Aintree 4.05 - Foxhunter - Hunter Chase - class 2 - 2 miles 5 furlongs - 29 run 

 

Aside from a couple at big odds who may run on to finish in the top 10 and in this category I'd put the likes of Evas Oskar, Autonomous Cloud and Bardenstown Lad, I was left with a short list of 9 of the 29 actual starters to really consider. With them including most of the top end of the market, and no desire to name 5-6 all under 12/1, it's a case of weeding them out.

 

The likes of Milan Forth, an improving 6 year old who could have a bright future, Joker De Mai who should give David Maxwell a nice ride round before tiring late on, Jet Plane who Dan Skelton will hope can pick up some nice prize money and Percussion and Senior Citizen, who both hold very solid each way claims, were whittled down in that order with Senior Citizen 5th rated and Percussion 6th rated.

 

I'm most keep on FAMOUS CLERMONT a lovely winner of this in 2023 and for who this dry Spring ground looks ideal to repeat that win, ANNAMIX for Willie and Patrick Mullins whose Course record stands it in fine stead and obviously with a very competent rider, LIFETIME AMBITION who is a class above almost all of these at best and who has been freshened up for this and MY DROGO something of a dark horse but highly touted, would be my top 4 options (MG)

 

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Aintree - 4.40 - Handicap Chase - Class 1 - 2 miles - 14 run - Good

 

This is going to be absolute harum scarum stuff run at a frenetic pace with no room for Jumping errors and hopefully they will all come home safe.

 

I think the Course in this ground is ideal for MY MATE MOZZIE to give Gavin Cromwell another nice winner and I think that PETIT TONNERE who I have tracked for a long time (since last season) for this race is also going to be ideally suited by race conditions. 

 

They just got the nod ahead of Primoz (very unlucky at Cheltenham to miss the break) and Rath Gaul Hill, two highly commendable horses from Northern yards who were my 3rd / 4th rated (Robin)

 

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Naas 4.55 - Handicap Hurdle - 3 miles - 20 run - Good to Yielding

 

Lots in with a chance here so from the top of the market down lets weed some out.

 

I've trip and Going concerns about Roc My Haarth, Butcher's Bill has been disappointing for Elliott and goes up in trip and you always worry that one of his suddenly clicks, Joes Turn is interesting back hurdling and a lively contender, Master Of The Sums is a similar type with a chance of an enhanced place, Mellem has to prove it's last run, placed at 40/1 wasn't a fluke and a pair of younger horses who are well worth TRACKING in to the summer are Nettuno Italia and Ballyroe Madam and big runs from either would not be a surprise. Danny The Fence is another who steps back from Chasing to Hurdles whose price may not reflect its chances.

 

I'm very keen though on CULLIG a 20/1 Cork winner last time, clobbered with a 12lbs penalty but the style of that win suggested the horse has something in hand. At bigger prices and more exposed are TANGO THEATRE and TANGENTAL;  whose best form is on this Good Spring ground and although both are exposed they have assured stamina and may be half a stone better horses at this time of year in optimal conditions. My 4th rated in case of a non runner is Aleish Lass who may have been a slightly fortunate winner lst time but overall solid form.  (Sean)