The Brigadier

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  

I’m at Aintree on Friday if you get chance to rate any races mate 👍🏼

440 ain't 
Saint roi. 8.9 5/1 
Path doroux. 8.9 7/1
Unexpected party 8.7.
Heltenham   8.5 
5pt wins top 2

2.55 Aintree - AHOY SENOR 12/1 bet365 eway ( 3 places )  2nd , ran an absolute cracker 👍
Horse loves it around here winning over both hurdle & chase fences , hasn't been in any kind of form this season but I'm a " horses for courses " kind of a person & trainer L.Russell has sent 20 horses here last 10 years with 5 winners & 9 being places with a Win LSP of + £93.00 & a Placed LSP of + £63.98 .

2.20 Aintree     Kargese looked the winner all day long until outstayed up the hill at Cheltenham and with a question mark over Sir Gino and the stables form . looks a good bet  . Could even put a saver on the SF if the real Sir Gino turns up .
5.15 Aintree   Honky Tonk Highway is the bet , unfortunately the Skeltons have been shouting it from the roof tops for months , so a price collapse is likely .

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  

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  

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  

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  

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  

Heavy rain forecast tomorrow in Liverpool area & also for Wednesday but an improving picture from Thursday through to Saturday with windy & warm conditions so if Aintree like most courses drains well & quickly could be good to soft on the BIG day .
Be interesting to see if or how Henderson's horse perform over the 3 days with Shishkin , Sir Gino & Jonbon who loves it here all fresh & also whether Mullins has his string fully wound up to try & nab the UK trainers title or saving their best for Punchestown ?

One thing about Corach Rambler that people should consider, Although i have already backed it at 16/1 because it was value, since it came 3rd in the gold cup it is a ridiculous price now, it is on dodgy ground here. Garrisons Savanah won a gold cup but couldn't win the National (2nd or 3rd) Hedgehunter won the National and the following year finished 2nd in the gold cup but couldn't win the national again (2nd) so it may pay to go in again and the best alternative for me is Noble Yeats 16/1 CD winner and there is a lot to like about Aint that a shame at 66/1, my previous post on the GN i quite liked Vanillier but i think as it was all out last year this ground forecast and its skinny price is enough to put me off.

