Aintree Grand National 2026

The Grand National (4.00) is a different race these days.

This represents the third renewal with a reduced field of 34 runners. Nine of the past ten winners have been aged either eight or nine, with the exception Noble Yeats who won the 2022 renewal when seven.

22 of the 34 runners are trained in Ireland, with Willie Mullins saddling eight, Gordon Elliott five and Henry De Bromhead three.

Owner J.P. McManus relies on six in an attempt to secure his fourth win in the race: I Am Maximus (W.P. Mullins); Jagwar and Iroko (Ollie Greenall and Josh Guerriero); Johnnywho (Jonjo & A.J. O'Neill); Oscars Brother (Connor King); and Perceval Legallois (Gavin Cromwell). 

Last year Willie Mullins was responsible for four of the first five home, his son Patrick guiding Nick Rockett to a two and a half length victory over 2024 winner I Am Maximus, with Grangeclare West a further half length adrift in third. 

Nick Rockett misses this year's race having had just one start since last April; Mr P.W. Mullins rides Grangeclare West. 

Current favourite I Am Maximus won off a rating of 159 in 2024 and was second off 167 last year; he goes off 168 tomorrow. Grangeclare West (166) is rated three pounds higher than last year.

The British challenge is headed by Panic Attack trained by champion trainer elect Dan Skelton. 

The mare won the Paddy Power Gold Cup over a trip of two and a half miles in November and two weeks later won the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury over an extended three and a quarter miles - the first horse to pull off that double since Celestial Gold, trained by Martin Pipe, in 2004. 

The following day the handler nominated this race as the mare's main target; the last mare to come home in front was Nickel Coin in 1951.

Johnnywho had Jagwar (second), Imperial Saint (eighth), and Iroko (tenth) behind in the Ultima at Cheltenham last month. He's six pounds 'well in' here and has experience over these fences when fifth behind Colonel Harry in the Grand Sefton last November. Wind surgery in January appears to have brought about improvement. 

Both Jagwar and Iroko are trained in Cheshire by Ollie Greenall and Josh Guerriero.

Jagwar hasn't managed to get his head in front since winning over an extended two and a half miles at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. Plenty think this test will suit but his tendency to make niggling jumping errors is a concern; connections will hope first-time cheekpieces can help.

Iroko was fourth in last year's renewal - and the only British trained runner to finish in the first nine; he scoped scoped dirty after that run in the Ultima and goes off a mark five pounds higher than last year.

Captain Cody looked good winning last year's Scottish Grand National off 140 but he finished behind Grangeclare West, Gerri Colombe and Stellar Story on heavy ground in the Bobbyjo seven weeks ago. Spring ground will suit but he's on a mark 12 pounds higher than when winning at Ayr.

Haiti Couleurs has a Welsh National and an Irish National to his name but he was pulled up in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November and in last month's Gold Cup won by Gaelic Warrior.

On jockey bookings Monty's Star looks the pick of Henry De Bromead's trio. 

Fourth behind Fact To File in the 2024 Brown Advisory at Cheltenham, he finished fourth behind Inothewayurthinkin in the 2025 Gold Cup. Having contested Graded events, he was well behind Panic Attack on handicap debut at Newbury in November and this represents his second start in handicap company.

Doorstepped by Matt Chapman on ITV, handler Gordon Elliott nominated Gerri Colombe as the pick of his five entries.

A quick word too for the Glenfarclas Cross Country form from Cheltenham - Tiger Roll won the Cheltenham race before going on to win the National in 2018 and 2019 while Delta Work won at Cheltenham in 2023 and finished second behind I Am Maximus in the 2024 National.

Last month Final Orders beat Favori De Champdou - pair clear - in a time 8.61 seconds below standard; the drying ground that day was officially described as good to soft. 

Gavin Cromwell's charge attacked those fences with a zest and relish I haven't seen for quite some time. Not the biggest, he clearly appreciated better ground. After that win the trainer said:

"He ran really well on Trials Day [fifth behind Favori De Champdou on soft ground over the Cheltenham Cross Country course] but his wind wasn't so good on soft ground and we actually gave him a little wind surgery after that and it really worked for him."

Conceding 13 pounds and beaten just over two lengths, Favori De Champdou meets Final Orders three pounds better off here but at the line I thought the winner looked to have a bit more in the locker; the pair appear closely matched. 

Provided the rain keeps away, I'd like to think Final Orders can run well; jockey Conor Stone-Walsh rode Will The Wise to win the Topham earlier this afternoon.

For those who like to make their own selections, the BBC's Grand National Pinstickers' Guide may be of some use.

In summary...

Last year's renewal highlights the chances of I Am Maximus, Grangeclare West and Iroko.

Panic Attack races beyond three and a quarter miles for the first time.

Of those towards the head of the market Johnnywho makes plenty of appeal, but I'm going chance Final Orders.

Final Orders is the each-way suggestion, currently 25/1 with a number of layers; Sky offer 22/1 and pay seven places. 

Aintree 2026 - Friday

On Ladies' Day, a tip for the Topham (4.05) run over two miles five - and the National fences.

At the time of writing 29 are set to face the starter at 4.05; Pour Les Filles, Jipcot, The King Of Prs, Primoz, Indiana Jones and Excello all race from out of the handicap. 

The going remains good to soft on both the Mildmay and National courses.

Favourite Madara won the Racing Plate Handicap Chase at Cheltenham 31 days ago in the manner of a horse some way ahead of his handicap mark; Will The Wise, seven and a half lengths away in second, may have finished slightly closer had he not jumped markedly right at the first, hampering a number of rivals in the process. 

In behind were O'Moore Park (sixth), Boombawn (ninth), Peaky Boy (twelfth), Jipcot (thirteenth), and Booster Bob (fell at the last when a placed finish appeared a distinct possibility, after being carried right around the home turn).

The handicapper has reacted by raising Dan Skelton's charge ten pounds to a mark of 150; the last market leader to oblige was joint favourite Gwanako in 2008.

If I've read the formbook correctly, Keith Donoghue put up two pounds overweight on Will The Wise at Cheltenham; with the revised ratings and three pound claimer Conor Stone-Walsh now in the saddle, Gavin Cromwell's charge looks to have his chance of reversing placings.

In the past ten years Willie Mullins has trained the winner on three occasions: Cadmium (2019); Livelovelaugh (2021) and last year Gentleman De Mee; this year he saddles Ile Atlantique - the choice of Paul Townend - Gentleman De Mee and O'Moore Park.

At Tramore on New Year's Day Il Atlantique finished some way behind Heart Wood in second but some way ahead of Croke Park in third and Gentleman De Mee in sixth. Next time at the Dublin Racing Festival he made a mistake two out and weakened off the home turn when eighth behind Backmeorsackme, with O'Moore Park twelfth and Croke Park thirteenth.  

Gentleman De Mee won off a mark of 155 last year (Lisnamult Lad second, The King Of Prs eighth, Soul Icon ninth, Excello fourteenth, and Eldorado Allen seventeenth) while 2023 winner Bill Baxter tries again and looked to have benefitted from wind surgery when second to King Of Answers at Kelso eight weeks ago.

Boombawn, fourth off 153 in the Old Roan behind Hitman in the autumn, was sent off an 80/1 shot for the Racing Plate; he runs off 146 here and won a handicap hurdle race at this track in 2023.

Back in November I tipped Coming Up Easy for the Paddy Power Gold Cup won by Panic Attack.

Henry De Bromhead's charge raced prominently but made an absolute howler three out and was pulled up; he hasn't seen a racecourse since. In a rushed interview just before the off at Cheltenham the trainer seemed to indicate soft ground wouldn't be ideal so I imagine connections won't want to see much more rain.

Top weight Il Est Francais will forever be remembered for the way he destroyed his field from the front in the 2023 Kauto Star at Kempton. He nearly repeated the trick in the 2024 King George but made a mistake at the last and was collared by Banbridge on the run-in. 

This season he has been pulled up twice, behind Jango Baie at Ascot and The Jukebox Man (et al) back at Kempton. Wind surgery since may have helped but, to date, he has shown his best form in this country on a right-handed track.

Confirmed front runner Mahons Glory showed his liking for these fences when finishing fourth behind Colonel Harry in the 2025 Great Sefton and then, four weeks later, fifth behind Twig in the Becher; he goes off a career high mark of 139.

The one I like and will chance is Prairie Wolf who has shown improvement this season particularly in his last two runs - I'm hoping there's more to come - and who now goes off a career high mark of 141; his ninth at Cheltenham on Trials Day is forgiven as the yard was out of sorts around that time.

His third behind Booster Bob over an extended trip in the Sir Peter O'Sullevan Memorial at Newbury in November suggests the pair are closely matched. 

