Grand National Festival 2023 - Review

OUR TEAM OF FORM EXPERTS PROVIDE A RANGE OF SERVICES TO MAKE YOUR BETTING PAY

SERVICES START FROM AS LITTLE AS £5!

AVAILABLE TO BUY ONLINE AT www.weatherbysshop.co.uk

PAUL FERGUSON

GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL 2023

FOLLOWING the positive feedback received on the back of the Cheltenham Festival Review, I thought that I would produce something similar for the three-day Grand National meeting at Aintree.

Whilst not quite as competitive as the action from Cheltenham, we saw some fine performances, including the smooth success of Constitution Hill (Aintree Hurdle) and of course, the dominant victory of Corach Rambler (Grand National) in the feature.

The Top Novices’ Hurdle success of Inthepocket was another personal highlight, whilst the concluding race on day one – the Grade 2 Nickel Coin Bumper – was won in impressive fashion by Dysart Enos, who promises to develop into a very smart novice hurdler against her own sex next season, for the Fergal O’Brien team.

She is almost certain to feature somewhere in Jumpers To Follow 2023-2024 , which I will begin

work on shortly. Before that, we have Punchestown to get through and with his form boosted twice on day two at Aintree and again on day three, I’m excited to see if Marine Nationale can uphold the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle form with Facile Vega.

Likewise, we should also get to see impressive Ballymore winner Impaire et Passe in action, whilst Gold Cup winner Galopin des Champs is also set to form part of a very strong team that will represent Willie Mullins, with the trainer usually the dominant force at the fixture.

I hope that you find this Aintree Review of interest and informative, as it could be something which I look to produce again next year. For now, enjoy Punchestown and the concluding weeks of the domestic season before freshening up over the summer.

Best wishes, Paul.

Day One

RACEHORSE LOTTO MANIFESTO NOVICES’ CHASE

THE GROUND had dried out appreciably ahead of the opening day and conditions were, therefore, very much in favour of Banbridge, who was a non-runner in Cheltenham’s Turners Novices’ Chase (due to soft ground). Stepping up in distance on spring ground promised to suit Joseph O’Brien’s seven-year-old and he travelled well to lead two out. Asked to put the race to bed on the long run to the last, he quickened up – as did Saint Roi in second – and produced a fine leap when required. He saw the trip out really well to fend off the runner-up by 1½ lengths, with the pair a further 4¾ lengths clear of Visionarian (had finished a little closer to the runner-up over 2m1f at Leopardstown over Christmas). The winner relishes a sound surface and could well be back at Aintree to contest the 2024 Melling Chase, whilst his trainer suggested that he will be considered for the Punchestown Festival, if coming out of this race well (holds an entry in the 2m Grade 1 novice chase on Thursday 27th April).

Saint Roi was stepping up in distance for the first time and the speed-based track also appeared to suit him really well. A fairly serious error down the far side might well have proven to be critical in the end and he, too, could be aimed at the Melling next year. He will be equally as effective over shorter, when able to sit off a strong pace. Cheltenham winner Stage Star was the disappointment of the race, having led for the most part. It is safe to assume that the long season caught up with Paul Nicholls’ runner, who was having his sixth start since 1st November. He can bounce back next season.

JEWSON ANNIVERSARY 4-Y-O JUVENILE HURDLE

MARKET leader Zenta brought the strongest piece of form to the table, courtesy of her third placing in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham and she – just about –justified favouritism under Mark Walsh. A winner on her Irish debut just 20 days before the Triumph, she travelled noticeably well on Gold Cup day and did the same at Aintree. In fact, when cruising to the front two out, it looked as though she would win easily. Nudged out on the run to the last, she went a length up before appearing to idle and just got back up, putting her head down when it mattered, on the line. The front two pulled 5 lengths clear of Adonis winner Nusret and given that she has twice travelled to Britain in the space of four weeks, it was a good effort from the winner.

Runner-up Bo Zenith rallied gamely after the last – with the benefit of the inside rail to run against –and didn’t really deserve to lose. Conceding the 7lbs sex-allowance to the winner, he stepped up massively on his earlier form, when winning the Victor Ludorum at Haydock and a small race under a penalty at Stratford. Representing the in-form stable of Gary Moore, he had beaten Blood Destiny in France and is clearly on an upward curve now. Softer ground would likely have helped him further, as he looks a stayer of the future and remains a horse of some potential. He tried to make all, too, which isn’t easy to do over hurdles at Aintree. The third is a fair yardstick and although coming from out of the pack to finish clear of the remainder, was unable go with the front two once they had quickened clear.