Kempton 1.30 With Kelso unfortunately lost to the elements, the first of seven races on a rescheduled ITV schedule is this 6F novices stakes which has attracted ten runners and looks rather open. Clive Cox’s Sky Warrior is the only winner in the contest but a 7lb penalty for that Doncaster win last July may be his undoing here. Newmarket based trainer James Horton has had a horrendous year with his main owner John Dance leaving the game and he can strike with his Acclamation three year old Grandlad who gave odds on backers a scare when chasing home the 82 rated Run Boy Run at Newcastle on his racecourse debut last month and can be competitive and hopefully win at the second time of asking. There are others with chances including Harry Eustace’s Harry Did and Hugo Palmer’s Auric.   GRANDLAD 1 point each way @ 9/2 William Hill 1/5th 123   Kempton 2.05 Ten go to post for the 1M Virgin Bet Snowdrop Fillies’Stakes, a listed race for fillies and mares only. There’s no stand out bet in the contest with the two highest rated horses being Mystic Pearl and Choisya from the William Haggas and Simon & Ed Crisford Newmarket stables respectively. We haven’t seen the latter for 138 days when she defeated the re-opposing Julia Augusta over course and distance and is maybe the each way value in a race where several can be given a chance. The Crisford’s have won with three of their last ten runners so arrive in good form and as long as the chestnut filly is ready to go can enhance her good track record which reads 21. The Irish raider from the Joseph O’Brien stable Adelaise has to be respected and may be the biggest danger to the selection.   CHOISYA 1 point each way @ 9/2 Coral 1/5th 123     Kempton 2.40 The Virgin Bet Roseberry Handicap is a class 2 contest run over 1M 2F and 219 yards and has attracted a decent sized field of fourteen. Andrew Balding’s Old Harrovian is an interesting runner making his handicap debut having won both starts on a synthetic surface at Wolverhampton and Lingfield although has been priced accordingly. The Hollie Doyle ridden Intinso looked good when winning at Wolverhampton last March and despite a rise of 8lb can be competitive here and looks the pick. The grey appeared to show improved form there, his first since being gelded and from a favourable draw can run a big race.   INTINSO 1 point each way @ 9/2 bet365 1/5th 1234   Curragh 2.55 Nine line up for this Group 3 Alleged Stakes which will be run on very soft ground. Last year’s Ballysax winner White Birch will have to be on the short list although his trainer John Joseph Murphy has only had one runner this year (back in January)and there would have to be questions over his fitness even if he did win first time out last season. In contrast we know that Joseph O’Brien has his string forward winning with 15 of his 46 runners this year at a win to run ratio of 33% and his representative here is his four year old filly Maxux who could be quite smart. A winner of two of her four starts as a three year old (she was unraced as a juvenile), she finished her season by taking a Group 3 at Fairyhouse by 4 1/4L from the right horses and although she has to prove herself on very soft ground appeals as one to be with.   MAXUX 1 point each way 5/1 William Hill 1/5th 123   Kempton 3.15 The 2M Virgin Bet Queen’s Prize Handicap has attracted a field of fourteen and has a very open look about it. Top weight Novel Legend has claims although I would like to see his trainer James Fanshawe in better form (although he did have a winner on Thursday) whilst the other market leader Sweet Fantasy will find these conditions rather different than when winning two juvenile hurdles in the mud this winter for his up and coming trainer James Owen. The pick for me has to be the bottom weight, Circuit Breaker. Formerly trained by Ralph Beckett he ticks many boxes here as he has won fresh before, stays the trip, handles the surface having won over course and distance and likes to be ridden forward with the plum draw in stall 1 to adopt those tactics. The booking of James Doyle is positive and this Jonjo O’Neill trained four year old looks excellent each way value having joined O’Neill for 260,000 guineas last October.   CIRCUIT BREAKER 2 points each way @ 12/1 bet365 1/5th 1234   Chelmsford 3.30 An intriguing race for a Saturday afternoon at Chelmsford is the valuable Woodford Reserve Cardinal Conditions Stakes, a trial (usually in name only) for the Kentucky Derby. The fact that Aidan O’Brien sends over Capulet and maybe more interesting that Ryan Moore is here to ride points to the son of Justify as the most likely winner. A winner of a Dundalk maiden on his racecourse debut last August he followed that up with places in Group 2’s at Leopardstown and Newmarket the following month. As with, it seems, all of Aidan’s three year olds he has a stack of future group entries which include the 2000 Guineas and the English and Irish Derby. His main danger appears to be last weekend’s listed Burradon Stakes winner Cuban Tiger who had another of today’s opposition Orne (5lb better off for 3 1/4L and racing in first time cheek pieces) behind. This should be going to Ballydoyle and Capulet.   CAPULET 2 points win @ 11/10 William Hill   Kempton 3.45 Just five have declared for this Virgin Bet Fillies’ Conditions Stakes and we have a very warm favourite here in the Charlie Appleby trained Devoted Queen. She looked a smart sort when winning well on her racecourse debut at Newmarket on soft ground last October and this KIngman filly will be hard to beat and could even force her way into a run in the first classic of the season , the 1000 Guineas in a months time for which she is currently a 25/1 chance. She’s obviously been well found in the market here however but should be winning with the Richard Hughes trained Les Bleus looking the biggest danger having kept good company as a juvenile and placing in group company.  

