Bob who we haven’t seen since he won a Grade 2 at Cheltenham over today’s distance back in December. He missed, like all of Henderson’s stars, the Cheltenham Festival and will come here a fresh unbeaten stayer who’s won twice on soft ground. He’s worth a saver. THE JUKEBOX MAN 1 point win @ 7/2 Betfred SHANAGH BOB 1 point win @ 9/2 Betfred Aintree 5.15 Day two of the Grand National concludes with a nineteen runner 2M 103 yard conditional jockeys’ and amateur riders’ handicap hurdle. Plenty can be given a chance including Olly Murphy’s Go Dante who will love the heavy ground although he will have to overcome a career high handicap mark of 134. The horse which attracts me is the Ben Pauling trained Densworth who appeared to show much improved form for a wind operation when running away with a handicap hurdle on heavy ground at Doncaster on his re-appearance. It was a race where only four hurdles were actually jumped but you couldn’t be anything but impressed by his 16L victory especially as the horse back in second, his stable mate Getaway Drumlee, ran out a easy 17L winner himself later in the month at Fontwell. Densworth ran in this race last year as a 20-1 chance when pulling up, coming back with a dirty trachea wash according to his handler in a recent Aintree preview. A 10lb rise may not be enough to stop him from running well each way in a highly competitive handicap especially as his jockey Beau Morgan takes off 5lb thus halving the additional weight. Charlie Byrnes is a trainer to be feared and his runner here Maidenstreetprince was alongside, although not going as well, as Sir Gerhard when falling two out at Cork 12 days ago and when you consider that one is rated 155 it is possible that he could be very well treated off of just 128 today. He is worth saving on. DENSWORTH 1 point each way @ 10-1 bet365 1/5th 12345 MAIDENSTREETPRINCE 1/2 point each way @ 6-1 William HIll 1/5th 12345

Aintree 1.45 Five line up for this Grade 1 Manifesto Novices’ Chase run over 2M 4F with the first and second from the Turners Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham back to renew rivalry. Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning out stayed Paul Nicholls’s Ginny’s Destiny to the tune of 2L at the line and can confirm that form although it may be close between the pair. Willie Mullins saddles his Arkle third Il Etait Temps who is stepping up in trip today. It’s hard to fancy either Blow Your Wad and Colonel Harry who are safely held by Ginny’s Destiny so the selection here is Skelton’s exciting grey Grey Dawning who can confirm Cheltenham form and start the meeting off well for the Skelton camp who are keen to keep ahead of his old boss Paul NIcholls and Willie Mullins in the jumps trainers championship. GREY DAWNING 2 points win @ Evens bet365 Aintree 2.20 Just six have declared for the Grade 1 2M 1F Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle including Nicky Henderson’s highly promising Sir Gino. Obviously we don’t know for certain what sort of form the stable are in as they’ve only had a handful of runners since Cheltenham and none of them where of much interest. If the stable was in top form Sir Gino would be a very strong fancy and he’s still has to be the pick here although it would of been nice to know for sure what form the Seven Barrows team are in. Willie Mullins saddles Kargese who was runner up in the Triumph Hurdle whilst Paul Nicholls runs his exciting unbeaten ex French gelding Kalif Du Berlais. He looks a proper horse having impressed twice at Kempton and may be the one to chase Sir Gino home. SIR GINO 2 points win @ 10/11 Coral Aintree 2.55 The 3m 1F Grade 1 Aintree Bowl Chase has attracted a field of seven. Cheltenham Gold Cup runner up Gerri Colombe is the form horse as he had Bravemansgame (5th) and Gentlemansgame (pulled up) behind that day and looks sure to run well at a track that he won at last season as a novice and may have most to fear from Nicky Henderson’s Shishkin. A good run from Sir Gino in the previous race would obviously be a major boost for him and likewise a poor run would see Shishkin’s odds lengthen. He won this last year from the re-appearing Ahoy Senor, who doesn’t look the same horse this year, and on his best form he’s a big player here. Corbetts Cross impressed at Cheltenham but this will be much tougher and the selection is Gordon Elliott’s Gerri Colombe who brings the best recent form to the table. GERRI COLOMBE 1 point win @ 13/8 William Hill Aintree 3.30 The Grade 1 2M 4F William Hill Aintree Hurdle sees eight runners line up with the top two rated both coming from Ireland. Henry De Bromhead’s Bob Olinger who’s looked back to his best this season, winning Grade 2 contests over 2M 4F at Navan and Cheltenham prior to a creditable 5 1/2L second in the Irish Champion Hurdle to State Man. He looks sure to run well but may struggle to fight off the Willie Mullins trained Impaire