ALDER HEY BOWL CHASE

AN IMPORTANT 40 minutes or so for Nicky Henderson started with Shishkin landing the Bowl, on his fi rst start over a staying trip. The nine-year-old – who had won at this meeting as a novice chaser two years earlier – had won the Ascot Chase impressively in February, before failing to travel or jump with any great fl uency in the Ryanair. The four week gap between Cheltenham and Aintree likely helped him and he was ridden prominently throughout, suggesting that his connections weren’t worried about his stamina. He jumped fairly soundly throughout and having sat a close-up third for the fi rst circuit, got much closer to the front-running Ahoy Senor at the fi rst fence down the far side. Around 5 lengths down on the long run between the fi nal two fences, he stayed on strongly and after Ahoy Senor got in close to the last, Shishkin fi nished powerfully to win by 1½ lengths. It is now safe to assume that he will be aimed at the King George on Boxing Day.

Ahoy Senor ran really well in second. Unbeaten in two starts at this fi xture previously – Sefton Novices’ Hurdle and Mildmay Novices’ Chase – he looked to have made a race-winning move when powering clear from the second last, but it looked a tired mistake when fi ddling the fi nal fence and he had no response to Shishkin’s finishing effort on the short run-in. He fi nished 16 lengths clear of A Plus

Tard , with the other pair pulling up, with last year’s runner-up Confl ated seemingly running fl at, on the back of a hard race in the Gold Cup (something that often happens in this race). Returning here for the Many Clouds Chase in December would seem the logical starting point for Ahoy Senor next winter.

WILLIAM HILL AINTREE HURDLE

SENT off at prohibitive odds, Constitution Hill became the third successive Champion Hurdle winner to follow up in the Aintree Hurdle in the past seven runnings and never looked in trouble at any stage. Stepping up in distance for the first time under Rules, he made all under Nico de Boinville and the six-year-old again jumped well, standing off a couple of his obstacles. Ears pricked, he had stretched clear down the back straight and only had to be pushed out with minimum effort after the second last and he again won with any amount in hand. The debate will now rage on throughout the summer as to whether he remains over hurdles or will be sent chasing, with him set to be schooled over fences before he goes on his holidays. Sharjah was also trying 2m4f for the first time and was ridden with patience before using his pace to take second spot. A horse with plenty of natural pace, the speed-orientated track appeared to play to his strengths, although he had no chance with the impressive winner, who – in truth – toyed with the opposition.

RANDOX FOXHUNTERS’ OPEN HUNTERS’ CHASE

HAVING highlighted him for this race on the back of an eye-catching sixth-placing at Cheltenham – in the Cheltenham Review – this was one of the more satisfying results of the week, with Famous Clermont duly appreciating the better ground, flatter track and shorter trip. Chris Barber’s eight-year-old looked a ‘non-stayer’ at Cheltenham, but travelled with ease throughout here. Kept out wide at the first couple, he found himself in mid-division and was ridden with patience and confidence by Will Biddick. Much closer by the time they reached Becher’s, he made his move at the final fence and was still on the bridle as he eased clear after the elbow. It was a smooth performance and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he skipped Cheltenham next year, with a repeat bid in mind. Credit Call won this race three times between 1972 and 1976, and two horses – Katarino and On The Fringe – have won back-to-back renewals since 2005. Only eight (the youngest winner since 1994), there would appear to be every chance that Famous Clermont can add his name to that list next year. Last year’s winner Latenightpass ran well for a long way and finished a respectable fourth.

CLOSE BROTHERS RED RUM HANDICAP CHASE

RUNNER-UP in 2022, Dancing On My Own went one place better – from a 3lbs higher mark – this time around and provided Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore with a second Red Rum in the past four renewals. The front two sat first and second throughout, with Douglas Talking setting a strong pace under Stephen Mulqueen. A mistake at the cross-fence (fourth last) pushed the winner back to third, but he kept on under a strong drive and after the leader reached for the last, Dancing On My Own got up to win by 1½ lengths.