Connections have opted to come here rather than go to Ayr next weekend and he has been supported in the market this evening; in a recent Straight from the Stable article [RP Weekender 28.01-01.02.26] Joel Parkinson said, 'Two miles on good to soft ground is perfect for him.' 

Prairie Wolf is the each-way suggestion, 12/1 at the time of writing with bet365, Betfred and Coral all paying six places.

Aintree 2026 - Thursday

A quick post with a suggestion for the Foxhunters' Chase on the first day of the Grand National meeting.

The going on both the Mildmay and National courses is described as good to soft.

The opening juvenile hurdle (1.45) sees five from last month's Triumph Hurdle renew rivalry: Maestro Conti (second at Cheltenham); Minella Study (third); Selma De Vary (fourth); Wolf Rayet (eighth); and Indian River (tenth). 

The first three named look closely matched; Aintree may suit Minella Study more than Maestro Conti.

25 have been declared for the Foxhunters' Chase (3.30) run over two miles five furlongs and the National fences.  

Four weeks ago in the Princess Royal Challenge Cup - run 40 minutes after the Gold Cup over the Gold Cup trip - Barton Snow held Its On The Line a neck, with Music Drive third, Golden Sun fourth, Take All eighth and Gracchus De Balme, stablemate of the winner, pulled up.

Favourite Barton Snow remains unbeaten in five chase starts under rules. 

He came to the last with the proverbial  'double handful' at Cheltenham last time and, despite a mistake, held Its On The Line and Mr Derek O'Connor a neck - although he wasn't doing an awful lot in front. 

Its On The Line won the 2024 renewal of this race run on heavy ground; connections will be keen to reverse the latest Cheltenham form.

On official ratings Unexpected Party is the best horse in the field, rated 147, two pounds clear of Barton Snow (145) and seven clear of Its On The Line (140). 

Dan Skelton's grey was last seen in February, winning the Walrus Open Hunters' Chase at Haydock, easily accounting for Take All. 

The first three from last year's Walrus - My Drogo, Gracchus De Balme and Jet Plane, finished fourth, first and second respectively in this race last year; rated 142, My Drogo was the best horse to contest that renewal. 

Winner Gracchus De Balme went on to claim the 65th running for the Horse & Hound Cup at Stratford at the end of last May and wasn't seen out again until the middle of January. He ran well to a point at Cheltenham last time; despite his stablemate heading the market, I'm hoping last year's winner can build on his latest effort.

Gracchus De Balme is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 20/1 with both bet365 and Coral who are paying five places.

I note that connections of Gaboriot - third over these fences in the 2024 Grand Sefton and second in the 2025 renewal - have opted to try a first-time visor; stable form remains the concern, with just one winner from 24 runners in the past fortnight.

The 2025 Becher Chase

There are plenty of options for a staying chaser this weekend: the London National (3.35 Sandown Saturday); the Welsh Grand National Trial (1.36 Chepstow Saturday); the Becher (2.40 Aintree Saturday); and the Scottish Borders National (2.00 Kelso Sunday). Earlier this afternoon Art Decco won the Hawke Barn Wedding & Special Events Handicap Chase run over an extended three and threequarters miles at Exeter.

Helpfully, Google (AI Mode) informs me that a staying chaser with a turn of foot is 'a highly valued description in horse racing, referring to a horse that possesses both the stamina for long-distance races and the ability to accelerate quickly at a crucial point in the race.'

Rather less helpfully, Google (AI Mode) doesn't provide an example of any such beast currently in training, and in any case comes with the catch-all caveat that AI responses may include mistakes.

Just the sort of paradox I thought I might bring up with Keira Knightley if, on the off chance, I happened to bump into her in the local Waitrose this morning, but, of course, the actress was nowhere to be seen, and I left the premises in the full knowledge I'd paid over the odds for a selection of sundry seasonal items that any Cassandra in the store would describe as nothing more than Christmas tat.

Enough.

Thirteen are set to face the starter for the Becher feature tomorrow (2.40 Aintree) run over a trip of three miles two furlongs - and over the Grand National fences; the going on the National course is currently described as good to soft, soft in places, with further rain forecast.

Favourite and top weight Mr Vango had some season last year. 

Sarah Bradstock's charge started off by winning the London National at Sandown off a mark of 135, followed up in the Peter Marsh at Haydock, and then added the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter in March. 

On a mark of 143 in February when the weights for the Grand National were framed, the front-runner wasn't high enough in the handicap to ensure a place in the final field of 34; now rated 152, there should be no concerns on that score this time around. 

Connections will undoubtedly have the Aintree showpiece in April as his ultimate aim; along with Monbeg Genius he makes his seasonal debut tomorrow. Both horses also hold entries in the Welsh Grand National (Chepstow Saturday 27 December), as do last year's winner Val Dancer and Westerninthepark.

Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero saddle two, Gaboriot and White Rhino.

The former, second behind Colonel Harry in the Grand Sefton four weeks ago (Excello third, Mahons Glory fourth and White Rhino ninth of the ten to finish - over 20 lengths behind the winner), races from one pound out of the handicap and won a hunters' chase over four miles at Cheltenham in 2024 so looks guaranteed to stay. 

White Rhino's chance was compromised to some extent by the fall of Seddon at the Chair, although I wasn't totally convinced he took a real cut at his fences that day. 

With just five chase starts to his name, he's relatively unexposed but wouldn't be certain to see out the trip - on his penultimate start he was pulled up behind Moroder in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster and was found to have bled from the nose. 

Of the pair Gaboriot looks the more solid option.

Seven days ago three pound claimer Tristan Durrell landed a big Saturday prize aboard a mare called Panic Attack and he goes for a famous double tomorrow aboard a mare called Galia Des Liteaux.

Last time out she finished fifth behind Sound And Fury in the Cumberland Handicap Chase at Carlisle, a pertinent piece of form. That day O'Connell (current favourite for the London National) and Westerninthepark finished ahead in third and fourth respectively, with Val Dancer last of the nine runners.

On revised terms, taking Durrell's three pound claim into account, she's weighted to finish just ahead of Westerninthepark but that only tells half the story. 

Westerninthepark travelled through much of that Carlisle race looking the likely winner; set alight by Sean Bowen approaching the last, Olly Murphy's charge found nothing for pressure, losing two places in the final 110 yards. 

The comments in running compiled by Andrew Sheret in the RP Weekender results section record that the gelding appeared to blow up after the last and remains unexposed over three miles plus; he's sired by Walk In The Park whose progeny includes Walk In The Mill, winner of this race in 2018 and 2019.

Val Dancer won last year's renewal of the Cumberland off 121 before going on to win the Welsh Grand National off a mark of 126 (Monbeg Genius fourth, Galia Des Liteaux fifth). 

Mel Rowley's charge has won five of his ten chase starts and been placed on four occasions, so has to be respected; he was beaten just over 15 lengths off 132 at Carlisle five weeks ago and has been supported in the market this afternoon.

Bill Baxter showed his liking for the National fences when winning the 2023 renewal of the Topham run over two miles five furlongs. Trainer Warren Greatrex was firmly of the opinion the grey would stay a trip but subsequent 20 length defeats in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury and the Tommy Whittle at Haydock told a different story. 

He won a listed handicap chase over three miles at Punchestown in May - the first time he has won over that distance - but in my book still has to prove he stays three and a quarter miles.

Current stable form is the main concern with Bioluminescence (Gavin Cromwell 1 win from 61 runners in the past fortnight) and Monbeg Genius - the first runner for the O'Neill yard following a three week shutdown, Sugar Road, was pulled up at Southwell on Tuesday having bled from the nose.

Both Excello and Mahons Glory ran well to finish third and fourth respectively in the Grand Sefton but neither looks guaranteed to stay. 

Of the pair Excello is less exposed but since 2000 only two under the age of eight have come home in front - Silver Birch (2004; subsequently won the 2007 Grand National at 33/1) and Vieux Lion Rouge (2016).

By contrast, since 2000 eight winners have been aged ten or older and both Twig and Roi Mage won last time out.

Twig finished tenth behind Nick Rockett in this year's Grand National and held Courtland and Only The Bold a neck and a neck in a four runner veterans' handicap chase at Sandown four weeks ago.

Roi Mage came home in seventh behind Corach Rambler in the 2023 Grand National and won a listed cross country race in France at the end of September; Patrick Griffin's charge will appreciate any further rain. 

An open renewal with question marks surrounding a number in the field; two pertinent pieces of form are the Grand Sefton at Aintree four weeks ago and the Cumberland at Carlisle five weeks ago.

I'm going to chance Westerninthepark with Brian Hughes up. 

He travelled well the last day but the way he was passed after the last was disconcerting. In a recent stable tour article on the Sporting Life website Olly Murphy told readers:

"There could be a nice staying handicap chase in him. He didn't fulfill (sic) what we hoped he would do last season. He wants soft ground, but he is a grand horse.