Et Passe who like Bob Olinger missed Cheltenham. A smart novice last season winning the Ballymore at Cheltenham and has placed behind Teahupoo and State Man this season. Today’s trip and ground look ideal and he can out stay Bob Olinger. Champion Hurdle third Luccia may have been flattered last time whilst Coral Cup winner Langer Dan has plenty more on his plate here. IMPAIRE ET PASSE 1 point win @ 15/8 bet365 Aintree 4.05 A bumper field of twenty two will line up for the first race of the meeting over the Grand National fences the Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase over 2M 5F. Cheltenham Foxhunters runner up Its On The Line will love the testing ground but didn’t really travel that well at Cheltenham and they may go a bit faster here so I’ll pass over him. Ante post gamble Spyglass Hill looks too short now despite winning one of the bigger hunter chases of the early part of the season at Haydock in the Walrus Hunters Chase. Hannah Roach’s Time Leader ran a blinder at 50-1 at Cheltenham finishing 5 1/2L behind Its On The Line and is also a player with the drop in trip a positive but the value may well be last years runner up Bennys King who’s looked in great form this season including when bolting up at Leicester last time when making all under today’s jockey Sean O’Connor for trainer Dan Skelton on ground that he’ll love. BENNYS KING 1 point each way @ 17/2 William Hill 1/5th 12345 Aintree 4.40 Fifteen face the starter for the 2M Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase and has a very competitive look about it. The Grand Annual winner from Cheltenham, Unexpected Party, trained by Dan Skelton re-appears off of a 8lb higher mark with the third Path D’Oroux, sixth Saint Roi and eighth Triple Trade all taking him on again. One horse who catches my eye towards the bottom of the field is the Paul Nicholls trained Sans Bruit, an ex French performer who has plenty of smart form on heavy ground so should love the conditions. He’s had just the three runs for Nicholls, twice down the field in competitive handicap hurdles and a fine 3/4L second at Chepstow to an improver in Prince Quali. He’s 2lb out of the handicap here but as he actually goes up 3lb for that latest run in future handicaps is a pound well in here and has the assistance of Bryony Frost (presuming that Harry Cobden can’t do the weight of 10-2). In a wide open race the six year old mudlark could be the value play each way with additional places. SANS BRUIT 1 point each way @ 12/1 1/5th 1234 Coral Aintree 5.15 The final race on day one of the Grand National meeting is the 2M 1F Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ National Hunt Flat Race with several promising mares here. Willie Mullins saddles Baby Kate who’s not been seen since November when winning a listed bumper at Cheltenham and has to be on the short list. Dan Skelton will be desperate to secure more prize money at the meeting as he attempts to keep clear of the chasing Paul Nicholls and Willie Mullins and saddles Honky Tonk Highway who’s unbeaten in a 3M maiden point to point and a listed bumper at Sandown when making his rules debut which takes some doing. There are many other potentially nice mares in the race but it’s the Skelton’s Honky Tonk Highway the one for me. HONKY TONK HIGHWAY 1 point each way @ 5/1 bet365 1/5th 1234

We’re now only six days away from this year’s renewal of one of the, if not the, biggest races in the world and I thought now with the six day entries released is as good a time as any to analyse the Grand National which will be run at Aintree this Saturday at its new time of 4.00 run over 4 miles 2 1/2 furlongs. The field will only be a maximum of 34 this year down from the previous 40 which in my eyes is a real shame but I’m afraid that’s the risk assessment world we know live in although I must admit even an old battle hardened race fanatic such as myself found last years running a hard watch. Whether that was down to the delayed start due to the animal rising’s morons I’m not quite sure. The first thing that strikes me about this year’s renewal has to be the dominance of the Irish trainers. It does look more like the Irish National with x of the projected final field trained in the Emerald Isle. I’m not quite sure how this can be addressed, maybe the ‘only 4 horses can run from one stable’ is a possible although that does seem a bit unfair to me. Possibly six or eight maximum from one stable. A ‘win and you’re in’ series is another possible which could work to get some more British horse in the final field. A debate for another day surely. One things for sure is that this year’s running will be a real test of stamina with the official ground on the Grand National course currently soft (heavy in places) with a very mixed weather forecast due for the Liverpool area this week. So a reminder that only 34 can run and here’s my run down on the top 38 in the