Kempton 1.30 With Kelso unfortunately lost to the elements, the first of seven races on a rescheduled ITV schedule is this 6F novices stakes which has attracted ten runners and looks rather open. Clive Cox’s Sky Warrior is the only winner in the contest but a 7lb penalty for that Doncaster win last July may be his undoing here. Newmarket based trainer James Horton has had a horrendous year with his main owner John Dance leaving the game and he can strike with his Acclamation three year old Grandlad who gave odds on backers a scare when chasing home the 82 rated Run Boy Run at Newcastle on his racecourse debut last month and can be competitive and hopefully win at the second time of asking. There are others with chances including Harry Eustace’s Harry Did and Hugo Palmer’s Auric.   GRANDLAD 1 point each way @ 9/2 William Hill 1/5th 123   Kempton 2.05 Ten go to post for the 1M Virgin Bet Snowdrop Fillies’Stakes, a listed race for fillies and mares only. There’s no stand out bet in the contest with the two highest rated horses being Mystic Pearl and Choisya from the William Haggas and Simon & Ed Crisford Newmarket stables respectively. We haven’t seen the latter for 138 days when she defeated the re-opposing Julia Augusta over course and distance and is maybe the each way value in a race where several can be given a chance. The Crisford’s have won with three of their last ten runners so arrive in good form and as long as the chestnut filly is ready to go can enhance her good track record which reads 21. The Irish raider from the Joseph O’Brien stable Adelaise has to be respected and may be the biggest danger to the selection.   CHOISYA 1 point each way @ 9/2 Coral 1/5th 123     Kempton 2.40 The Virgin Bet Roseberry Handicap is a class 2 contest run over 1M 2F and 219 yards and has attracted a decent sized field of fourteen. Andrew Balding’s Old Harrovian is an interesting runner making his handicap debut having won both starts on a synthetic surface at Wolverhampton and Lingfield although has been priced accordingly. The Hollie Doyle ridden Intinso looked good when winning at Wolverhampton last March and despite a rise of 8lb can be competitive here and looks the pick. The grey appeared to show improved form there, his first since being gelded and from a favourable draw can run a big race.   INTINSO 1 point each way @ 9/2 bet365 1/5th 1234   Curragh 2.55 Nine line up for this Group 3 Alleged Stakes which will be run on very soft ground. Last year’s Ballysax winner White Birch will have to be on the short list although his trainer John Joseph Murphy has only had one runner this year (back in January)and there would have to be questions over his fitness even if he did win first time out last season. In contrast we know that Joseph O’Brien has his string forward winning with 15 of his 46 runners this year at a win to run ratio of 33% and his representative here is his four year old filly Maxux who could be quite smart. A winner of two of her four starts as a three year old (she was unraced as a juvenile), she finished her season by taking a Group 3 at Fairyhouse by 4 1/4L from the right horses and although she has to prove herself on very soft ground appeals as one to be with.   MAXUX 1 point each way 5/1 William Hill 1/5th 123   Kempton 3.15 The 2M Virgin Bet Queen’s Prize Handicap has attracted a field of fourteen and has a very open look about it. Top weight Novel Legend has claims although I would like to see his trainer James Fanshawe in better form (although he did have a winner on Thursday) whilst the other market leader Sweet Fantasy will find these conditions rather different than when winning two juvenile hurdles in the mud this winter for his up and coming trainer James Owen. The pick for me has to be the bottom weight, Circuit Breaker. Formerly trained by Ralph Beckett he ticks many boxes here as he has won fresh before, stays the trip, handles the surface having won over course and distance and likes to be ridden forward with the plum draw in stall 1 to adopt those tactics. The booking of James Doyle is positive and this Jonjo O’Neill trained four year old looks excellent each way value having joined O’Neill for 260,000 guineas last October.   CIRCUIT BREAKER 2 points each way @ 12/1 bet365 1/5th 1234   Chelmsford 3.30 An intriguing race for a Saturday afternoon at Chelmsford is the valuable Woodford Reserve Cardinal Conditions Stakes, a trial (usually in name only) for the Kentucky Derby. The fact that Aidan O’Brien sends over Capulet and maybe more interesting that Ryan Moore is here to ride points to the son of Justify as the most likely winner. A winner of a Dundalk maiden on his racecourse debut last August he followed that up with places in Group 2’s at Leopardstown and Newmarket the following month. As with, it seems, all of Aidan’s three year olds he has a stack of future group entries which include the 2000 Guineas and the English and Irish Derby. His main danger appears to be last weekend’s listed Burradon Stakes winner Cuban Tiger who had another of today’s opposition Orne (5lb better off for 3 1/4L and racing in first time cheek pieces) behind. This should be going to Ballydoyle and Capulet.   CAPULET 2 points win @ 11/10 William Hill   Kempton 3.45 Just five have declared for this Virgin Bet Fillies’ Conditions Stakes and we have a very warm favourite here in the Charlie Appleby trained Devoted Queen. She looked a smart sort when winning well on her racecourse debut at Newmarket on soft ground last October and this KIngman filly will be hard to beat and could even force her way into a run in the first classic of the season , the 1000 Guineas in a months time for which she is currently a 25/1 chance. She’s obviously been well found in the market here however but should be winning with the Richard Hughes trained Les Bleus looking the biggest danger having kept good company as a juvenile and placing in group company.  

Watchya                                                4 55 Kem/            1/40th  of  pt ew    28/1
Captain Wierzba                                  2 40 Kem/            1/40th of a pt ew   33/1
Bergamasco                                         3 30 Chl/               1/40th of a pt ew   20/1
 
 
 