"I think those nice three mile handicaps at Ascot, and races like that, are the sort of races we can look at with him.

"He won at Stratford and ran a cracker at Cheltenham at the November Meeting. He then went to Aintree and never turned up, but he ran better at Leicester.

"He ran okay in the Kim Muir, but good ground didn't suit. Hopefully he can run well at Carlisle." 

Westerninthepark is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 10/1 generally, with bet365, William Hill and Betfred among the layers paying four places.

The 2025 Grand Sefton Handicap Chase

Ordinarily I wouldn't be inclined to give you so much as a 'More tea, vicar?' for an episode of Murder Before Evensong, Channel 5's TV adaptation of Richard Coles' novel set in the 1980s, but last night, as my wife took in the finer detail of the fifth instalment, my own interest was piqued by Canon Daniel Clement's mother Audrey  - played with a delightful serving of old school sanctimony by Amanda Redman - popping into the village on Grand National day for a copy of the Racing Post. At that time a copy of the Racing Post would have cost considerably less than £5.50. 

Having studied the form, Audrey likes the look of Strands Of Gold for Aintree's 1988 showpiece. 

Meanwhile Dora Sharman (Amanda Hadingue), one of two middle aged sisters who live together, walks straight into a licenced betting office, extracts two substantial wads of cash from her handbag, and asks to stick the lot on Rhyme 'N' Reason. 'To win,' adds Dora, with a certain air of determination, obviously intent on making a killing. Recently I had a £70 bet on a 9/4 chance knocked back by a rails bookmaker at Ludlow. 

Various clips from the race are weaved into the storyline, complete with Sir Peter O'Sullevan's commentary: Strands Of Gold falls at Becher's second time around when in the lead, much to Audrey's dismay; Little Polveir takes up the running but unseats; Rhyme 'N' Reason is headed two out by Durham Edition but fights back tenaciously to lead on the long run-in, much to Dora's delight. 

A wonderful race;  and, of course, Little Polveir returned the following year to win.

Tomorrow's Grand Sefton Handicap Chase (2.40 Aintree) is run over two miles five furlongs over the National fences but these days they're nowhere near as stiff as they were in the 1980s; 17 are set to face the starter with the going currently described as good to soft, with soft places located primarily from Becher's Brook to the fence after Valentines.

Skirting quickly over the form, two points catch my eye. 

A few in the field have form over three miles and further while only six have run in the past 60 days: Jet Plane (54 days); If Not For Dylan (13); Vintage Fizz (54); Mahons Glory (24); Seddon (15 Flat); and Mount Tempest (27). 

Last year King Turgeon collected the spoils off a mark of 125, with Vintage Fizz second, Gaboriot third, and Frero Banbou sixth. 

David Pipe's grey put in some spectacular leaps that day but appears to have considerably more on his plate off 137 tomorrow on his first run for 242 days; the likelihood is this will have been a target, probably for the past 12 months.

Ollie Greenall and Josh Guerriero hold a strong hand with Gaboriot and White Rhino; the yard won the 2023 renewal with the ill-fated Gesskille, with the same horse pipped a nose by Al Dancer the year before. 

Gaboriot, four and a half lengths third behind King Turgeon last year, races off a mark three pounds lower this time; all his chase victories in this country have come over three miles or further. 

White Rhino is priced up favourite and the booking of Sean Bowen catches the eye. 

Although nine years of age, the gelding still only has four chase starts to his name and he failed to complete in two of those - unseated at the third in the Kauto Star at Kempton and then last time pulled up before two out in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster where he was found to have bled from the nose. Connections clearly expect a big run but the lack of chase experience is a concern.

Owned by J P McManus, top weight Johnnywho has form in the book but looks to face a stiff task. 

His third behind The Jukebox Man in the Grade 2 John Francome at Newbury reads well, and he was only beaten a neck in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham in March. He didn't appear to stay the extended trip when finishing a respectable fifth behind Haiti Couleurs in the Irish Grand National National at Fairyhouse.

Sam Thomas knows how to target a race - he won the 2022 renewal with Al Dancer. Our Power can go well fresh and has been backed but hasn't raced over this sort of trip since January 2022.   

Excello looked to be in with a shout in this year's Topham back in April but a bad mistake two out put paid to his chance; he goes off a mark two pounds lower here.

Colonel Harry has useful novice form in the book. 

He won the 2024 Towton at Wetherby, was third in the Scilly Isles at Sandown, and then sixth in the Turners at Cheltenham that March. He didn't appear to stay the trip when sent off a 10/1 chance for last year's Coral Gold Cup at Newbury and hasn't been seen since a fall at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. 

Vintage Fizz finished three and a quarter lengths behind Jagwar at Wetherby before running second in last year's renewal off 127. 

His sixth behind Ballysax Hank in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen is perfectly respectable but he has been well beaten on his two most recent starts, showing a tendency to jump left on occasions at Worcester the last day. That said, he's three pounds lower this time and the booking of Sam Twiston-Davies catches my eye. 

A fine leap at the Canal Turn took Frero Banbou past King Turgeon and into the lead last year.

Venetia Williams' charge travelled like the winner crossing the Melling Road but he just ran out of petrol between the final two flights, eventually finishing sixth. Third in the 2023 renewal, I just wonder whether his best chances of a win in the race are already behind him.

Jet Plane's second behind Gracchus De Baume over this course and distance in the Foxhunters in April - beaten a length - reads well; Team Skelton banged in three winners at Exeter this afternoon and another at Hexham.

Better known for his exploits on the Flat, Dylan Cunha saddles Mahons Glory who likes to front run but can jump left on occasions. This one has tended to show better form on good ground.

If Not For Dylan is another who races prominently and was third behind Torn And Frayed in a veterans' chase over the Mildmay fences 13 days ago; he's two pounds out of the handicap. 

He jumped slightly right that day but a quick look over his form reveals that on occasions he has jumped left on a right-handed track. The yard registered a double at Hexham earlier today with Out Of The Woods and Hay Meadow.

Bleu d'Enfer has his first start for Donald McCain. Previously trained in Ireland, to date he has been campaigned primarily on right-handed tracks when racing over fences.

On his last two starts Nocte Volatus finished behind The Flier Begley and Dubai Days in veterans' chases. 

Seddon and Happy And Fine both tend to be prominent in their races; age is catching up with the former while the latter has shown a preference for soft and heavy ground. 

Finally a word for rank outsider Mount Tempest who moved from Dan Skelton's yard to Sophie Leech this summer. 

After a couple of nondescript efforts over hurdles at Clairefontaine and Dieppe in France, he was sent off a 50/1 chance for a handicap chase at Worcester which he won at odds of 50/1, Jet Plane over ten lengths away in fifth and Vintage Fizz over 30 lengths adrift in seventh. Next time, with Sean Bowen up, he went off a 3/1 shot but ran a bit of a stinker behind Saint Segal and was pulled up in the home straight; after the race the handler indicated the gelding was not suited by the good to firm going. 

He's something of a curate's egg and wouldn't be considered the most reliable of individuals but a year ago he finished fourth behind Jagwar at Bangor and on a good day, with the going on the soft side, I could see Mount Tempest outrunning odds of 66/1. 

A competitive renewal which is likely to be run at a good clip with a few in the field keen to set the pace. After winning on Theonewedreamof at Exeter earlier this afternoon, jockey Harry Skelton had a word for Jet Plane who has been backed this evening.

I'm going to chance Mount Tempest who didn't do a tap when hitting the front at Worcester; he'll need to keep a tab on those front runners from the start. 

I certainly won't be taking a leaf out of Dora Sharman's book but I will be saying my prayers just before the off.   

Mount Tempest is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 66/1 with William Hill, BetVictor and Coral, all paying five places. 

Aintree Grand National 2025

Yesterday marked the 19th anniversary of the blog's very first post. 

If he were still alive today, my Latin teacher would have probably said: 'Jove! Tempus fugit!', then crossed the Via Acacia and rushed into our local Ladbrokes to stick 20 denarii on favourite I Am Maximus for this year's National.

Last year I Am Maximus beat Delta Work seven and a half lengths off a mark of 159 (Minella Indo third, Meetingofthewaters seventh, Coko Beach eleventh and Vanilier fourteenth); he races off 167 tomorrow, bidding to become the first horse to win back-to-back Nationals since Tiger Roll in 2018/19, and the first to carry top weight to victory since Red Rum in 1974. 

This is the second year with a reduced field size of 34 runners; the going is currently described as good to soft and they're due off at 4.00pm.   

Since 2015 a horse aged either eight or nine has won the National, with the one exception being Noble Yeats who won the 2022 renewal when seven.

