Are you ready for Aintree? Have you recovered from Cheltenham yet?
The great thing about this time of year is that there are three quality meetings after we say goodbye to Cheltenham; Punchestown, Fairyhouse and the Grand National Festival at Aintree. The meeting was called 'Liverpool', where Aintree exists, as a suburb. I wonder if you asked anyone where Aintree was, would they know?
The big race goes to post at 5.15 on Saturday, but there is a cracking card to get proceedings underway today.
There are 4 Grade 1 races, from 1.45pm, with the Aintree Hurdle (3.25) and the Betway Bowl (2.50) the main attractions.
Minella Melody (5.15) is the NAP selection at 9/4 in the Mares' Bumper. A graduate from the point to point ranks, she was an impressive winner at Gowran Park and is top of the ratings. Jockey Patrick Mullins knows his way around this course and she must have a big chance for Waterford trainer Henry De Bromhead.
I like the each way claims of Diego Du Charmil at 8/1 in the Red Rum Handicap Chase (4.50). Paul Nicholls' horse goes on any ground and won a Grade 1 over course and distance last year. He has been kept fresh for this and despite carrying top weight, I think he can make the frame.
The first race of the week over the Grand National fences is the Foxhunters' Chase (4.05). This will be a 27 runner charge of the light brigade, with casualties inevitable. If he retains his old sparkle, the former Noel Meade inmate Road to Riches might be worth a speculative each way punt at 25/1. The horse was sixth in the Grand National last year.
Of the other races, it's significant that both Ruby Walsh rides 'Kemboy'. There is a market move for the Willie Mullins trained runner in the Betway Bowl. I don't have a strong view of the race; other than that if Kemboy's jumping holds together, he may have the freshness to deliver. I am still not certain whether going left handed or stamina cost 'Clan Des Obeaux' at Cheltenham. 'Bristol De Mai' is hard to predict and 'Road to Respect' has been finding a few too good for me of late.
It would be a shock if 'Buveur D'Air' was beaten in the Aintree Hurdle, a race he has won before. The legendary 'Faugheen' may lack the gears these days, but is remarkably consistent for an 11 year old. The trip is an unknown for 'Melon'. It seems that 'Supasundae' has gone off the boil a little and I wonder if 'Verdana Blue' has the class. I'll be watching this one as a fan, not a punter.
'Le Bague Au Roi' should win the opening Manifesto Novices' Chase (1.45). The reasons are her freshness, the rivals she has beaten this season and her jumping ability. However, for me it's not a race to bet in, as 'Glen Forsa', 'Kalashnikov' and 'Mengli Khan' are talented.
I am also wary of wading in to juvenile races; so although 'Pentland Hills' and 'Band of Outlaws' won at Cheltenham, a flatter track can conjure strange results. There have been 40/1, 10/1 and 16/1 winners of this contest in the last decade. Once again, in my mind, it's not a race to put your hand in your pocket for.
Good luck!
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