Douglas Talking made a bold bid from the front, as he went in search of a hat-trick, having gone up another 10lbs for his recent Sandown success. Slightly softer ground might have helped his chance, but he did little wrong and remains a young chaser on an upward curve. Lucinda Russell could have been forgiven for thinking that it wasn’t going to be her week at this point (also responsible for Ahoy Senor, of course), but her fortunes would change – in no uncertain terms – over the next two days. Douglas Talking went up another 5lbs (139) for this sound effort in defeat. Both The Last Day (last year’s winner) and Hasankey came from off the pace, although the front two were the best part of 5 lengths clear of that pair.

GOFFS UK NICKEL COIN MARES’ STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE

A COMPETITIVE-LOOKING renewal of this Grade 2 bumper on paper, it was blown apart in the end by Dysart Enos who completed the hat-trick in some style, to provide Fergal O’Brien with a first winner at the fixture. Ridden towards the rear of the main group, the Ludlow and Market Rasen winner was kept on the inner by Paddy Brennan and was angled off the rail on the side of the course. Tracking stable-mate Politacus (4th) into the straight, she cruised to the front and quickly sealed the victory, stretching right away to win by a widening 9 lengths. It was a really impressive display from the daughter of Malinas, who had beaten the hitherto unbeaten Queens Gamble (received 4lbs) in Listed company last time and she paid a handsome compliment to Oliver Sherwood’s mare here. O’Brien has saddled mares to hit the frame in this race previously and the five-year-old rates an exciting prospect for novice hurdles against her own sex next season.

Runner-up Golden Ace turned Ascot form around with the fourth, keeping on well once coming under pressure, whilst the Willie Mullinstrained pairing of Williamstowndancer (3 rd) and Jolie Coeur Allen (5th) also ran with promise. The former came from an unpromising position, whilst the latter – who was backed into favouritism on her first start for Mullins and JP McManus – travelled noticeably well for a long way. This experience should benefit her in the long term.

DYSART ENOS

Day Two

AIR CHARTER SERVICE MILDMAY NOVICES’ CHASE

CONDITIONS had turned on day two and although they worsened throughout the day with continuous rainfall, the ground was soft enough for Gerri Colombe to justify favouritism in the opening contest (good-to-soft at the time, before officially turning soft after race three) and gain some sort of compensation following his narrow defeat at the Cheltenham Festival. Sent off at odds-on, he was ridden with confi dence by Davy Russell and the seven-year-old jumped with aplomb. Tracking the pace throughout, he travelled with ease and appeared to be going with a degree of comfort on the home turn, despite sitting around 4 or 5 lengths off Galia des Liteaux . Taking over two out, Gerri Colombe asserted on the run to the last fence, which

he jumped beautifully, as he did throughout. He had 7½ lengths to spare over Complete Unknown – officially rated 152 prior to the race, on the back of a wide-margin handicap success at Kempton – with Bronn a further 3¼ lengths back in third. The latter made a fairly serious error down the back and was beaten further by the winner on this occasion, than was the case when he also filled the third spot in the Brown Advisory. This didn’t look the deepest Grade 1 novices’ chase in truth, but the winner was very impressive and is very much at his best on a soft surface. Perhaps, the flatter track was more to his liking and although he needs to step forward again next winter if he is to mix it at the top table in open company, that narrow Cheltenham reversal remains his only defeat in nine career starts. This was a very smooth and polished performance.

GERRI COLOMBE

WILLIAM HILL HANDICAP HURDLE

UNPLACED in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on his previous start, Fennor Cross was stepping up to 2m4f for the first time and won for a third time over hurdles, under promising claimer Ben Harvey. John McConnell’s six-year-old had won twice at Cheltenham earlier in the campaign – including in Grade 2 company in mid-November – and could be called the winner of this hugely competitive handicap when hitting the front two out. He won by a couple of lengths in the end, but was probably value for a bit more and will likely revert to the Flat during the summer, where he will be of interest in middle-distance/staying handicaps, from an I.H.R.B. rating of just 81. There could well be a valuable prize to be won with him in the coming months and he hails from a very shrewd stable. His I.H.R.B. hurdles mark went up to 137 (+7) on the back of this success.

Runner-up Buddy One is another Irish-trained six-year-old novice and he gives the form a solid look, having finished third – off 4lbs lower – in the Martin Pipe the time before, whilst Sonigino (3rd) came from a long way off the pace to hit the frame. Held-up, he suffered a little interference early in the race and still had plenty to do up the home straight. He had won three times earlier in the campaign – on the back of a wind-op – and was put up 3lbs (135) for this effort by the handicapper. The front three pulled nicely clear.