P/L     + 177.15pts

Kempton 1.30 With Kelso unfortunately lost to the elements, the first of seven races on a rescheduled ITV schedule is this 6F novices stakes which has attracted ten runners and looks rather open. Clive Cox’s Sky Warrior is the only winner in the contest but a 7lb penalty for that Doncaster win last July may be his undoing here. Newmarket based trainer James Horton has had a horrendous year with his main owner John Dance leaving the game and he can strike with his Acclamation three year old Grandlad who gave odds on backers a scare when chasing home the 82 rated Run Boy Run at Newcastle on his racecourse debut last month and can be competitive and hopefully win at the second time of asking. There are others with chances including Harry Eustace’s Harry Did and Hugo Palmer’s Auric.   GRANDLAD 1 point each way @ 9/2 William Hill 1/5th 123   Kempton 2.05 Ten go to post for the 1M Virgin Bet Snowdrop Fillies’Stakes, a listed race for fillies and mares only. There’s no stand out bet in the contest with the two highest rated horses being Mystic Pearl and Choisya from the William Haggas and Simon & Ed Crisford Newmarket stables respectively. We haven’t seen the latter for 138 days when she defeated the re-opposing Julia Augusta over course and distance and is maybe the each way value in a race where several can be given a chance. The Crisford’s have won with three of their last ten runners so arrive in good form and as long as the chestnut filly is ready to go can enhance her good track record which reads 21. The Irish raider from the Joseph O’Brien stable Adelaise has to be respected and may be the biggest danger to the selection.   CHOISYA 1 point each way @ 9/2 Coral 1/5th 123     Kempton 2.40 The Virgin Bet Roseberry Handicap is a class 2 contest run over 1M 2F and 219 yards and has attracted a decent sized field of fourteen. Andrew Balding’s Old Harrovian is an interesting runner making his handicap debut having won both starts on a synthetic surface at Wolverhampton and Lingfield although has been priced accordingly. The Hollie Doyle ridden Intinso looked good when winning at Wolverhampton last March and despite a rise of 8lb can be competitive here and looks the pick. The grey appeared to show improved form there, his first since being gelded and from a favourable draw can run a big race.   INTINSO 1 point each way @ 9/2 bet365 1/5th 1234   Curragh 2.55 Nine line up for this Group 3 Alleged Stakes which will be run on very soft ground. Last year’s Ballysax winner White Birch will have to be on the short list although his trainer John Joseph Murphy has only had one runner this year (back in January)and there would have to be questions over his fitness even if he did win first time out last season. In contrast we know that Joseph O’Brien has his string forward winning with 15 of his 46 runners this year at a win to run ratio of 33% and his representative here is his four year old filly Maxux who could be quite smart. A winner of two of her four starts as a three year old (she was unraced as a juvenile), she finished her season by taking a Group 3 at Fairyhouse by 4 1/4L from the right horses and although she has to prove herself on very soft ground appeals as one to be with.   MAXUX 1 point each way 5/1 William Hill 1/5th 123   Kempton 3.15 The 2M Virgin Bet Queen’s Prize Handicap has attracted a field of fourteen and has a very open look about it. Top weight Novel Legend has claims although I would like to see his trainer James Fanshawe in better form (although he did have a winner on Thursday) whilst the other market leader Sweet Fantasy will find these conditions rather different than when winning two juvenile hurdles in the mud this winter for his up and coming trainer James Owen. The pick for me has to be the bottom weight, Circuit Breaker. Formerly trained by Ralph Beckett he ticks many boxes here as he has won fresh before, stays the trip, handles the surface having won over course and distance and likes to be ridden forward with the plum draw in stall 1 to adopt those tactics. The booking of James Doyle is positive and this Jonjo O’Neill trained four year old looks excellent each way value having joined O’Neill for 260,000 guineas last October.   CIRCUIT BREAKER 2 points each way @ 12/1 bet365 1/5th 1234   Chelmsford 3.30 An intriguing race for a Saturday afternoon at Chelmsford is the valuable Woodford Reserve Cardinal Conditions Stakes, a trial (usually in name only) for the Kentucky Derby. The fact that Aidan O’Brien sends over Capulet and maybe more interesting that Ryan Moore is here to ride points to the son of Justify as the most likely winner. A winner of a Dundalk maiden on his racecourse debut last August he followed that up with places in Group 2’s at Leopardstown and Newmarket the following month. As with, it seems, all of Aidan’s three year olds he has a stack of future group entries which include the 2000 Guineas and the English and Irish Derby. His main danger appears to be last weekend’s listed Burradon Stakes winner Cuban Tiger who had another of today’s opposition Orne (5lb better off for 3 1/4L and racing in first time cheek pieces) behind. This should be going to Ballydoyle and Capulet.   CAPULET 2 points win @ 11/10 William Hill   Kempton 3.45 Just five have declared for this Virgin Bet Fillies’ Conditions Stakes and we have a very warm favourite here in the Charlie Appleby trained Devoted Queen. She looked a smart sort when winning well on her racecourse debut at Newmarket on soft ground last October and this KIngman filly will be hard to beat and could even force her way into a run in the first classic of the season , the 1000 Guineas in a months time for which she is currently a 25/1 chance. She’s obviously been well found in the market here however but should be winning with the Richard Hughes trained Les Bleus looking the biggest danger having kept good company as a juvenile and placing in group company.  