The market is dominated by a number of Irish trained runners; this year Willie Mullins has six entries, Gordon Elliott five, Gavin Cromwell three. 

Of the Mullins runners, Minella Cocooner will be suited by drying conditions. He won the bet365 Chase on good ground at Sandown last April off 152 (Nick Rockett third, Theeunderthrufive thirteenth). 

Meetingofthewaters didn't quite see out the trip last year in seventh on ground described as good to soft, soft in places. He hasn't appeared in such good form this term but has higher hopes of lasting home on better ground.

Nick Rockett held Intense Raffles threequarters of a length in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse six weeks ago but meets last year's Irish Grand National winner 15 pounds worse off. 

Intense Raffles would probably prefer more cut underfoot.

Three Card Brag is probably Gordon Elliott's best chance; the booking of Sean Bowen catches the eye but stable form is a concern with just two wins from 42 runs in the past fortnight.

Gavin Cromwell has told the TV cameras he can't split his three. 

Stumptown looked to have a hard enough race winning the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham three and a half weeks ago with stablemate Vanilier doing well in the circumstances to finish third, having almost taken the wrong route early on.

Perceval Legallois had Nick Rockett, Three Card Brag, Horantzau D'Airy and Meetingofthewaters in arrears in a Listed Handicap Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and has the assistance of Mark Walsh in the saddle.   

Owner J.P.McManus relies on five as he bids to win the race for a fourth time: the well-backed I Am Maximus (W.P.Mullins); Iroko (O.Greenall & J.Guerriero); Perceval Legallois (G.Cromwell); Meetingofthewaters (W.P.Mullins); and Chantry House (N.Henderson).

Hewick famously cost £800 and is famously small but Shark Hanlon's charge has the heart of a lion and famously mugged Bravemansgame to win the 2023 King George at Kempton; drying ground helps his cause. 

At the time of writing Iroko is the only British trained runner near the top of the market. 

This race has been his target since he finished second behind subsequent Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin at this meeting last year; this season connections have campaigned their charge in such a way as to protect his handicap mark of 152.

Paul Nicholls saddles five with Kandoo Kid, the Coral Gold Cup winner in November, probably his best chance. 

Of his other runners Bravemansgame doesn't look the force of old but Threeunderthrufive was beaten just over six lengths on good ground in the 2023 Scottish Grand National at Ayr and showed his current wellbeing when beaten a nose by Victtorino at Ascot seven weeks ago. Harry Cobden rides Kandoo Kid, with Harry Skelton aboard Threeunderthrufive.

The BBC's Grand National Pinstickers' Guide may prove of more use than what follows... 

On Monday evening I bet Beauport each-way at odds of 33/1 with Sky (six places). 

Nigel Twiston-Davies' charge won the 2024 Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter and on seasonal debut won the Berkshire National Handicap Chase at Ascot on good ground. 

He's a proven stayer and can handle drying ground. 

On Wednesday Paul Kealy made a similar case in the RP Weekender, stating if the horse were trained in Ireland, he would likely be priced up around the 8/1 - 10/1 mark; there's perhaps some journalistic hyperbole in that statement.  

The two main concerns are he's on a mark 12 pounds higher after Ascot and, on occasions at Uttoxeter, he jumped right, a trait he hadn't shown previously on a left-handed track.

Still, he has been in very good form this term.

Of course, dangers abound everywhere - it's the Grand National! To my mind Iroko and Minella Cocooner pose big threats but, forget that, this evening Betfred stand out from the crowd by paying seven places.

Beauport is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 22/1 with Betfred who are paying the seven places.

Aintree 2025 - Friday

After Willie Mullins trains the winners of the first four races on Thursday's card, here are two selections for Ladies' Day... 

On New Year's Day I bet Lounge Lizard in a race at Cheltenham - watching his jumping there was no cure for anyone's hangover and certainly no way to celebrate the new year.

However five weeks ago he bounced back to form to win on good to soft ground at Huntingdon.

The Topham (4.05) has been the long-term target; he missed last year's renewal after he banged himself and went lame 24 hours before the race. 

Trainer Henry Daly said his charge jumped well and enjoyed himself over these fences in the 2023 Becher (prominent, weakened from two out) but he never got home in soft ground.

The step back to two miles five and drying conditions here are positives; he's quirky but, if he's in the mood, I think he can be competitive.

Lounge Lizard is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 20/1 with bet365 and 18/1 with William Hill, both paying six places.

The concluding conditional jockeys' and amateur riders' handicap hurdle (5.15) looks monstrous; two have piqued interest - but you'd probably be better off with a visit to https://www.jokaroom.io/en/casino-bonuses 

Afadil appears well handicapped, having finished third in this last year off a mark of 130 and racing off 124 tomorrow.

Last time out he looked a tad unfortunate to be mugged close home by Go Dante in the Imperial Cup at Sandown, losing second spot to Wreckless Eric in the shadow of the post. Connections fit cheekpieces for the first time to help the cause.

Handicap debutants include Celtic Dino, Diamonds For Luck, Jack Hyde and Grimaud; Dylan Johnson prefers Celtic Dino ahead of top weight Lump Sum.

Fiercely Proud brings strong handicap form to the table, having finished sixth in the Greatwood, and then winning the Ladbrokes Hurdle at Ascot just before Christmas. Ben Pauling's charge was found to be suffering from an irregular heartbeat when pulled up in the William Hill Hurdle (formerly the Betfair Hurdle) at Newbury in February.

Moon Chime has been well backed during the day and is now 10/1 generally, 12/1 with Ladbrokes. 

After beating Balhambar nine lengths at Stratford last month, joint trainer Graeme McPherson said they were pleased to see Moon Chime back to the horse they thought they had following recent wind surgery. 

The handicapper raised him 11 pounds for that effort; connections hinted that the Swinton Hurdle at Haydock might be next on the agenda after this. 

He needs a good quick two miles and I'd imagine that's what he'll get here; Nick Slatter had been pencilled in to ride but I see Mr Tommie M O'Brien, claiming three, is in the saddle.

I had an each-way interest in Alnilam in the Morebattle at Kelso last time, when I also happened to learn the horse is named after the central star in Orion's belt, located between Mintaka and Alnitak. 

Anyway, Olly Murphy's star looked the winner turning for home but was collared by Cracking Rhapsody on the climb to the line (Old Gregorian noted with a career best in third, Slugger fourth and Cormier sixth). 

This flat track and drying ground will suit and Beau Morgan's five pounds allowance means he's effectively competing off a mark two pounds lower.

Having missed the fancy prices about Moon Chime, I'll take an each-way interest in Alnilam, 14/1 generally with most layers paying five places.

Aintree 2025 - Thursday

Just one selection for the first day of this year's Grand National meeting.

The Kalooki Kid takes his chance in the opening Manifesto Novices' Chase (1.45) yet looks to face a stiff task in this Grade 1 contest. 

Seven of his eight rivals boast a higher rating - Nicky Richards' charge has some 21 pounds to find with Arkle winner Jango Baie. That said, connections hold their grey in high regard and think he'll be good enough to compete in competitive handicaps such as the Paddy Power Gold Cup in the future; at the time of writing bet365 and William Hill offer 33/1 (three places) but I'm not tempted.

Four years ago Ahoy Senor went into everyone's notebook after beating Bravemansgame seven lengths in the Sefton Novices' Hurdle at odds of 66/1 on just his second start over hurdles. 

Lucinda Russell's charge hasn't seen a hurdle in public since; over fences he has tended to look like a horse with a mistake in him. 

His very best form is over the Mildmay fences - his record reads 13223, with two of those defeats behind Shishkin in the 2023 Aintree Bowl and Gerri Colombe in last year's renewal. He takes his chance again this year (3.30) but that looked a bit of a crunching fall he took in the Gold Cup just 20 days ago...

With a few layers paying five places, I'm going to take a chance on one in the Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase (4.05), the first race of the meeting run over the National fences.

Current favourite Willitgoahead ran into a place behind Wonderwall in the St James's Place Open Hunters' Chase - often referred to as the amateur riders' Gold Cup - at the Festival 20 days ago (Ontheropes eighth, Bardenstown Lad eleventh). The step back in trip here wouldn't necessarily play to his strengths.

Mr William Biddick was in the plate when Famous Clermont beat Bennys King in this race in 2023 while Bennys King and Annamix finished second and third respectively behind Its On The Line last year. 

This year Mr Biddick is aboard My Drogo who, back in 2021, won the Grade 1 Mersey Novices' Hurdle at this meeting. Owned and bred by Mr & Mrs Richard Kelvin-Hughes, My Drogo was moved out of Dan Skelton's yard in December, presumably with this race as a target.

A pertinent piece of form is the Walrus Open Hunters' Chase run at Haydock seven weeks ago. 