POUNDLAND TOP NOVICES’ HURDLE

THE SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE form was given another boost, with the first and second having run in the opening contest from last month’s Cheltenham Festival (incidentally, the front three from the Supreme are all likely to be in action at the

upcoming Punchestown Festival). I had hoped that Henry de Bromhead would step Inthepocket back up in trip to contest the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle, but the rain-softened ground brought his stamina into play and he ran out a convincing winner, despite Rachael Blackmore dropping her stick at the last. Never too far from the pace (prominent in the main group), he travelled and jumped well throughout and took control of the race between the final two flights. Pushed out, he was always fending off the opposition and remains a really nice prospect, who will have the option of going chasing next season. Interestingly, the Irish handicapper left his I.H.R.B. mark unchanged (147).

Runner-up Strong Leader had finished only ninth in the Supreme (best of the British) but ran a remarkable race here for Olly Murphy and Sean Bowen, as he appeared to be in trouble leaving the back straight, only to make up lots of ground in the closing stages. Still second last jumping three out, he was probably around 10 lengths down at the final flight and was beaten by less than 2 lengths in the end. Better ground would surely have helped his chance and he could be worth stepping up in trip by half-amile on this evidence. Flat tracks appear to suit the good-looking six-year-old, who was put up 3lbs (143) for this performance.

Luccia was another length away in third and ran a much better race than she had done in the Dawn Run at Cheltenham. She will be a force in the mares’ only division next season, whilst Hansard (4th) took a huge step forward for Gary Moore. A winner at Huntingdon and Plumpton, he finished only fifth in the Dovecote at Kempton, but travelled really well for a long way and

was one of the more obvious eye-catchers throughout the week. The handicapper reacted by putting him up 11lbs to 140 and I wonder if he will be considered for the Swinton at Haydock (Saturday 13th May). Versatile in terms of ground, this was a career-best from the son of The Gurkha, who was a bumper winner for Charles O’Brien before joining current connections.

MARSH CHASE (Registered as The Melling Chase)

SPORTING first-time cheek-pieces, runner-up Fakir d’Oudairies was bidding to become the first horse to win three renewals of the Melling Chase, but the 2021 and 2022 winner had no response to Pic d’Orhy who made it three wins from four starts this season, with his sole reversal coming at the hands of Bowl winner Shishkin, in the Ascot Chase. Fakir d’Oudairies finished third on that occasion, so the winner confirmed the form with a polished display, in what – in truth – appeared to be a slightly-substandard renewal. The title holder hadn’t appeared in the same form this season and the winner was previously 0-6 in Grade 1 company. Ridden close to the pace by Harry Cobden, the flat-track specialist moved with ease throughout and cruised to the front two out. Asked to take care of Minella Drama (3rd), a good jump at the last sealed the result and he was 4¼ lengths too good for the second at the line.

In behind, Fugitif failed to build on a very promising run at the Cheltenham Festival and it looked as though it was one race too far, rather than just the stepping up in class, which resulted in him being beaten such a long way. The Old Roan – over this same course-and-distance – would appeal as the obvious early-season target for Richard Hobson’s eight-year-old, who remains on a mark of 153.

RANDOX SUPPORTS RACE AGAINST DEMENTIA TOPHAM HANDICAP CHASE

FIVE years after Portrush Ted won the Grade 2 bumper, Warren Greatrex celebrated another big-race victory at the Grand National meeting as mud-loving Bill Baxter took the Topham Chase under Sam Twiston-Davies. The lightly-raced grey has always threatened to develop into a really nice horse and has flourished since going chasing this term. Now four-from-five since undergoing wind surgery, this was a career-best by some distance, as he was scoring off a mark of 133, having started that winning run off just 115. Well-positioned throughout, he took to the fences and got into a really nice rhythm. He took the Canal Turn particularly well (made ground) and came between horses to challenge at the second last. Upsides Fantastic

Lady (2nd) at the last, he stayed on strongly on the run-in, with the runner-up improving massively on last year’s effort (unseated James Bowen at the first fence) on ground that was likely softer than ideal. The winner went up 8lbs (141) and should have little trouble in staying much further, so it will be interesting to see if he returns for the Grand Sefton and/or the Becher.

Killer Kane (3 rd) came from a long way off the pace, whilst Haut en Couleurs ran a huge race in fourth, under top-weight. He probably raced a shade too freely in the early part of the contest, but he jumped superbly and for a long way, looked like possibly outclassing the field from a mark of 157. Still relatively lightly-raced, he is only six and could well return next year for another crack at the race. Having won just once over fences – and once over hurdles – he should be placed to win a conditions event in Ireland.