Kempton 1.30 With Kelso unfortunately lost to the elements, the first of seven races on a rescheduled ITV schedule is this 6F novices stakes which has attracted ten runners and looks rather open. Clive Cox’s Sky Warrior is the only winner in the contest but a 7lb penalty for that Doncaster win last July may be his undoing here. Newmarket based trainer James Horton has had a horrendous year with his main owner John Dance leaving the game and he can strike with his Acclamation three year old Grandlad who gave odds on backers a scare when chasing home the 82 rated Run Boy Run at Newcastle on his racecourse debut last month and can be competitive and hopefully win at the second time of asking. There are others with chances including Harry Eustace’s Harry Did and Hugo Palmer’s Auric.   GRANDLAD 1 point each way @ 9/2 William Hill 1/5th 123   Kempton 2.05 Ten go to post for the 1M Virgin Bet Snowdrop Fillies’Stakes, a listed race for fillies and mares only. There’s no stand out bet in the contest with the two highest rated horses being Mystic Pearl and Choisya from the William Haggas and Simon & Ed Crisford Newmarket stables respectively. We haven’t seen the latter for 138 days when she defeated the re-opposing Julia Augusta over course and distance and is maybe the each way value in a race where several can be given a chance. The Crisford’s have won with three of their last ten runners so arrive in good form and as long as the chestnut filly is ready to go can enhance her good track record which reads 21. The Irish raider from the Joseph O’Brien stable Adelaise has to be respected and may be the biggest danger to the selection.   CHOISYA 1 point each way @ 9/2 Coral 1/5th 123     Kempton 2.40 The Virgin Bet Roseberry Handicap is a class 2 contest run over 1M 2F and 219 yards and has attracted a decent sized field of fourteen. Andrew Balding’s Old Harrovian is an interesting runner making his handicap debut having won both starts on a synthetic surface at Wolverhampton and Lingfield although has been priced accordingly. The Hollie Doyle ridden Intinso looked good when winning at Wolverhampton last March and despite a rise of 8lb can be competitive here and looks the pick. The grey appeared to show improved form there, his first since being gelded and from a favourable draw can run a big race.   INTINSO 1 point each way @ 9/2 bet365 1/5th 1234   Curragh 2.55 Nine line up for this Group 3 Alleged Stakes which will be run on very soft ground. Last year’s Ballysax winner White Birch will have to be on the short list although his trainer John Joseph Murphy has only had one runner this year (back in January)and there would have to be questions over his fitness even if he did win first time out last season. In contrast we know that Joseph O’Brien has his string forward winning with 15 of his 46 runners this year at a win to run ratio of 33% and his representative here is his four year old filly Maxux who could be quite smart. A winner of two of her four starts as a three year old (she was unraced as a juvenile), she finished her season by taking a Group 3 at Fairyhouse by 4 1/4L from the right horses and although she has to prove herself on very soft ground appeals as one to be with.   MAXUX 1 point each way 5/1 William Hill 1/5th 123   Kempton 3.15 The 2M Virgin Bet Queen’s Prize Handicap has attracted a field of fourteen and has a very open look about it. Top weight Novel Legend has claims although I would like to see his trainer James Fanshawe in better form (although he did have a winner on Thursday) whilst the other market leader Sweet Fantasy will find these conditions rather different than when winning two juvenile hurdles in the mud this winter for his up and coming trainer James Owen. The pick for me has to be the bottom weight, Circuit Breaker. Formerly trained by Ralph Beckett he ticks many boxes here as he has won fresh before, stays the trip, handles the surface having won over course and distance and likes to be ridden forward with the plum draw in stall 1 to adopt those tactics. The booking of James Doyle is positive and this Jonjo O’Neill trained four year old looks excellent each way value having joined O’Neill for 260,000 guineas last October.   CIRCUIT BREAKER 2 points each way @ 12/1 bet365 1/5th 1234   Chelmsford 3.30 An intriguing race for a Saturday afternoon at Chelmsford is the valuable Woodford Reserve Cardinal Conditions Stakes, a trial (usually in name only) for the Kentucky Derby. The fact that Aidan O’Brien sends over Capulet and maybe more interesting that Ryan Moore is here to ride points to the son of Justify as the most likely winner. A winner of a Dundalk maiden on his racecourse debut last August he followed that up with places in Group 2’s at Leopardstown and Newmarket the following month. As with, it seems, all of Aidan’s three year olds he has a stack of future group entries which include the 2000 Guineas and the English and Irish Derby. His main danger appears to be last weekend’s listed Burradon Stakes winner Cuban Tiger who had another of today’s opposition Orne (5lb better off for 3 1/4L and racing in first time cheek pieces) behind. This should be going to Ballydoyle and Capulet.   CAPULET 2 points win @ 11/10 William Hill   Kempton 3.45 Just five have declared for this Virgin Bet Fillies’ Conditions Stakes and we have a very warm favourite here in the Charlie Appleby trained Devoted Queen. She looked a smart sort when winning well on her racecourse debut at Newmarket on soft ground last October and this KIngman filly will be hard to beat and could even force her way into a run in the first classic of the season , the 1000 Guineas in a months time for which she is currently a 25/1 chance. She’s obviously been well found in the market here however but should be winning with the Richard Hughes trained Les Bleus looking the biggest danger having kept good company as a juvenile and placing in group company.  