That day My Drogo reeled in Gracchus De Balme after the last, with Jet Plane, following a bad mistake at the final flight, finishing third, some six lengths behind the winner.

10 days later Gracchus De Balme was pulled up behind Bennys King in the Cottesmore Open Hunters' Chase at Leicester (Autonomous Cloud second, Bothwell Bridge third). 

At 14 years of age Bennys King is the oldest horse in this race but on past form he'll have more behind him than in front at the finish. 

Lifetime Ambition's fourth over these fences behind Al Dancer in the 2022 Grand Sefton is noteworthy; Percussion has performed well over these fences in the past but is likely to be outpaced at this distance.

Senior Citizen has been placed in a Grand Sefton and a Topham when trained by Alan King; on his first run for Alan Hill he won a three mile point 15 lengths and apparently underwent wind surgery less than three weeks ago.

Coming back to that Haydock form, there wouldn't be an awful lot between My Drogo and Gracchus De Balme, while Jet Plane would have finished closer to the leading pair with a better leap at the last. The market doesn't reflect the form with My Drogo 6/1 generally, Gracchus De Balme 20/1 and Jet Plane 28/1.

Gracchus De Balme is tempting but the Leicester run is disconcerting - just 10 days after Haydock it probably came too quickly. At the prices, I'll chance Jet Plane.

Jet Plane is the each-way selection, at the time of writing 28/1 with William Hill who pay five places. 

Aintree aspirants

Seven days after this year's Gold Cup, I found myself in Cheltenham - Inothewayurthinkin. 

Actually, I was there for my daughter's wedding.

In the evening of the following day, the day after the main event in a manner of speaking, while my wife and I were looking for a quiet place to eat with the aim of recharging run-down batteries, we came across a review of The Tivoli, penned by The Times' restaurant critic Giles Coren.

Mr Coren describes the establishment as '...a wonderful, huge old building on Andover Road in the grand/shabby curate's egg of a town that is Cheltenham.' 

Now, for at least 40 years I've considered Cheltenham - the home of National Hunt racing - a place of sacred pilgrimage, to be spoken of in revered, hushed tones only; the tweed set may baulk a little at Mr Coren's irreverence but I found it singularly refreshing.

The accompaniment to our meal at The Tivoli was a Blues playlist that proved most invigorating; as I paid the bill and handed my feedback form to the waitress, I asked if she would be so kind as to send me details of the playlist.

To date, I haven't heard a pip, and it must be a 33/1 longshot I ever will. 

I've noticed that about organisations generally - they have no qualms in pestering you for feedback yet when you ask for feedback on your feedback, they can't be bothered to respond...

Anyway, the Lincoln at Doncaster takes centre stage tomorrow; Ascot's card on Sunday - the main jumps meeting of the weekend - has seen field sizes decimated by the drying ground; a visit to wolfwinner online pokies au is probably a more productive use of one's time.

Court Cian goes in the finale at 5.40 - an acquaintance of mine owns a share. 

Apparently the gelding's comfortable win at Market Rasen last time came as a bit of a surprise to connections so I might give the guy a bell beforehand, just to see what they're expecting this time around.  

With Aintree on the horizon, I've spent a bit of time looking for horses whose connections have, at some point previously, indicated this forthcoming Aintree meet was a possible target. 

The list below is far from exhaustive and I'm sure the whole exercise will prove little more than an exercise in futile displacement activity; still, it beats watching the news on the television.

Arayapearl / Peter & Mickey Bowen

Straight from the Stable [RP Weekender 26-30.03.25]:

"She has never run before but works really well at home. We haven't had time to give her a run in between but her work is better than any of our youngsters. She's a really nice filly and will run in the Aintree bumper as well. She'd be my dark horse." 

Battle Born Lad / Mark Walford 

Talented but quirky individual.

After passing the post to win the Grade 2 Prestige Novices' Hurdle at Haydock 15.02.25, he unseated jockey Jamie Hamilton. Later the jockey said:

"He's not an easy ride as he's free-going, he hangs and always looks for a way out. He was still full of it, I turned in and couldn't believe how well I was going. I'd say Cheltenham would be too soon, but there's always Aintree." 

Castle Carrock / Alan .King  

Bought out of Nicky Richards' stable for £100,000 after winning a bumper at Ayr on good ground. Beat 2/9f Diva Luna in a Sandown novice 24.01.25 and then third behind Jet To Vegas in the Grade 2 Premier Novices' Hurdle at Kelso 01.03.25. Trainer states [RP Weekender 26-30.03.25]:

"Castle Carrock will be in the 2m and 2m 4f novice hurdles. If they look red hot, we have the option of giving him an extra week and waiting for Ayr instead." 

Charisma Cat / Alan King

Won the Listed mares' bumper at Sandown 08.03.25. Trainer states [RP Weekender 26-30.03.25]:

"...Charisma Cat is a possible for the mares' bumper on the opening day. 

"I haven't done a lot with her since her win at Sandown and I'd want to be 100 per cent happy with her if I was to run. Otherwise we'll put her away."

Holds an entry (5.15 Thursday)

Dedicated Hero / Sandy Thomson 

After winning the Grade 2 Rossington Main Hurdle at Haydock 18.01.25 rider Ryan Mania said:

"The original plan was the Premier Hurdle at Kelso as he's won twice there and then maybe Aintree..."

Declared a non-runner on the day in Kelso's Premier Hurdle.

Fingle Bridge / Olly Murphy 

Beat Regent's Stroll in a Listed novice at Exeter 09.02.25; needs proper soft ground. 

Horaces Pearl / Fergal O'Brien 

Won Newbury novice 28.02.25 over extended 2m 4f; jumping still a work in progress. Beat stablemate Tripoli Flyer in last season's Aintree bumper. Possible target: Grade 1 novice race.

Jet To Vegas / Lucinda Russell 

Won Grade 2 Premier Novices' Hurdle at Kelso 01.03.25 despite jumping right, Castle Carrock nine and a half lengths third. Afterwards trainer said:

"He normally has to go right handed but it was worth taking a chance here. As he got tired, he jumped straight, when he was fresh he jumped right handed. He'll go to Aintree."

Jurancon / David Pipe  

Has form behind The Kemble Brewery and beat Tripoli Flyer in a Chepstow maiden 06.11.24. After winning on handicap debut at Newbury 01.03.25, trainer David Pipe said:

"He has got a great attitude, which is half the battle, and we might have a look at Aintree with him."  

Appears best suited by soft ground.

Live Conti / Dan Skelton 

Formerly with Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm in France. Won at Wetherby on stable debut for current connections 12.02.25 and was quoted a 20/1 chance for the Triumph Hurdle. After that Wetherby win the trainer said:

"We got Live Conti in November and I'm glad we didn't run him earlier as he's really improved in the last month and keeps thriving. 

"The form of his Auteuil race is very good and we'll decide whether we go to Cheltenham or go to Aintree, but he's a horse who is further down the line as he's already quite furnished and strong."

Holds entry in Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (2.30 Thursday)

Lounge Lizard / Henry Daly 

I tipped Lounge Lizard for a race at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. After the event (fourth, 21 lengths behind Springwell Bay) I wrote that his jumping 'left a lot to be desired, looking laboured and cumbersome on more than one occasion'. 

In an apparent return to form, the rascal won the Prestige Developments John Bigg "Oxo" Handicap Chase at Huntingdon 02.03.25. After the race the trainer said:

"Lounge Lizard was unfortunate because it absolutely bucketed it last time and he doesn't like that wet ground. [Pulled up behind El Rio at Kempton 07.02.25]. I'm not sure if he didn't get a bit bored in the closing stages today. He jumped very nicely today and the plan is Aintree [Topham]. We got as far as declaring him last year, but unfortunately he went lame 24 hours before because he banged himself. He ran in the Becher last term and ran well, jumped well and enjoyed it, but it was very soft and he never got home. We set out our stall to run in the race last year and again this year."   

At the time of writing quoted 25/1 for the Topham Handicap Chase (4.05 Friday); needs 13 runners to scratch to make the cut. 

Moon Chime / D.Killahena & Graeme McPherson 

Back on track at Stratford last time 10.03.25. After that race Graeme McPherson said:

"It's nice to see Moon Chime back and like the horse we thought we had. We had his wind done after Carlisle and at Ludlow last month it didn't work, but everything fell into place there. I think we'll look at the two-mile conditionals' race at Aintree [on April 4]. We've got a great lad in Nick Slatter who has won on him so the race could be tailor-made for him. Then possibly we can go on to the Swinton at Haydock. He loves a good quick two miles and we can look at better races again."  

Rubber Ball / Neil King 

Aintree mooted a possibility after Rubber Ball won a novice hurdle at Newbury 08.02.25. 

