Tedthewolf

Many Thanks for your hard work running these comps @MCLARKE it's  very much appreciated by us all.

Many Thanks for your hard work running these comps @MCLARKE it's  very much appreciated by us all.

Many Thanks for your hard work running these comps @MCLARKE it's  very much appreciated by us all.

Many Thanks for your hard work running these comps @MCLARKE it's  very much appreciated by us all.

Many Thanks for your hard work running these comps @MCLARKE it's  very much appreciated by us all.

Many Thanks for your hard work running these comps @MCLARKE it's  very much appreciated by us all.

Many Thanks for your hard work running these comps @MCLARKE it's  very much appreciated by us all.

Many Thanks for your hard work running these comps @MCLARKE it's  very much appreciated by us all.

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  

As in previous years we will be running a tipsters competition for Aintree Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th April.
 
Rules:
1 selection per race throughout the competition Bets settled to £1 level stakes - WIN Only Bets settled at SP Highest accumulative total over the competition wins £100 cash (via PayPal) Runner Up wins £40 and the third place wins £20, all prizes via your PayPal account There will be a £10 prize each day for the highest profit for that day No edits allowed in selection posts Losses incurred for losers. Replacement selections for NRs can be posted but must be before the first race deadline All Bets must be posted prior to the first race each day (no exceptions) Not compulsory to enter every day or every race (so if you miss the first day or two you can still take part) Leader-board posted each evening A minimum of 14 bets is required to qualify for the total prizes Only bets on that day's thread will be included, bets posted elsewhere will not be included  
All welcome, good luck
A separate thread will be created the evening before each day for selections to be posted in.

I had an extra fiver Ew after a read a great write up this morning .....I was hoping for the place but 25/1 is good enough .....get in you beauty 🤩

"I have had a good look at the GN and my conclusion is that this year is weaker than last"
Well if that's the case  surely  ROI MAGE @ 66/1  is worth chucking a few pounds e/w last years 7th only run out of it after the elbow. I'm on!!!

"I have had a good look at the GN and my conclusion is that this year is weaker than last"
Well if that's the case  surely  ROI MAGE @ 66/1  is worth chucking a few pounds e/w last years 7th only run out of it after the elbow. I'm on!!!

"I have had a good look at the GN and my conclusion is that this year is weaker than last"
Well if that's the case  surely  ROI MAGE @ 66/1  is worth chucking a few pounds e/w last years 7th only run out of it after the elbow. I'm on!!!

"I have had a good look at the GN and my conclusion is that this year is weaker than last"
Well if that's the case  surely  ROI MAGE @ 66/1  is worth chucking a few pounds e/w last years 7th only run out of it after the elbow. I'm on!!!

Like @White Feather i'm a fan of Delta Work  was hoping to wait to nearer the time   but  took a bit of 33's e/w 1/5 1-5 may go in again when bog & more places  appears imho IF it stays  on its feet this year i think it will go  very close!

Like @White Feather i'm a fan of Delta Work  was hoping to wait to nearer the time   but  took a bit of 33's e/w 1/5 1-5 may go in again when bog & more places  appears imho IF it stays  on its feet this year i think it will go  very close!

He was at Meydan on Saturday
Along with his ego, I thought he'd retired !

Oh and… if 5/6 yesterday was anything special… you should have seen lingfield and Newcastle on Friday 😂

Tuz wins ..10/1 

Drop it back to 3 days because as proven this year there are just not enough horses and that will get worse with time. An analysis of doubly or more entered horses in races will tell any right minded person which graded races to drop there seems to be too many options for each horse. Even the handicaps had fewer entries this year.