WINNERS WEAR CAVANI SEFTON NOVICES’ HURDLE

THE soft ground made the Sefton a real test and Stay Away Fay became the sixth Albert Bartlett winner to be beaten in this race, with just two successfully following up so far. He still ran a fine race to finish a close-up fourth and remains an exciting prospect for the staying novice chase division next season. Runner-up Maximilian had skipped Cheltenham with this race in mind and confirmed the River Don form with Stay Away Fay, although despite travelling really well, was unable to reel in Apple Away, who received a 7lbs sex-allowance from the geldings to provide Lucinda Russell with a second win in the race in the past three years; Ahoy Senor was successful for the Scottish trainer in 2021, whilst Haute Estime finished runner-up last year and as highlighted in the Aintree section of this year’s Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide , she also saddled subsequent Grand National winner One For Arthur in this race, back in 2015. The daughter of Arctic Cosmos had won a handicap off just 113 at Ayr in mid-February, before improving to land a Listed race at Doncaster. Clearly improving with every run, she could develop into a very smart novice chaser herself next winter and is a former winning Irish Pointer. She is a relentless galloper and was handed a revised mark of 141 (+10lbs), whilst Maximilian went up 7lbs (146).

Martin Pipe winner Iroko stayed on well to take third spot and completed that front quartet, who pulled nicely clear of the remainder. All four look to be nice chasing prospects and ought to head down

that route next term, whilst Saint Davy (9 th) shaped better than his fi nishing position might suggest, certainly for a long way at least. Given that this was his fi rst start since Christmas and just his second run over hurdles, he faced a stiff ask, whilst Mofasa (10 th) is another who I would mark up slightly, as he too only backed out of it up the home straight and would certainly have appreciated quicker ground. He is another who should make up into a really nice novice chaser next winter and was dropped 1lb (132) so could begin the season in handicap company. The ground was also offered as an excuse for beaten favourite Absolute Notions , who dropped away from the side of the course and was eventually pulled-up. This was a fairly gruelling contest for youngsters and being only fi ve, he can easily be forgiven this effort.

ABERSOCH LAND AND SEA HANDICAP HURDLE

DAY TWO concluded with a competitive 2m handicap hurdle for conditional and amateur jockeys and as with the opening day, it was Fergal O’Brien who would end the day on a winning note. Held-up off

what appeared to be a really strong pace, Punctuation came through to lead on the run to the fi nal fl ight, under Liam Harrison. The six-year-old, who was the biggest priced winner of the week (40-1), was put up 8lbs (137) for this fifth win in his last seven starts (since joining the O'Brien stable), with the fi rst of those victories coming off a lowly mark of 95.

Given that he had been up with the strong pace throughout, runner-up Blueking d’Oroux deserves plenty of credit for Paul Nicholls and Angus Cheleda, with him having sprung a 50-1 surprise – on much quicker ground – at Ascot, just 12 days earlier. Washington fi nished third in the race for a second successive year (also never too far from the pace), whilst his stable-companion Go Dante (8 th) looked to be travelling as well as anything three out, only for his effort to stop rather quickly and as if something might have been amiss. Given an intelligent and patient ride by Jamie Codd, he should build on this next season, as it was his fi rst start in a big-fi eld handicap such as this. JPR One (5th) is another who wasn’t too far from the pace and should develop into a nice chaser next season.

Day Three

EFT SYSTEMS MAGHULL NOVICES’ CHASE

HAVING skipped a possible engagement in Thursday’s Manifesto Novices’ Chase, this looked to be a penalty kick for Arkle runner-up Jonbon , who provided Nicky Henderson with a fourth win in the race since 2011. Sent off at prohibitive odds, he took a lead from Marvel de Cerisy and having jumped well, was upsides by the time they reached the fi nal fence on the back straight. Another good leap at the cross-fence resulted in him readily pulling clear of the long-time leader. In a little tight at the penultimate fence, he lengthened away from Calico on the run to the last, where Calico came down when around 8 lengths adrift. Jonbon didn’t have to improve on earlier form to win a second Grade 1 over fences and at this fi xture for the second successive year. Much tougher tasks will await next season, but he has the option of going up in trip, something that was expected to happen at Aintree. In hindsight, his connections probably made the right decision, as this was a very weak Grade 1 compared with Thursday’s Manifesto. With Shishkin having proven his stamina over 3m1f, it could be that Jonbon ends up being campaigned over an intermediate trip in his second season over fences and maybe he is another who will return to this meeting for the 2024 Melling Chase. He clearly goes well at the track.