field with my thoughts and an early staking plan at the end. CONFLATED (Gordon Elliott) 10 11-12 (current William Hill odds 50/1) One of many Gordon Elliot possible runners. Yet to race beyond 3M 2 1/2F when third in the 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup and will handle the mud well. Third in latest renewal of Ryanair Chase to Protektorat although that was a weak renewal and has stamina to answer here. Hard to fancy off of welter weight. NOBLE YEATS (Emmet Mullins) 9 11-11 (16-1) Winner of this race two years ago so trip will be no problem. Was fourth (beaten 8 1/2L) last year to Corach Rambler. Has been running, with success, over hurdles this season winning Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in January before finishing 7th in Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. 14lb better off with Corach Rambler for beating a year ago so does hold each way claims and has winning form on very soft. NASSALAM (Gary Moore) 7 11-7 (20-1) Wide margin winner of Welsh Grand National at Chepstow over Christmas on heavy ground and is obviously very ground dependent. 33/1 and outclassed in Cheltenham Gold Cup since and is now 16lb higher in the weights than when winning Welsh Grand National. The more rain the better for him. COKO BEACH (Gordon Elliott) 9 11-7 (40-1) Another Gordon Elliott entry. Last seen when winning over the banks at Punchestown in February over 3m 1/2F. Was runner up to Chambard in Becher Chase previously but pulled up last year in this race (28/1) and was a 66L 8th the previous year. May not truly stay this far and hard to fancy. CAPODANNO (Willie Mullins) 8 11-7 (33-1) Best effort this season when winning the Cotswolds Chase at Cheltenham in January over 3m 1 1/2f. Fourth since in a sub standard Ryanair Chase. Pulled up last year in this (22-1) though only pulled up at the last so nearly got round. Has to prove his stamina here. I AM MAXIMUS (Willie Mullins) 8 11-5 (7-1) Winner of last year’s Irish Grand National (3M 5F) and started this season by winning Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse over 2M 4F. Probably out of his depth on next two starts in grade 1 company won by the best staying chaser around in Galopin Des Champs but was very impressive when winning the Bobbyjo Chase over 3M 1 1/2F at same track from last years runner up Vanillier. Can be a bit askew at his fences but has a touch of class about him and can be competitive off of a mark 5lb lower than he is in future races. On the short list. MINELLA INDO (Henry De Bromhead) 11 11-5 (20-1) Won the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup and runner up in same race the following year. Not the force of old though will have his ground conditions (1112 on soft/heavy). Yet to race beyond 3M 5 1/2F however so has stamina to prove. CORACH RAMBLER (Lucinda Russell) 10 11-5 (4-1) 2 1/4L winner last year from Vanillier and now 9lb worse off with that one. Excellent prep for this when third in Cheltenham Gold Cup (beaten 13L by Galopin Des Champs). Has to be a major player as long as latest run didn’t take too much out of him. 13lb higher here than last year’s victory although it could be argued he’s well in as he goes up 3lb in future handicaps due to his third in Gold Cup. Lot to like though not his price. JANIDIL (Willie Mullins) 10 11-5 (100-1) Yet to race beyond 3M and stamina looks a major issue. Last seen running down the field in the Stayers Hurdle won by Teahupoo at 66/1. An unlikely winner from the Mullins camp. STATTLER (Willie Mullins) 9 11-4 (40-1) Ready winner of the 3M 6F NH CHase at the Cheltenham Festival in 2022. That’s the furthest he’s ever raced over so a return to long distances could well suit. Jumped novicey in banks race won by Coko Beach at Punchestown last time when well beaten. Owners say he will only run if ground conditions dry up to good to soft so not a definite runner. MAHLER MISSION (John McConnell) 8 11-4 (16-1) Been off since Coral Gold Cup (Hennessy) at Newbury last December when excellent second to Datsalrightgino despite losing his front shoes. Only 4lb higher now and has been trained for this by his shrewd trainer. Was 4L ahead and keeping on when falling two out in 3M 6F NH CHase in 2023 Cheltenham Festival. That was as far as he’s ever gone over so today’s trip will probably suit. Winning form on heavy and looks a player here as long as no recent run not a drawback. Had recent racecourse gallop at Navan according to trainer where he went through the soft ground like it was good ground. Will be ridden by young jockey Ben Harvey. DELTA WORK (Gordon Elliott) 11 11-3 (20-1) Third to Noble Yeats in 2022 and was going well enough when unseating his rider at 21st (eight from home) last year when only a 11/1 chance. Lightly raced since and teed up for this with a spin over hurdles at Navan in a Grade 2 (6th of 8 beaten 18L). Stays and handles ground so has each way claims. FOXY