240 kemp 
Cemhaan has a fairly big rating 8.7 for the class .....he has a tricky race to contend with but at 16/1 I'm prepared to go Ew as he looks very overpriced 
5pts Ew 16/1 willh 4 places 

205 kemp 
Choisya  8.5 9/2 
Julia Augusta  8.2 15/2 
6pts top rated ....2pt Ew other 

Grandlad at 1.30 Kempton looks promising. Choisya at 2.05 is solid for each-way. Intinso could surprise at 2.40. Maxux is worth a shot at Curragh. Circuit Breaker for each-way in the 3.15 at Kempton. Capulet's got the edge at Chelmsford's 3.30. Devoted Queen is hard to beat in Kempton's 3.45, but Les Bleus might challenge.

Kempton 1.30 With Kelso unfortunately lost to the elements, the first of seven races on a rescheduled ITV schedule is this 6F novices stakes which has attracted ten runners and looks rather open. Clive Cox’s Sky Warrior is the only winner in the contest but a 7lb penalty for that Doncaster win last July may be his undoing here. Newmarket based trainer James Horton has had a horrendous year with his main owner John Dance leaving the game and he can strike with his Acclamation three year old Grandlad who gave odds on backers a scare when chasing home the 82 rated Run Boy Run at Newcastle on his racecourse debut last month and can be competitive and hopefully win at the second time of asking. There are others with chances including Harry Eustace’s Harry Did and Hugo Palmer’s Auric.   GRANDLAD 1 point each way @ 9/2 William Hill 1/5th 123   Kempton 2.05 Ten go to post for the 1M Virgin Bet Snowdrop Fillies’Stakes, a listed race for fillies and mares only. There’s no stand out bet in the contest with the two highest rated horses being Mystic Pearl and Choisya from the William Haggas and Simon & Ed Crisford Newmarket stables respectively. We haven’t seen the latter for 138 days when she defeated the re-opposing Julia Augusta over course and distance and is maybe the each way value in a race where several can be given a chance. The Crisford’s have won with three of their last ten runners so arrive in good form and as long as the chestnut filly is ready to go can enhance her good track record which reads 21. The Irish raider from the Joseph O’Brien stable Adelaise has to be respected and may be the biggest danger to the selection.   CHOISYA 1 point each way @ 9/2 Coral 1/5th 123     Kempton 2.40 The Virgin Bet Roseberry Handicap is a class 2 contest run over 1M 2F and 219 yards and has attracted a decent sized field of fourteen. Andrew Balding’s Old Harrovian is an interesting runner making his handicap debut having won both starts on a synthetic surface at Wolverhampton and Lingfield although has been priced accordingly. The Hollie Doyle ridden Intinso looked good when winning at Wolverhampton last March and despite a rise of 8lb can be competitive here and looks the pick. The grey appeared to show improved form there, his first since being gelded and from a favourable draw can run a big race.   INTINSO 1 point each way @ 9/2 bet365 1/5th 1234   Curragh 2.55 Nine line up for this Group 3 Alleged Stakes which will be run on very soft ground. Last year’s Ballysax winner White Birch will have to be on the short list although his trainer John Joseph Murphy has only had one runner this year (back in January)and there would have to be questions over his fitness even if he did win first time out last season. In contrast we know that Joseph O’Brien has his string forward winning with 15 of his 46 runners this year at a win to run ratio of 33% and his representative here is his four year old filly Maxux who could be quite smart. A winner of two of her four starts as a three year old (she was unraced as a juvenile), she finished her season by taking a Group 3 at Fairyhouse by 4 1/4L from the right horses and although she has to prove herself on very soft ground appeals as one to be with.   MAXUX 1 point each way 5/1 William Hill 1/5th 123   Kempton 3.15 The 2M Virgin Bet Queen’s Prize Handicap has attracted a field of fourteen and has a very open look about it. Top weight Novel Legend has claims although I would like to see his trainer James Fanshawe in better form (although he did have a winner on Thursday) whilst the other market leader Sweet Fantasy will find these conditions rather different than when winning two juvenile hurdles in the mud this winter for his up and coming trainer James Owen. The pick for me has to be the bottom weight, Circuit Breaker. Formerly trained by Ralph Beckett he ticks many boxes here as he has won fresh before, stays the trip, handles the surface having won over course and distance and likes to be ridden forward with the plum draw in stall 1 to adopt those tactics. The booking of James Doyle is positive and this Jonjo O’Neill trained four year old looks excellent each way value having joined O’Neill for 260,000 guineas last October.   CIRCUIT BREAKER 2 points each way @ 12/1 bet365 1/5th 1234   Chelmsford 3.30 An intriguing race for a Saturday afternoon at Chelmsford is the valuable Woodford Reserve Cardinal Conditions Stakes, a trial (usually in name only) for the Kentucky Derby. The fact that Aidan O’Brien sends over Capulet and maybe more interesting that Ryan Moore is here to ride points to the son of Justify as the most likely winner. A winner of a Dundalk maiden on his racecourse debut last August he followed that up with places in Group 2’s at Leopardstown and Newmarket the following month. As with, it seems, all of Aidan’s three year olds he has a stack of future group entries which include the 2000 Guineas and the English and Irish Derby. His main danger appears to be last weekend’s listed Burradon Stakes winner Cuban Tiger who had another of today’s opposition Orne (5lb better off for 3 1/4L and racing in first time cheek pieces) behind. This should be going to Ballydoyle and Capulet.   CAPULET 2 points win @ 11/10 William Hill   Kempton 3.45 Just five have declared for this Virgin Bet Fillies’ Conditions Stakes and we have a very warm favourite here in the Charlie Appleby trained Devoted Queen. She looked a smart sort when winning well on her racecourse debut at Newmarket on soft ground last October and this KIngman filly will be hard to beat and could even force her way into a run in the first classic of the season , the 1000 Guineas in a months time for which she is currently a 25/1 chance. She’s obviously been well found in the market here however but should be winning with the Richard Hughes trained Les Bleus looking the biggest danger having kept good company as a juvenile and placing in group company.  