VILLAGE HOTELS HANDICAP HURDLE

RIDDEN patiently, Lanzarote Hurdle winner West Balboa justifi ed strong market support and ran out a comfortable winner on her fi rst start over 3m. That Kempton success in mid-January was just her fourth start over hurdles and the daughter of Yeats has clearly always been held in high-regard, as she ran in the Challow Novices’ Hurdle on just her second start last season. Always travelling within her comfort zone, she still had more horses in front than behind when leaving the back straight, but made stealthy headway around the side of the course and smoothly arrived on the scene two out. Quickening up the inner, she was in front at the last and ran on strongly to win by 5 lengths. Still very lightly-raced and unexposed as a stayer, she went up 7lbs (142) for this success and could step up in to pattern-class contests against her own sex next winter.

Runner-up Pounding Poet fi nished only mid-division last year, but had earlier twice run well at this course over 2m4f (second on both occasions) and again performed with huge credit. The ground had once again dried out ahead of day three and Tom Lacey’s seven-year-old appreciates a sound surface. With that in mind, the 0-150 handicap hurdle at the same track (Friday 19 th May) might be worth considering, as should the valuable staying handicap hurdle ay Haydock the previous weekend (Saturday 13th May).

The consistent Mill Green – third in each of the past two Pertemps Finals – gives the form a solid feel, whilst this year’s Pertemps winner Good Time Jonny could finish only fourth, following a 5lbs rise, although to be fair to Tony Martin’s runner, he didn’t enjoy the clearest runs up the home straight. Likewise, Gatsby Grey (5th) also met trouble in running and therefore, ran well in the circumstances and having looked like finishing second, didn’t finish quite as strongly as some of those in and around him. Coming back in distance slightly is, therefore, an option.

TURNERS MERSEY NOVICES’ HURDLE

A STRONG renewal of this Grade 1 novices’ hurdle, which went the way of Gordon Elliott for a second successive year and following on from Gerri Colombe, provided both the trainer and owner (Robcour) with a second winner of the week. In winning, Irish Point was another to frank the form of Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Marine Nationale, with the grey having got to within a head of the festival scorer in the Royal Bond, on his second start in Ireland. Having run well in Grade 1 company over this trip next time, he dropped in distance for his last two starts, but saw the longer trip out really well to score in taking fashion. Held-up in mid-division, the son of Joshua Tree got a lovely lead into the race and was only delivered between the last two, jumping on at the final flight and going on to finish really strongly. Still only five, there was plenty to like about this performance and he has plenty of options going forward. His jumping has improved throughout the season and rather like Friday’s Top Novices’ winner Inthepocket, he has the option of going chasing when he returns. The Irish handicapper put his I.H.R.B. rating up to 146 (+4lbs) on the back of this and it was the final success in the illustrious career of jockey, Davy Russell. Runner-up Kateira came from a long way off the pace and also finished well, taking the rise in class in her stride. Only fifth in the Nickel Coin at this meeting last year, Dan Skelton’s six-year-old had won mares’ only novices’ hurdles at Uttoxeter, Huntingdon and

Market Rasen, but appreciated the stronger pace to run at. Rated only 128 beforehand, she held an entry in the 2m4f handicap hurdle that concluded day two, but wasn’t eligible, having had just the three starts over hurdles. She would have been able to contest the valuable mares’ novices’ handicap final at Newbury recently – with it being a novices’ handicap – but she thoroughly justified the decision to run in an open Grade 1, as she came through to collar Hermes Allen inside the final furlong. She was put up 10lbs (138) for this performance, but she looks up to contesting pattern-class races against her own sex next season and is likely to be campaigned down that route.

Hermes Allen left behind a disappointing run in the Ballymore by finishing third and he actually beat You Wear It Well (5th) – who would have found the ground livelier than ideal – by further on this occasion, than in Newbury’s Challow over the Festive period. Paul Nicholls’ six-year-old again hurdled really fluently and is likely to develop into a very smart novice chaser next term, whilst I wouldn’t actually mind seeing him campaigned down the Stayers’ Hurdle route. Dropped 2lbs by the handicapper (148), he would make plenty of appeal in something like the valuable handicap hurdle at Haydock on Betfair Chase day, but it seems almost certain that he will be sent chasing. Both Hermes Allen and You Wear It Well were ridden from the front and those tactics are difficult to deploy over hurdles at Aintree. Rather like Kateira, Jamie Snowden’s Cheltenham Festival-winning mare is another who will be aimed at the better mares’ only events next winter.