The Kalooki Kid / Nicky Richards 

Won the Scottish Champion Chase at Musselburgh over an extended two mile four furlong trip 01.02.25. After the race the trainer said:

"The Kalooki Kid is a good traveller, good jumper and that was a good display on just his third chase. He's doing well for a young horse and my owners are local from Kirkcaldy so they are over the moon. I don't know what the handicapper will do, but I think he's got Aintree written all over him. There's a two-and-a-half-mile chase that might suit him, and looking towards next year, something like the Paddy Power at Cheltenham might suit." 

Holds an entry in the Manifesto Novices' Chase (1.45 Thursday)

There Runs Mary / Olly Murphy. 

Cost 105,000 euros. Wins a mares' bumper at Wincanton 30.01.25 in a time 7.7 seconds faster than the second division of the race. Next time unable to concede weight to Heron In The Park in mares' bumper at Newbury 01.03.25. Mares' bumper identified as a possible target but not entered up.

Storm Darragh and the Becher feature

Inspections have been called for tomorrow's cards at Sandown (7.30 am),  Aintree (7.00 am), Chepstow (7.30 am) and Wetherby (7.00 am) as Storm Darragh moves in. 

At 40/1 with William Hill (four places) I had thought Monte Igueldo worth a second look in the Becher feature at Aintree (2.07) but there's an amber weather warning for wind in place, with the forecast predicting gusts up to 65 mph. 

On his first start since July Monte Igueldo ran well for a long way behind Celebre d'Allen at Bangor last month, fading out of contention with a niggling error at the final flight, eventually finishing third. He was beaten under ten lengths, Major Dundee some 12 lengths further adrift in sixth.

For whatever reason Gary Hanmer's charge ran without the declared tongue-tie that day; he looks weighted to reverse the form with the winner here as Micheal Nolan has been booked to ride, replacing seven pound claimer Callum Pritchard.

His experience over fences doesn't compare with the rest of the field but Chianti Classico carries 12-00 and he sneaks in at the bottom of the handicap with just 10-03. 

Vic Venturi in 2009 was the last winner to carry top weight to victory; in the last ten years only two have won carrying more than 11-00: Blaklion (11-06 in 2017); and Ashtown Lad (11-05 in 2022).

At the head of the market King Turgeon beat Gaboriot four and a quarter lengths in the Grand Sefton four weeks ago but the step back up in trip is likely to benefit the latter.

Last year Chambard, with Miss Lucy Turner up, came home 13 lengths clear of Coko Beach (Percussion third, Celebre d'Allen fourth); if racing goes ahead, the partnership will try to repeat the trick off a mark five pounds higher. 

To use a phrase picked up from clerks of the course around the country, I'll take another look in the morning, but it's difficult to be optimistic that racing will go ahead given the forecast. 

The 2024 Grand Sefton Handicap Chase

Five of the ten declared for the 63rd running of the Badger Beer Handicap Chase (3.30 Wincanton) have still to record a victory over three miles or beyond, yet I'm struggling to find an each-way angle that makes much appeal.

With the price about Forward Plan shortening markedly this afternoon, I've decided to take a quick look at the Grand Sefton (2.40 Aintree) instead.

The going on the National course is described as good to soft, good in places and 13 are set to face the starter.

Current favourite Frero Bambou was third in this last year off 133 but hasn't won a chase beyond two miles one and a half furlongs in 26 attempts.

Percussion, second last year off 128, has a good record over these fences but hasn't come home in front - third in the 2022 renewal and third in both the 2022 and 2023 renewals of the Becher Chase.

Veteran Latenightpass also boasts a good record over this course and distance, having finished second in the 2021 Foxhunters before going one better to win the 2022 renewal and then finishing fifth last year. Strong family ties surround this horse - the gelding is owned and bred by Pippa, mother of trainer Tom Ellis, with Gina Andrews, the trainer's wife, in the plate.   

Six-year-old King Turgeon has plenty of experience over fences for one so young and appeared to have made significant progress during the summer months when seen winning at Chepstow 11 days ago; he races from out of the handicap.

Idalkho Bihoue, the other six-year-old in the line-up, has just four chase starts to his name and has, in the past, raced from the front. Since 2004 only one six-year-old has collected the spoils - As De Mee in 2016.

Sure Touch brings strong form to the table having pipped Soul Icon a neck in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen in July. The gelding has been trained specifically for this race since that run with handler Olly Murphy issuing an upbeat bulletin earlier in the week.

Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero won this last year with the ill-fated Gesskille and will be hoping for a good run from Gaboriot. This one has been well supported in the market this evening; Mr Harry Myddelton looked a tad unfortunate to unseat at the Canal Turn in this year's Foxhunters.

I've tended to associate Outlaw Peter with right-handed tracks - Kempton in particular - but his defeat of Soul Icon at Ayr in April while conceding seven pounds merits every respect; on a line through Soul Icon he would appear to have the beating of Sure Touch. However several from the Nicholls' yard have needed their first run of the season. 

Harpers Brook had wind surgery at the end of June and makes his debut for the Skelton stable. In the past this one has pulled himself up when getting to the front although on his penultimate start he beat Sacre Coeur seven lengths at Sandown off a mark of 136. There's a long run-in here; caution advised.

Authorised Art finished second behind Ash Tree Meadow in the 2023 Galway Plate when trained by Willie Mullins. Now with Gary and Josh Moore, he has his share of weight on this first chase start for new connections.

Last time seen Richmond Lake weakened after the final flight in the Topham, eventually coming home 29 lengths behind winner Arizona Cardinal (Frero Banbou pulled up) while Irish raider Galon De Vauzelle won easily at Listowel six weeks ago but is another to race from out of the handicap.

Vintage Fizz had the Summer Plate at Market Rasen as his main summer target; he finished sixth behind Sure Touch, beaten over 16 lengths. Five and a half weeks later he was sent off 5/2 favourite for a Class 2 Handicap Chase at Worcester where he ran no race at all behind Kinondo Kwetu.

Given a break, he returned at Wetherby three weeks ago; he appeared to hold a slight advantage jumping the last before finishing fourth behind the well-regarded Jagwar, beaten just over three lengths.

Compared to Market Rasen, Jedd O'Keefe's charge meets Sure Touch nine pounds better off here, is just one pound higher than his last winning mark, and is possibly better going left-handed.

I keep coming back to the Summer Plate form and, to my mind, Vintage Fizz looks overpriced at 40/1 with William Hill (4 places) and 28/1 with Sky (5 places). I'm hoping he takes to the fences and runs his race. 

Only for those with a particularly strong constitution, Vintage Fizz is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 28/1 with Sky who pay five places.

Aintree Grand National 2024

The nature of the National has changed in recent years; this year, for the first time, the field size has been reduced to 34 runners and the first fence has been re-sited 60 yards nearer the start.

The going on the National course is currently described as soft, heavy in places, with Turftrax identifying the deep areas as Becher's Brook through the Canal Turn, Valentines and beyond; the ground between the first three fences racing away from the stands and between the Chair and the Water Jump is now described as soft and has dried out since yesterday.

Since 2015 the race has been run on ground classified as soft or heavy twice (2016 and 2018); a horse aged eight or nine has won seven of the eight renewals in the same time frame:

2015: Many Clouds 8-11-09; OR 160; 19/39 runners finish; official going: good to soft

2016: Rule The World 9-10-07; OR 148; 16/39; soft

2017: One For Arthur 8-10-11; OR 148; 19/40; good to soft

2018: Tiger Roll 8-10-13; OR 150; 12/38; heavy

2019: Tiger Roll 9-11-05; OR 159; 19/40; good to soft

2020: No race - cancelled due to Covid

2021: Minella Times 8-10-03; OR 143; 15/40; good to soft

2022: Noble Yeats 7-10-10; OR 147; 15/40; good to soft

2023: Corach Rambler 9-10-05; OR 146; 17/39; good to soft

Last year Corach Rambler beat Vanillier (10-06) two and a quarter lengths with Noble Yeats (11-11) a further six and a quarter lengths adrift in fourth (Roi Mage seventh; Delta Work unseating at 21st fence; Mr Incredible unseating after slipped saddle at Canal Turn on second circuit; Coko Beach pulled up after weakening three out; Capodanno pulled up before last after weakening two out).

Mark Walsh had the pick of the five J P McManus owned runners and opted to ride the mare Limerick Lace; the last mare to win the National was Nickel Coin in 1951.

I Am Maximus and Meetingofthewaters, both trained by Willie Mullins, have been well supported in the market. 

The former gave 12 pounds and a 14 length beating to Vanillier in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse seven weeks ago; he was subsequently raised to a mark of 164 in Ireland but races off 159 in this.  

Meetingofthewaters finished third behind Chianti Classico in the Ultima at Cheltenham four and a half weeks ago.