Hopefully it will be Day 1 of The Championships at Randwick in Sydney on Saturday although the area is having a crazy amount of rain so it could be called off. What is certain is that the ground will be very testing and that is going to be a big factor in how things play out. I have taken a look at 3 races on the card.
Race 2
This is a Group 2 over 2600m and the main bet is the ex-Stoute trained Circle Of Fire. He was 3rd in the Lingfield Derby Trial last year and then 4th in the Queens Vase at the Royal meeting. Since going to Oz he has had 2 4ths over 1600m and 1900m showing promise both times. As his form in the UK suggests he should relish stepping up to this sort of trip. He has yet to run on a testing surface so that is an unknown, but otherwise he has a leading chance.
At a bigger price Hopeful looks to have a fair chance. Well beaten 1st up, but he needs further than the 2000m that day. What really interests me though are his ground stats. He has no platings in 7 starts on good ground, on soft ground he has been in the 1st 3 10 times in 14 starts and in 3 starts on heavy ground 2 have seen him in the platings. There should be big improvement from him up in trip on a testing surface.
Circle of Fire @ 4/1 with most bookies
Hopeful e/w @ 16/1 with most bookies
Race 7
The big sprint on the card is the T J Smith. I’m not sure Imperatriz is in as good form as she was in her last prep and I’m happy enough to look elsewhere. I Wish I Win is 1st up here, but he does have a solid 1st up record and I think he can go close to winning this for the 2nd year running. That came on a Heavy 9 and his last start saw him finish a slightly unlucky 2nd in the The Everest when he didn’t get a clear run until the final 200m. 
The other one I like is Bella Nipotina. She is a solid mare who has been running well so far this prep. She loves a heavy track and that could easily see her improve enough to hit the frame at least here.
I Wish I Win @ 14/5 with Bet365
Bella Nipotina e/w @ 9/1 with most bookies
Race 8
The Doncaster Mile is a big field handicap and Another Wil was a short price favourite for this, but he then drew stall 21 which is going to be a worry. He is a horse on the upgrade though and he was impressive last Saturday at Rosehill. I do like the horse, but this is the hardest race he has been in, he has a shocking draw and I’m not sure about the 7 day back up for him either. He’s around the 11/4 mark and it is hard to say that is value.
With that said I am look to take 3 at double figure odds and then another couple at huge odds to small stakes. Plenty of UK bookies are going 4 places as well (on Aussie rules it is only 3 places despite the field size). All these have wet track form and look to be coming here in solid form. Detonator Jack, Southport Tycoon and Zougotcha are those at shorter double figure odds and the 2 at massive odds are Pericles and Semana.
I should just say Berkshire Shadow runs in this on his 2nd start in Oz and he his a huge price if he can run to the form he showed in the Lockinge or the Queen Anne. He was average in that 1st run at Flemington though.
Detonator Jack e/w @ 11/1 with Coral and Ladbrokes
Southport Tycoon e/w @ 16/1 with William Hill (N/R)
Zougotcha e/w @ 16/1 with William Hill (N/R)
Pericles e/w @ 50/1 with William Hill
Semana e/w @ 33/1 with William Hill (N/R)

15.15 Kempton
Circuit Breaker 2pt EW
@The Brigadier sums this up nicely
Course/distance winner picked up by Jonjo for good reasons. Has great potential and seems well weighted. Represents good value at the price.