Now that Cheltenham has been put to bed we can concentrate (well for a day or two anyway!) on the real stuff as flat turf racing returns this weekend with the Lincoln two day meeting at Doncaster. The ground on Town moor this weekend is currently soft (not surprisingly) and as they are due some more of the wet stuff on Wednesday and bits and pieces towards race day it’s a fair assumption that the ground will be soft still come the weekend. Here’s a rundown of the top thirty in the handicap currently (note that only twenty two can run).   MIGRATION (David Menuisier) 8 9-13 Last year’s winner who loves the mud. 4lb higher than last year but showed very little in three runs since. Not without claims if in the same form as a year ago and useful 3lb claimer Paddy Bradley already booked.   JOHAN (Jack Channon) 7 9-8 Has an excellent record fresh winning first time out the last two years including this very race in 2022 off of a handicap mark of 4lb lower than today’s under Silvestre Sousa who’s already provisionally booked to ride.A live each way contender with conditions to suit.   RAADOBARG (George Boughey) 6 9-7 Ran a good third in Monday’s Irish Lincoln at The Curragh (1 1/4L behind Chazzesmee). Yet to win in nine starts for Boughey but run plenty of good races in defeat on soft ground which obviously suits. Unlikely to run here apparently.   MOSTABSHIR (John & Thady Gosden) 4 9-5 Lightly raced grey from a big yard that won this race for same connections with Haaqeey in 2021. Not as exciting a profile as that one however and is un tested on soft ground. Stated by trainers on Wednesday as unlikely to run due to the soft ground conditions.   AWAAL (Simon & Ed Crisford) 5 9-4 Runner up to Migration in this race last year, beaten 1 1/4L and is now 4lb better off with that rival. Adores the mud and subsequently ran well when placed in Hunt Cup and Bunbury Cup. Forget his last run at Ascot as he was dreadfully drawn. A major player with Harry Davies booked.   LIBERTY LANE (Karl Burke) 4 9-4 Lightly raced who won a decent class 2 handicap on soft ground over course and distance at the St Leger meeting last September. Ground probably too fast on only subsequent run in Cambridgeshire. Been gelded since and looks a major player. Clifford Lee already booked.   THUNDER BALL (Paul & Oliver Cole) 4 9-3 Proven on soft ground and had a fruitful 2023 winning at Newbury and Goodwood rising 26lb in the process. Also ran 4th when 66/1 in Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot. Useful 5lb conditional jockey Alec Voikhansky booked. Did need his first run last season.   THE GATEKEEPER (Charlie Johnstone) 5 9-2 Best on soft ground and finished off last season when a 25/1 winner of the Balmoral Handicap at Ascot’s Champions Day fixture. Has been raised 4lb for that victory and will racing off of a career high mark.   VETIVER (Andrew Balding) 4 9-0 Best runs have come on soft ground and is relatively lightly raced. This will be her eighth career start. Ended up last season with a good fifth in Balmoral Handicap to The Gatekeeper, beaten 2 3/4L and 4lb better off now. Each way claims if straight enough (did win by 5 1/2L on re-appearance as a three year old).   REVICH (Richard Spencer) 8 9-0 Two wins from ten runs last season came at Chester and Ayr. Ran 9th in this last year on his re-appearance when a 40/1 poke and 5lb higher now. Ground should be fine and Jason Hart booked.   BLUES EMPEROR (Johnny Murtagh) 5 8-13 Yet to race in Britain. A winner of good ground handicaps at Naas and The Curragh last season over a mile. Flopped on latest start in listed company in soft ground but has shown he handles the mud fine.   CHAZZESMEE (J A Stack) 6 8-13 (inc. 5lb penalty) Landed a bit of a touch when winning the Irish Lincoln at The Curragh on Monday with Raadobarg back in third. If re-appearing here will have to carry a 5lb penalty but will be strip fit and loves soft ground. Plenty going for him if over what looked a hard enough race on Monday.   NAVAGIO (James Horton) 5 8-12 Ex Irish (trained by R P Cody) and joined James Horton at his new base in Newmarket. Soft ground suits well and was a winner of two soft ground races last season over a mile at Limerick and Gowran Park. 11lb higher than his last win which he won by a head in a five runner race in July. Mark looks high enough and has 238 day absence to overcome.   LATTAM (Julie Camacho) 5 8-11 Has joined Julie Camacho from William Haggas at the October horses-in-training sales for 50,000 guineas. Short head winner of the Irish equivalent to this first time out last season on bottomless ground. Has won first time out for the last two seasons now and if his capable trainer has freshened him up looks a interesting each way play.   DUTCH DECOY (Charlie Johnston) 7 8-9 Newmarket winner last July off of a 3lb lower mark than todays. That was his only victory in twelve outings although he dis perform well in defeat on a number of occasions. Soundly beaten in Lincoln consolation on the card a year ago. Hard to fancy much.   DRAGON ICON (Roger Varian) 4 8-9 Two from 5 on the all weather and finished fifth of 9 in the German 2000 Guineas only start on turf. Badly drawn last time and ran an eye catching race. More likely to be of interest if rocking up at All Weather Finals day the following weekend.   FARHH TO SHY (George Margarson) 6 8-8 Benoit De La Sayette already booked. 8lb higher now than when winning a soft ground Ascot handicap last May (also won at Yarmouth two months later off of a 4lb higher mark). Already beaten twice off of his current handicap mark and needs to step his game up once more.   