Willie Mullins saddles a total of eight runners in all - Mr Incredible was a creditable second in the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter last month - and has indicated he'll consider an all-out assault on the British trainers' title should one of the eight come home in front here.

Gordon Elliott also saddles eight and has nominated Delta Work his best chance; the last 11-year-old to collect the spoils was Pineau De Re in 2014.

If the ground remains testing, Noble Yeats, Chemical Energy, Galvin and Kitty's Light are unlikely to be seen at their best.

Nassalam won't mind underfoot conditions. 

Gary Moore's charge beat Iron Bridge 34 lengths on heavy ground in the Welsh National at Chepstow but was raised 16 pounds for that effort - the handler has publicly made his displeasure known with such a large hike.

Panda Boy finished fifth behind I Am Maximus in the 2023 Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse and four and a half lengths behind Meetingofthewaters at Leopardstown over Christmas; trainer Martin Brassil won this race in 2006 with Numbersixvalverde.

The mare Galia Des Liteaux ran well when second behind My Silver Lining on her first try over an extended trip in Warwick's Classic Chase but looked to struggle on heavy ground at Exeter next time out.

Mahler Mission is one I like although he has his share of weight. 

John McConnell's inmate was four lengths clear in the 2023 National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham when coming to grief two out; the winner that day, Gaillard Du Mesnil, was rated 155 (Chemical Energy second). 

Last time he had no answer to Datsalrightgino on good to soft ground in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, a race in which he lost both his front shoes. The gelding went off 151 that day with Ben Harvey able to claim three, so a mark of 158 here looks stiff enough.

Quoting the handler [RP Weekender 27-31.12.23]:

"... but the Grand National is his main aim and you'd imagine he should take to that. He's a very good jumper and you'd think he was made for it. It's such a big prize and it's too good an opportunity to waste with a horse like him who's on the improve. The trip probably won't be a problem but I don't think he's slow and he has a bit of class about him."     

The BBC Pinstickers' Guide is likely to prove more useful than this rambling post but, for those interested, Mahler Mission is the each-way suggestion, currently 12/1 generally with most layers paying six places.

As always, check each-way terms before placing bets. Firms with an online presence as well as a High St outlet tend to pay more places for bets placed electronically.

It just remains for me to wish you all the very best of luck! 

Aintree antipasti

Today's cards at Fontwell and Wetherby have been abandoned due to waterlogging, along with tomorrow's at Kelso and Stratford; Uttoxeter has reported standing water in places with a precautionary inspection due to take place at 7.30 on the morning.

So, very early thoughts on Aintree next week...

Three horses with the Topham (4.05 Friday) as their stated target are: Your Darling; Arizona Cardinal; and Lounge Lizard. 

Your Darling: owned by Lord Vestey, he hasn't been seen since beating Flegmatik nine lengths at Ascot in November. He was raised nine pounds for that win, after which trainer Ben Pauling said:

"Your Darling is probably the most frustrating horse I'll ever train - if only he turned up every time. He's probably one of the most talented horses I've trained in a long time and when he wants to do it he's electric. When he got deep into one there, he still landed 15 yards out the other side of it but he doesn't want to want to do it, he flops through it. It's quite clear the rating doesn't overly matter to him. It's whether he wants to do it or not." 

His profile suggests he probably prefers better ground - if he's in the mood, that is.

Arizona Cardinal: beat One True King 14 lengths to win the Forba Gold Cup at Ludlow in February; subsequently raised nine pounds, he handles soft ground. 

Lounge Lizard: last to finish (fifth) in the war of attrition that was this year's Becher Chase, 137 lengths behind winner Chambard. He then finished just under two lengths behind Ga Law at Cheltenham in January before rallying to beat Dibble Decker a neck at Huntingdon at the beginning of March. After that win, handler Henry Daly said:

"We'll aim Lounge Lizard at the Topham. He ran a corker at Cheltenham in January and I don't think Huntingdon suits him all that well. Aintree will suit him better and he loved jumping around there before."

Last year's Topham winner Bill Baxter goes off the same mark this year. 

Handler Warren Greatrex was confident his charge would stay further this season and wasn't displeased with eighth in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in December. The acid test came at Haydock in the Tommy Whittle where the grey weakened from two out to finish fourth behind Famous Bridge. He was subsequently eighth behind Ga Law and Lounge Lizard at Cheltenham and, to my mind, hasn't been in the same form this term. 

Two Dan Skelton horses missed Cheltenham and hold possible Aintree targets: Boombawn (desperate for better ground) and Etalon (Maghull Novices' Chase on Saturday).

Returning from an absence of 458 days, Highstakesplayer won well at Kempton in February but disappointed at Newbury three weeks later. He could run in the three mile one handicap chase on Saturday. 

I've done nothing at all on the Grand National (4.00 Saturday) with this year's field reduced to 34 runners for the first time. However I note that last year Corach Rambler (10-05) beat Vanillier (10-06) in second and Noble Yeats (11-11) in fourth; this year Corach Rambler carries 11-05, Vanillier 10-11 and Noble Yeats 11-11. Many Clouds won the 2015 renewal with a burden of 11-09.

Finally, I'll be interested to see if Ruth Jefferson declares her River Don winner Kerryhill here.

The 2023 Becher Chase - a leap of faith required

It's some 45 years since I was first introduced to the thoughts of Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) and his (in)famous wager.

I haven't bothered to unearth the few simplistic notes I scribbled down at that time (with trusted Bic biro) but, from memory - and Wikipedia... 

Pascal argued that in the game of Life there can be no conclusive proof of the existence of God so the individual, obliged to place a wager, might as well bet on God's existence because, if the bet comes in, the rewards in the afterlife will be beyond compare.

Logical reasoning can never prove or disprove the existence of God so it follows the individual has to make 'the leap of faith' in any quest for those otherworldly rewards.

Now, they may have been racing on the Roodee in Pascal's time but I'm pretty certain Paddy Power weren't paying extra places; in a quest for rewards of a more temporal nature, you'll need to make your own leap of faith should you decide to read on.

Fourteen are set to face the starter in the Becher Chase (2.05 Aintree) with the going on the National course currently described as soft, heavy in places, with persistent rain forecast on Saturday morning.

Top weight Coko Beach has jumped these fences twice, finishing eighth in the 2022 Grand National and being pulled up in the same race earlier this year. He may not stay the National trip but three and a quarter miles looks well within his compass.

Gordon Elliott's grey won the Troytown at Navan three weeks ago yet looks to face a stiff task conceding a minimum of 15 pounds to all his rivals; Danny Gilligan's five pound claim reduces the concession to a minimum of 10 pounds.

The last horse to carry more than 11-06 to victory - and the last Irish-trained winner - was Vic Venturi who shouldered 11-12 in 2009. 

Current favourite Ashtown Lad beat Gesskille in last year's renewal and is only two pounds higher this time. 

I tipped Dan Skelton's charge on his comeback run in the Badger Beer at Wincanton four weeks ago and what a major disappointment he was, losing touch and being pulled up in the home straight. 

This has been the long-term target but he'll need to show significant improvement on that run last month.

Percussion, beaten five and a half lengths into third last year, has a decent record over these fences, having finished third and second in the past two renewals of the Grand Sefton; he goes off 130, the same mark as last year.

With just one win from thirteen chase starts The Big Breakaway has never quite lived up to expectations. I fancied this one for the Ultima in March but he was unable to keep tabs on the leaders and eventually pulled up. 

On seasonal debut Joe Tizzard's charge finished fifth behind Blackjack Magic in the Badger Beer at Wincanton. 

To my mind The Big Breakaway's best performance to date was runner-up to The Two Amigos in last year's Welsh National at Chepstow. That was a bit of slog in the mud so tomorrow's underfoot conditions shouldn't be a problem; however on his first try over these unique fences he got no further than the second in the Grand National in April.

Back in December 2021 Highland Hunter, trained by Paul Nicholls at that time, won the London National at Sandown and some three weeks later finished second behind Iwilldoit in the Welsh National.

Following a long break and sporting a first-time tongue-tie, Highland Hunter ran very well on his first run for Fergal O'Brien, staying on to claim second behind Elvis Mail in the Edinburgh Gin Handicap Chase at Kelso. He went steady at the head of affairs that day; you'd expect more pace up front tomorrow.

Celebre D'Allen, eighth in the Topham behind Bill Baxter, showed his current well-being by winning 16 lengths on his first try beyond three miles in a veterans' chase over the Mildmay fences six weeks ago. 

The handicapper raised him ten pounds for that effort; with Micheal Nolan replacing ten pound claimer Elizabeth Gale in the plate, he effectively starts off a mark 20 pounds higher.