JACKS (Mouse Morris) 11 11-3 (66-1) Fell at the chair on only run over these unique fences in Becher Chase two years ago. Won over the cross country course at Cheltenham last November and teed up for this with a fourth over hurdles at Leopardstown over Christmas. Unlikely to be good enough to feature here. GALVIN (Gordon Elliott) 10 11-1 (33-1) Unseated at first a year ago when 22/1. Stays 3M 6F well so may well see out this trip. 4th in Grade 2 hurdle last time out. Has always seemed happier on a sounder surface and may found today’s conditions too testing. FAROUK D’ALENE (Gordon Elliott) 9 11-0 (66-1) Yet to race beyond 3M so has stamina to prove here. Was a useful novice back in season 2021/22 and best run since 613 day absence when runner up in Leopardstown handicap hurdle over Christmas. Pulled up since in Pertemps Handicap Hurdle and definite questions to answer now. ELDORADO ALLEN (Joe Tizzard) 10 10-13 (66-1) Fourth in Coral Gold Cup (Hennessy) at Newbury last November but shown little in two starts since including last time out when pulling up in Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham, his first run since wind surgery. Yet to race beyond 3M 2 1/2F and has stamina to prove. Hard to fancy. AIN’T THAT A SHAME (Henry De Bromhead) 10 10-12 (66-1) Only went off 10-1 for this last year (following Gowran Park win over 2M 4F) when appearing not to stay in finishing last of the seventeen finishers totally tailed off. Bounced back to form when winning the 3M 1F Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park at 14/1 in January. Still has stamina to prove mind. VANILLIER (Gavin Cromwell) 9 10-11 (9-1) Was given a rather confident ride last year when held up out the back and coming through to finish just 2 1/4L runner up to Corach Rambler. 9lb better off this year round and has been trained for the race showing little in four starts since including when 14L second to I Am Maximus in Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February over 3M 1 1/2F. 4lb worse off now with that one but can get closer. MR INCREDIBLE (Willie Mullins) 8 10-10 (12-1) Only his tenth run over fences but stays well having finished runner up in Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter in March, his first run since unseating, when his saddle slipped at the canal turn in last year’s race (14/1). Soggy conditions ideal and stays well so has to have claims for leading trainer. RUN WILD FRED (Gordon Elliott) 10 10-9 (66-1) Only a 8/1 chance last year in this when falling at the eighth (canal turn) when in rear of midfield. Also fell in Irish equivalent nine days later. Not shown much this season and was last seen pulling up in Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. Hard to fancy on recent form. LATENIGHTPASS (Tom Ellis) 11 10-9 (33-1) Has rejoined his previous trainer Tom Ellis having had three runs for Dan Skelton when runner up and winning cross country handicap chases at Cheltenham. 11/1 and not busy in novice hurdle when last seen. 2022 Foxhunters winner over these fences and fourth in same race the following year so won’t mind these fences. Has won at 3M 5F but still has questions to answer over an extra 5F. MINELLA CROONER (Gordon Elliott) 8 10-9 (66-1) Yet to prove his stamina for this stamina test (pulled up both runs over 3m 6F). Well held by I Am Maximus and Vanillier on Bobbyjo Chase form and was pulled up when last seen in Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. Easy to strike out in this. ADAMANTLY CHOSEN (Willie Mullins) 7 10-8 (50-1) Ran out a comfortable 14L winner of 3M 2F chase at Down Royal last month.That was the furthest he’s tried and has an extra mile to try today so has stamina to prove. Won’t mind the soft ground but hard to fancy on stamina grounds. MAC TOTTIE (Peter Bowen) 11 10-8 (66-1) A winner of five of his 17 chase starts and wont mind the ground riding soft or worse. Pulled up on only run beyond 3M 2F so another one with stamina to prove. Has taken well to these fences in the past though winning the 2021 Becher Chase (3M 2F) and 2022 Topham (2M 5F). CHEMICAL ENERGY (Gordon Elliott) 8 10-8 (40-1) Only his eighth start over fences. Smart novice last season, finishing runner up in in 3M 6F NH Chase at Cheltenham to Gaillard Du Mesnil before pulling up in Irish National the following month. Not seen since September when sixth in Kerry National at Listowel. Needs career best to be involved. LIMERICK LACE (Gavin Cromwell) 7 10-7 (25-1) Consistent mare who’s won five of her ten starts over fences. Beat Dinoblue 3/4L in Mrs Paddy Power Mares’Chase at Cheltenham Festival when last seen in March. That was over 2M 4 1/2F and the furthest she’s raced over was 3M when a 2 1/4L runner up to Coko Beach in the Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan last November. Won’t mind the conditions but big question mark over her ability to stay this far. MEETINGOFTHEWATERS (Willie