GREATGADIAN (Roger Varian) 6 8-8 Arrives in good form from the all weather having finished runner up in two class 3 Newcastle handicaps already this month. Ran well when 6th in this last year, beaten 4 3/4L to Migration & Awaal. 8lb lower now so is effectively 12lb and 8lb better off with that pair and looks best of the big outsiders. Last year’s rider Adrian Keeley already booked.   MR PROFESSOR (Dominic Ffrench Davis) 5 8-8 A winner of just four of his 29 career starts including last September at Goodwood on soft ground. 5lb higher now but loves soft ground and David Egan already booked which is an upgrade on his usual rider Owen Lewis.   CHUZZLEWIT (Kevin Ryan) 4 8-8 Been busy on the all-weather this year winning at Newcastle last week from Greatgadian in first time blinkers. Not certain to confirm that form on 3lb worse terms and has definite questions to answer on soft ground (beat one home in a 22 runner handicap at York on his only run on soft ground)   MAJESTIC (Jack Channon) 6 8-7 Stable won this race in 2022 with the also entered Johan. Failed to win 2023 in eight attempts although ran well in defeat on occasions including when fourth in this race to Migration and Awaal (beaten 3 1/2L) and ending up with a creditable fourth in the Cambridgeshire. Channon in form and could hit the first six again.   PARLANDO (Ian Williams) 5 8-7 Been racing in Bahrain this spring, winning one of his four starts there under Gerard Mosse. That was on fast ground and although a winner, on his debut, on good to soft, is unlikely to have encountered ground as slow as this although he doesn’t look that badly treated despite a 5lb penalty. 5lb claiming apprentice Sean D Bowen already booked.   HIERONYMOUS (George Baker) 8 8-7 Fit from the all weather and has to shoulder a 5lb penalty for winning at Kempton in February. Yet to win in seventeen attempts on the turf and looks better on a synthetic surface. Tough to fancy.   BET ME (George Boughey) 4 8-5 Two runs on all weather since joining Boughey from France although was previously trained by Richard Hannon over here. Looks best on soft ground with form figures of 131 and lightly raced enough to warrant a second look.   ONE NIGHT THUNDER (Gemma Tutty) 4 8-4 Trainer in good form. Had just the two starts for her having been bought for just 15,000 guineas last September. Showed he handles very soft ground when fourth at Newmarket on first run for Tutty last November. Last only subsequent run on all weather at 18/1 though.   SPIRIT GENIE (Jennie Candlish) 4 8-2 Winner of a seller on soft ground at Leicester last October and not disgraced when runner up on heavy in Newmarket handicap the following month (One Night Thunder back in fourth). Ground will suit but be a shock were he good enough.   ARKENDALE (Edward Bethell) 4 8-1 Soft ground winner of novice stakes at Thirsk last June before joining current trainer. Poor last run on heavy in first time cheek pieces and has been gelded since. More needed.   LIGHT SPEED (Andrew Balding) 4 8-1 Yet to race on turf. Three wins from six starts on the all weather. Soundly beaten last time mind and hard to fancy at all.   DARWELL LION (Ruth Carr) 6 8-1 Has spent nearly all of his career on the all weather winning four of his 18 starts. Soundly beaten on only turf run though that was on his second ever start back in September 2021. Impossible to fancy.   BASS PLAYER (Kevin Frost) 5 8-0 Just the one win from fifteen starts in his career. Only raced three times for latest trainer Kevin Frost. Stopped quickly and came back with a irregular heart beat at Wolverhampton last time and plenty of questions to answer now.   SUMMARY:- Last year’s winner (Migration), second (Awaal), fourth (Majestic), sixth (Greatgadian) and ninth (Revich) are all back to renew rivalry with Awaal possibly likely to turn out the best on 4lb better terms with the winner although Greatgadian is considerably better off with the front two and can be part of the staking plan arriving here in good form from the all weather. Monday’s Irish Lincoln winner Chazzesmee can’t be dismissed either if taking in the engagement although he did have a hard enough race that day on desperate ground. Liberty Lane is a progressive horse who’s been gelded since last seen and obviously likes slow ground, he has to be thereabouts. Julie Camacho has taken over the training of last year’s Irish Lincoln winner Lattam and is a very interesting runner as he adores the mud and if she has sweetened him up could be a value each way play. Last year’s renewal was run on heavy ground and both the Spring Mile (the consolation race) and in the Lincoln high numbers had the call with all of the low drawn horses seemingly at a disadvantage. Obviously the draw can change from one meeting to another so lets not get too bogged down with stall positions until Thursday and the 48 hour declaration stage at least. The two most unexposed sorts are at the top of the market and I’ll happily split my stake win only on that pair with a couple of each way stabs at Lattam and Greatgadian.       Staking plan:- AWAAL 1 point win @ 9/2 Unibet LIBERTY LANE 1 point win 11/2 bet365 LATTAM 1 point each way @ 16/1 Coral 1/5th 12345 GREATGADIAN 1/4 point each way @ 40/1 1/5th 12345    

£6.36p
 

"ace" claims the prize    { iv'e had a "tenner" on 'Git Maker' in the last 🙂 }

Monmiral @ 28/1 Cheltenham 14:10 - Winner 6 - 1/ 5   Returns £0.00
Ahoy Senor @ 16/1 Cheltenham 14:50 - Winner 4 - 1/ 5   Returns £0.00
Killer Kane @ 33/1 Cheltenham 16:10 - Winner 5 - 1/ 5   Returns £0.00
Rapper @ 28/1 Cheltenham 17:30 - Winner