As he had done at Cheltenham, fourth-placed Letsbeclearaboutit travelled well, but was probably undone by coming back in distance on much quicker ground. Already eight (missed the whole of last season), he is another who is likely to go chasing next term, whilst Cool Survivor – a stable-mate of the winner – was still going reasonably well when taking a heavy-looking fall three out. He was a heavy-ground winner over 3m earlier in the season, so would appear to be quite versatile.

JRL GROUP LIVERPOOL HURDLE

GORDON Elliott saddled his third winner of the week, with last year’s winner Sire du Berlais supplementing his Stayers’ Hurdle win. The 11-year-old recorded an unlikely success, however, as he appeared to be struggling from an early stage and had to be coaxed along for most of the contest. Still in last place as the field left the far side, he made up a lot of ground between three out and the final flight, and having jumped to the front, outstayed the mare Marie’s Rock, who travelled really well but had no answer to the finishing prowess of the evergreen winner. This was the winner’s 30th start over hurdles and it was just the second time in his career that he has won back-to-back races. A great servant to his connections, he has now won this race twice as well as having been successful at the Cheltenham Festival on no fewer than three occasions.

With the exception of the winner, the staying division still looks quite thin on the ground and could do an influx of new blood into it next season (which is why I wouldn’t mind seeing Hermes Allen sent down that route). One horse who was trying the 3m trip for the first time was Brewin’upastorm, who looked a blatant non-stayer and is likely to revert to intermediate trips in future. He did, however, move up stylishly three out and looked (briefly) as though he was a danger to all, before his stamina gave way. Eventually beaten 48¾ lengths and finishing last of eight, he shaped much better than the bare result would suggest.

WILLIAM HILL HANDICAP CHASE

THIRD in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and a winner at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, Midnight River appreciated stepping up to 3m1f on better ground and provided Dan and Harry Skelton with a double on the day. This was just his second start over a staying trip as a chaser and he travelled with ease throughout. Angled out after the second last, he came home very strongly and produced a fine leap at the last. He was put up 5lbs (156), so will find life tougher next season, when the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury is reported to be his first target (following a prep-run).

Runner-up Bowtogreatness remains a maiden and is sure to win a race at some stage next season, as a second-season novice. Kinondo Kwetu (3rd) ran well and can be marked up slightly, as he was a shade keen early and the front three got away from him a little, on the long run from two out. He kept on to take third place on what was his first start in 56 days and his first start on the back of wind surgery. He was hugely progressive last summer/autumn, winning his first five starts over fences and seeing his rating rise from 107 to 137. He looks capable of winning a nice prize on good ground.

Beauport came down at the final fence down the far side, when still travelling well. It was a long way from home and given that he hasn’t been overly strong in the finish of late, it would be folly to assume that he would have played a hand in the outcome, but he is certainly capable of landing a nice handicap chase at some stage next winter. He was racing here off a 6lbs lower mark from which he finished fourth in the 3m handicap hurdle on the same card last year and he has a good record when fresh. Therefore, keep him in mind for his reappearance next season.

RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL

10LBS ‘well in’ (or ahead of the handicapper) by virtue of his second successive victory in Cheltenham’s Ultima Handicap Chase, Corach Rambler justified favouritism with an authoritative success and provided both Lucinda Russell and Derek Fox with a second Grand National in the space of six renewals. Having come from behind to win at the past two festivals, the fear was that the nine-year-old might find himself quite far back in the field, but he was able to hold his position throughout and jumped really well. Settled in behind the leading group, he was up into fourth or fifth as the field re-joined the racecourse proper on the first circuit and always seemed to be travelling comfortably. Right up the inner over the Canal Turn for the second time, he was held together by Derek Fox and appeared to be travelling best as the field approached two out. Allowed to jump upsides at the final fence, he immediately drew clear before idling and was value for more than the official winning distance (2¼ lengths), with Vanillier finishing strongly in second. It was a hugely impressive performance and the handicapper raised him a further 3lbs to 159, which effectively means that he is now rated 13lbs higher than his winning mark of 146. 20-1 favourite to win the race again next year, he now has a rating from which he will almost certainly be forced into Graded company.