Mullins) 7 10-7 (10-1) Only had the six runs over fences winning twice at Cork (2M 5F) and Leopardstown (Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas over 3M 1/2F). Best effort came at Cheltenham in March however when third of 21 in Ultima Handicap Chase over 3M 1F having failed to settle. Will need to settle better to play a part in the finish over this additional 1 mile and 1 furlong. THE GOFFER (Gordon Elliott) 7 10-7 (66-1) Pulled up in last year’s Irish Grand National but ran well when fourth in Bet365 Gold cup later that month at Sandown (beaten 14L to Kittys Light). Not shown a great deal in four starts in valuable handicap chases this season and has stamina to prove also. ROI MAGE (Patrick Griffin) 12 10-7 (50-1) Ran well in this last year when only weakening close home to finish seventh beaten 14L. 2lb lower this year round which makes him 15lb better off with the winner Corach Rambler. Not getting any younger at twelve mind but stays well and has won on heavy so has small each way claims on that alone. GLENGOULY (Willie Mullins) 8 10-6 (66-1) Runner up to Ain’t That A Shame in Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park in January over 3M 1F but well beaten at Cheltenham when dropping in trip. Steps up markedly in distance here and yet another who has to prove he stays 4M 2F. GALIA DES LITEAUX (Dan Skelton) 8 10-6 (33-1) A dual winner on heavy ground. Career best run when runner up in Warwick Classic Chase over 3m 5F, which is the furtherest she’s run over. Consistent sort who should stay and likes the mud. One that could go well at a nice price. PANDA BOY (Martin Brassil) 8 10-6 (12-1) Trainer has won race in past. Fifth in last year’s Irish Nation beaten 7 3/4L by I Am Maximus and 4lb better off now. Runner up to Meetingofthewaters in Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and fourth in valuable handicap hurdle since. Appears to have been trained for this although has stamina to prove. EKLAT DE RIRE (Henry De Bromhead) 10 10-6 (100-1) Only raced twelve times in his career winning four of them. Pulled up at Cheltenham in Ultima Handicap Chase at 22/1 and has stamina to prove (yet to race beyond 3M 2F). Easy to dismiss. CHAMBARD (Venetia Williams) 12 10-6 (100-1) Easy winner of the Becher Chase here over 3M 2F in December on heavy ground by 13l from Coko Beach. 7lb worse off now but can confirm form and wrong that he’s two and a half times the price of his old rival. Shown little since mind but best of the monster priced ones though has stamina doubts. Trainer won with Mon Mome at 100-1 in 2009. KITTY’S LIGHT (Christian Williams) 8 10-6 (14-1) Stays well and won Eider Chase, Scottish National and Bet365 Gold Cup last season. Has been campaigned over hurdles and fences this season not showing a great deal although is a horse who comes alive in the spring so not one to dismiss. Form figures on soft or heavy read 37747 and appears to be best on a sounder surface. MALINA GIRL (Gavin Cromwell) 7 10-5 (66-1) Looked good winning at Cheltenham in November over 3M 3 1/2F and has had excuses since. 10lb higher here than Cheltenham whilst flopped in handicap hurdle off of very lenient mark last time out. DESERTMORE HOUSE (Martin Brassil) 9 10-4 (40-1) Three room six over fences and prepped for this in handicap hurdle in February. Has yet to race beyond three miles and stamina is a major issue. Trainer has won the race before and appears to hold better claims with Panda Boy. KINONDO KWETU (Sam England) 8 10-4 (100-1) Best on good ground and soft/heavy ground is a big negative. Easy to put a line through. Summary:- Obviously favourite Corach Rambler has solid claims of becoming the first horse to win back to back Grand Nationals since Tiger Roll in 2018 & 2019 although the ground will be much softer than last year and at the current prices I’m happy to leave out from calculations. Last year’s runner Vanillier is better off at the weights but I didn’t like the way he cut out so quickly last time in the Bobbyjo Chase. I Am Maximus won that contest and looks likely to go well, even if his jumping can be a bit careful (does that really matter nowadays?). Coral Gold Cup runner up Mahler Mission has been trained for this and should stay this trip for a master trainer and is another with decent claims. I still remember Venetia Williams’s Chambard sluicing through the mud to win the Becher in heavy ground earlier this season and although he hasn’t backed that up since looks the best of those at a monster price. I will obviously be returning to the race later in the week when the final field is known but here’s three that are worth backing now although remember that there are likely to be more places (and possibly bigger prices on the run up to the race). I AM MAXIMUS 1 point each way @ 8/1 Betfred 1/5th 12345 MAHLER MISSION 1 point each way @ 16/1 bet365 1/5th 123456 CHAMBARD 1/4 point each way @ 100/1 bet365 1/5th 123456