Kempton 1.30 With Kelso unfortunately lost to the elements, the first of seven races on a rescheduled ITV schedule is this 6F novices stakes which has attracted ten runners and looks rather open. Clive Cox’s Sky Warrior is the only winner in the contest but a 7lb penalty for that Doncaster win last July may be his undoing here. Newmarket based trainer James Horton has had a horrendous year with his main owner John Dance leaving the game and he can strike with his Acclamation three year old Grandlad who gave odds on backers a scare when chasing home the 82 rated Run Boy Run at Newcastle on his racecourse debut last month and can be competitive and hopefully win at the second time of asking. There are others with chances including Harry Eustace’s Harry Did and Hugo Palmer’s Auric.   GRANDLAD 1 point each way @ 9/2 William Hill 1/5th 123   Kempton 2.05 Ten go to post for the 1M Virgin Bet Snowdrop Fillies’Stakes, a listed race for fillies and mares only. There’s no stand out bet in the contest with the two highest rated horses being Mystic Pearl and Choisya from the William Haggas and Simon & Ed Crisford Newmarket stables respectively. We haven’t seen the latter for 138 days when she defeated the re-opposing Julia Augusta over course and distance and is maybe the each way value in a race where several can be given a chance. The Crisford’s have won with three of their last ten runners so arrive in good form and as long as the chestnut filly is ready to go can enhance her good track record which reads 21. The Irish raider from the Joseph O’Brien stable Adelaise has to be respected and may be the biggest danger to the selection.   CHOISYA 1 point each way @ 9/2 Coral 1/5th 123     Kempton 2.40 The Virgin Bet Roseberry Handicap is a class 2 contest run over 1M 2F and 219 yards and has attracted a decent sized field of fourteen. Andrew Balding’s Old Harrovian is an interesting runner making his handicap debut having won both starts on a synthetic surface at Wolverhampton and Lingfield although has been priced accordingly. The Hollie Doyle ridden Intinso looked good when winning at Wolverhampton last March and despite a rise of 8lb can be competitive here and looks the pick. The grey appeared to show improved form there, his first since being gelded and from a favourable draw can run a big race.   INTINSO 1 point each way @ 9/2 bet365 1/5th 1234   Curragh 2.55 Nine line up for this Group 3 Alleged Stakes which will be run on very soft ground. Last year’s Ballysax winner White Birch will have to be on the short list although his trainer John Joseph Murphy has only had one runner this year (back in January)and there would have to be questions over his fitness even if he did win first time out last season. In contrast we know that Joseph O’Brien has his string forward winning with 15 of his 46 runners this year at a win to run ratio of 33% and his representative here is his four year old filly Maxux who could be quite smart. A winner of two of her four starts as a three year old (she was unraced as a juvenile), she finished her season by taking a Group 3 at Fairyhouse by 4 1/4L from the right horses and although she has to prove herself on very soft ground appeals as one to be with.   MAXUX 1 point each way 5/1 William Hill 1/5th 123   Kempton 3.15 The 2M Virgin Bet Queen’s Prize Handicap has attracted a field of fourteen and has a very open look about it. Top weight Novel Legend has claims although I would like to see his trainer James Fanshawe in better form (although he did have a winner on Thursday) whilst the other market leader Sweet Fantasy will find these conditions rather different than when winning two juvenile hurdles in the mud this winter for his up and coming trainer James Owen. The pick for me has to be the bottom weight, Circuit Breaker. Formerly trained by Ralph Beckett he ticks many boxes here as he has won fresh before, stays the trip, handles the surface having won over course and distance and likes to be ridden forward with the plum draw in stall 1 to adopt those tactics. The booking of James Doyle is positive and this Jonjo O’Neill trained four year old looks excellent each way value having joined O’Neill for 260,000 guineas last October.   CIRCUIT BREAKER 2 points each way @ 12/1 bet365 1/5th 1234   Chelmsford 3.30 An intriguing race for a Saturday afternoon at Chelmsford is the valuable Woodford Reserve Cardinal Conditions Stakes, a trial (usually in name only) for the Kentucky Derby. The fact that Aidan O’Brien sends over Capulet and maybe more interesting that Ryan Moore is here to ride points to the son of Justify as the most likely winner. A winner of a Dundalk maiden on his racecourse debut last August he followed that up with places in Group 2’s at Leopardstown and Newmarket the following month. As with, it seems, all of Aidan’s three year olds he has a stack of future group entries which include the 2000 Guineas and the English and Irish Derby. His main danger appears to be last weekend’s listed Burradon Stakes winner Cuban Tiger who had another of today’s opposition Orne (5lb better off for 3 1/4L and racing in first time cheek pieces) behind. This should be going to Ballydoyle and Capulet.   CAPULET 2 points win @ 11/10 William Hill   Kempton 3.45 Just five have declared for this Virgin Bet Fillies’ Conditions Stakes and we have a very warm favourite here in the Charlie Appleby trained Devoted Queen. She looked a smart sort when winning well on her racecourse debut at Newmarket on soft ground last October and this KIngman filly will be hard to beat and could even force her way into a run in the first classic of the season , the 1000 Guineas in a months time for which she is currently a 25/1 chance. She’s obviously been well found in the market here however but should be winning with the Richard Hughes trained Les Bleus looking the biggest danger having kept good company as a juvenile and placing in group company.