Runner-up Vanillier was ridden with a lot more patience and still had around a dozen horses in front of him when jumping the third last. He made up plenty of ground after the final fence and will be of interest next year, if ridden closer to the pace. Last year’s winner Noble Yeats (4th) is another who stayed-on well, whilst The Big Dog (5th) gave Aidan Coleman a great spin for a long way, as he really took to the course, but probably lacked the scope to improve from his lofty mark of 160.

Of the remainder, Mister Coffey (8th) ran a stormer, appearing to have most of the field on the stretch when pulling clear from three out. His stamina gave way after the last and it could be that he will be aimed at the Topham again next year. Un-placed when sent off favourite for that race last year, he was held-up on

that occasion, but given how he ran here, would surely give a bold bid from the front over 2m5f. Still a maiden, surely he can be placed to win a chase next season, given his vast experience.

WEATHERBYS NHSTALLIONS.CO.UK STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE

A FULL field of 20 went to post for the concluding race of the meeting and it was quite a rough contest. The market was headed by the Willie Mullins-trained pairing of Blizzard Of Oz and Captain Cody. The former reversed earlier Limerick form with his stable-mate, whilst the latter was unable to back-up his sound sixth in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, although he was caught wide throughout and was one who seemed to suffer from trouble in running at various stages. It is possible that he needs softer ground, but given how the race unfolded, I would be more than prepared to give him another chance next season over hurdles, whilst Blizzard Of Oz was still on the bridle when taking up the running inside the final quarter-mile. Whilst it was a good effort from the runner-up, he was unable to contain the fast-finishing Florida Dreams who had flown home on his sole start at Musselburgh in early-January. The son of Doyen was kept back for this race since and was tracking the eventual second into the straight. Short of room off the home bend, he was again tightened up with a couple of furlongs to run and had to be switched inside by Danny McMenamin. Once seeing daylight on the far side, he picked up well between the wings of the final flight and really stuck his head down once getting the rail to run against. He won by 1½ lengths and looks to be a horse who possesses plenty of pace for hurdling, so expect to see him start off over the minimum trip next season.

The well-beaten Bertie’s Ballet (15th) and Gordon Elliott’s Pour les Filles (5th) were another pair who were sandwiched early-on in the scrummage for a positive position, so the fact that the latter could run on to grab fifth suggests that he has plenty more to offer moving

forward, whilst the third and fourth are another pairing to take from the race with the future in mind.

Hasthing (3rd) was very weak in the market on his second start for Jonjo O’Neill and JP McManus, having won twice in France. He was giving weight to the winner when beaten on his British debut at Uttoxeter, but was forced very wide on that occasion and is better than that bare form might suggest. He has plenty of improvement to make, physically, and would also have appreciated softer ground, so could be one who makes significant improvement next winter, whilst Bowenspark (4th) bounced back to form and reversed earlier Listed form with Newbury winner Aslukgoes (10th). Henry Daly’s dual winner was never far from the pace and despite racing keenly and also having to be switched up the inner, the son of Walk In The Park flashed home. Given the stamina in his pedigree, he should flourish once upped in trip over hurdles next season.

Esprit du Potier (6th) couldn’t round off an unforgettable day for Lucinda Russell and Derek Fox, but he was the sole four-year-old amongst the first eight home and completed a hugely positive week for the trainer, with her five runners over the three days producing form figures of 22116. This son of Montmartre has improved considerably since being beaten on debut (reversed that form here) and had won his two subsequent starts. The grey helped set the pace here and showed a good attitude once headed, keeping on and being beaten just over 4 lengths at the line.

And, Go To War (8 th) is one who really stood out in the prelims, with Fergal O’Brien’s Soldier Of Fortune gelding looking a picture in the parade ring. The Uttoxeter winner boasts a stout pedigree – being a half-brother to Flight Deck – and is another who will benefit from stepping up in distance over hurdles. He was held-up right out the back early on and although he avoided much of the trouble in running, found himself behind a wall of horses when the fi eld started to quicken. He should improve on this form once sent hurdling.

OUR TEAM OF FORM EXPERTS PROVIDE A RANGE OF SERVICES TO MAKE YOUR BETTING PAY

SERVICES START FROM AS LITTLE AS £5!

AVAILABLE TO BUY ONLINE AT www.weatherbysshop.co.uk