Nigel Twiston-Davies has some record, having won this race six times with Indian Tonic (1993); Young Hustler (1995); Earth Summit (1998); Hello Bud (2010); Hello Bud (2012); and Blaklion (2017). 

This year he tries with Undersupervision who finished third behind Hascouer Clermont in an amateur riders' handicap chase at Cheltenham three weeks ago. This one won the 2022 Grimthorpe Chase and was pipped a neck by Moroder in that same Doncaster race last March.

Chambard finished two and a quarter lengths ahead of Undersupervision in that Cheltenham amateur riders' race. Venetia Williams' grey may be 11 years old but on revised terms is weighted to confirm those Cheltenham placings.

Now Where Or When deserves plenty of respect having finished third behind Kemboy and Vanillier in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse last February while this evening I've noted bits and pieces for J.J. Slevin's mount Dorking Cock (twelfth in the Foxhunters in the spring) who races from some way out of the handicap. At the time of writing Paddy Power are noticeably shorter than their rivals about this one.

Lounge Lizard is another to run from out of the handicap and a six-year-old has yet to come home in front but Henry Daly wouldn't send his charge there on a wing and a prayer; the booking of Charlie Deutsch catches the eye.  

Sidi Ismael will have plenty of local support - syndicate member Wayne Fitzgerald owns Fitzgerald and Lanigans bars in Liverpool - but the two that are of interest at a bigger price are Moroder and Minella Trump.

I'm a Moroder fan; he has close form with Undersupervision and his second behind Kitty's Light in the bet365 Chase at Sandown reads well; he bled from the nose in the Desert Orchid Silver Cup at Wincanton last time. 

There has been the odd nibble in the market but I'm concerned as the stable haven't had a winner in 19 days - or a runner since November 30th.

Minella Trump raced prominently for a long way in this year's National before weakening four from home. In a stable tour article [RP Weekender 08-12.02.23] written before that run handler Donald McCain said:

"They don't come any more genuine and consistent than this lovely horse who has won nine of his last ten races, which is quite some record.

"During that period his rating has risen from 123 to 149, but judging by his last run he has not stopped improving yet."

Placed in 11 of his 13 chase starts to date, he had a pipe-opener over hurdles at Cheltenham three weeks ago where, if I'm being honest, I would have liked to have seen a little bit more but I think this has been the target after that run in the National eight months ago.

He has won off this mark (145) previously and, on balance, appears to represent the more solid option.

Granted, a leap of faith is required, but Paddy Power stands out offering 28/1.

Minella Trump is the each-way suggestion, 28/1 with Paddy Power who pay five places. 

Aintree Grand National 2023

Lottery won the first official running of the Grand National in 1839.

According to Tom Segal writing in the Weekender, trying to find the winner of the Grand National has become a lot more of a lottery since 2006. 

Last year 21 of the 40 runners (52.5%) were trained in Ireland; this year the figure is 27 (67.5%). Sam Brown is the only British trained runner set to carry more than 11-00.

No horse older than nine has come home in front since Pineau De in 2014; last year Noble Yeats was the first seven year old to win since Bogskar in 1940.

The hurdle, Mildmay and National courses were all watered after racing on Thursday evening. Following significant rain today, the going on all courses was changed to soft after the Poundland Top Novices' Hurdle at 2.55.

At the time of writing Rachael Blackmore's mount Ain't That A Shame is clear favourite at 8/1 with Delta Work 9/1 and Corach Rambler drifting out to 10/1 in places.

The last horse to carry more than 11-09 to victory was Red Rum in 1974. 

The top three in the handicap for tomorrow's renewal - Any Second Now (second behind Noble Yeats last year and third behind Minella Times in 2021), last year's winner Noble Yeats and Galvin all look to face a stiff task at the weights.

In behind Noble Yeats and Any Second Now last year were Delta Work (third), Longhouse Poet (sixth), Coko Beach (eighth), Escaria Ten (ninth) with Fortescue unseating four from home.  

Included among those with an enhanced chance now the rain has arrived are Sam Brown, Carefully Selected, Coko Beach, The Big Dog, The Big Breakaway, Roi Mage (just over a length behind Longhouse Poet last time out), Dunboyne, Fortescue and Hill Sixteen.

For those who like to make their own selections, the BBC's pinstickers' guide may be of some use.

For everyone else, here's my idea of the first four past the post together with the best value longshot.

1. Le Milos

Beat Corach Rambler in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury on ground considered quicker than ideal. The Skelton yard nominated this race as the next target and indicated their charge wasn't fully wound up when collared on the run-in by Empire Steel at Kelso last month.

2. Corach Rambler

Won the Ultima at Cheltenham 32 days ago and is now ten pounds 'well in' off a mark of 146. Tends to race in rear and make his ground towards the business end of a race which comes with risks. Regular jock Derek Fox has been passed fit and rode One For Arthur from well off the pace to come home in front in 2017.

3. Noble Yeats

Races off a mark 19 pounds higher than last year but made impressive late headway to pip Protektorat for fourth place in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month.

4. Coko Beach

The Gordon Elliot trained grey ran well for a long way in last year's race and comes here in better form this time around. Jumps well generally and likes to race up with the pace; the booking of Harry Cobden looks a bonus.

----

The best value longshot to my mind is Hill Sixteen, at the time of writing 100/1 with William Hill and bet365 who both pay six places. Sandy Thomson's charge was beaten a nose by Snow Leopardess over these fences in the 2021 Becher Chase. 

He came home seventh behind Ashtown Lad in the 2022 Becher and subsequently underwent wind surgery. Although he was the first one beaten at Kelso three weeks ago, he goes off a featherweight 10-02 tomorrow. This has been the plan; the rain will help his cause and I'd like to think first-time cheekpieces will do likewise.

-----

As always, remember to check each-way terms when placing your bets. 

Sky Bet and Betway are paying seven places. I noted William Hill and Betfred paying six places online but only five places in High St. shops.

It just remains for me to wish you all the very best of luck!

The 2022 Becher Chase

Walking in amongst the weeds - and The Poddington Peas - at the bottom of our garden earlier this afternoon, I couldn't help but think this year's Becher Chase (2.05 Aintree) looks more difficult than ever.

Twenty three of the original twenty five five-day declarations stand their ground; the going on the Grand National course is currently described as good to soft, soft in places.

In the last twenty years only four horses have carried more than 11-00 to victory: Eurotrek (11-07 in 2006): Mr Pointment (11-05 in 2007); Vic Venturi (11-12 in 2009); and Blaklion (11-06 in 2017).

That particular stat may be a tad misleading. 

Last year Snow Leopardess (10-04) beat Hill Sixteen (10-00) a nose racing off a mark of 140 (Domaine De L'Isle fourth, Didero Vallis sixth). This year the mare goes off 146 yet carries 11-13. 

Sixteen runners have been allocated a weight greater than 11-00; Jack Foley's three pound claim means Captain Kangaroo will carry 10-13.

In the past twenty years only two horses younger than eight have come home in front, both seven-year-olds: Silver Birch in 2004; and Vieux Lion Rouge in 2016.

Below, a brief note on each runner - which may prove helpful but, more probably, will not - along with a tentative each-way suggestion.

De Rasher Counter

Brought the bacon home in the 2019 Ladbrokes Trophy Chase at Newbury. Unfortunate to unseat Adam Wedge at the Canal Turn in this year's National. Second behind Ramses De Teillee in Veterans' Chase at Warwick 17 days ago.

Francky Du Berlais

Trainer has a respectable record with runners over the National fences - won the Grand Sefton and the Topham with Mac Tottie last year. This has been the target since winning the Summer Plate at Market Rasen in July.

Snow Leopardess

Grey mare just held on to win this last year. Well fancied for the National but patently failed to handle the preliminaries - pulled up after a circuit. On seasonal debut slipped badly coming to first in Veterans' Chase won by Ramses De Teillee at Warwick. Pulled up after mistake at first.

Hill Sixteen

Just beaten in this last year. Third behind Sounds Russian at Kelso last time reads well (De Rasher Counter fifth). Sandy Thomson four wins from 12 runs last fortnight.

Fortescue

Ran well for a long way in the Grand National before unseating Hugh Nugent four from home. Some way behind Dr Kananga in hurdle race won by Maximilian three and a half weeks ago.

Recite A Prayer

Third behind stablemate Captain Kangaroo in the Cork Grand National last month. Trainer Willie Mullins won the Topham with Cadmium in 2019 and Livelovelaugh in 2021. 

The Jam Man

Irish raider found the going a bit sticky when meeting trouble in running behind Hewick in Galway Plate. Connections try first-time cheekpieces here.

Fantastikas

Two wins at Lingfield last season; seventh behind Corach Rambler in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Stable won this with fourteen-year-old Hello Bud in 2012.

Cloth Cap

Pulled up abruptly three out when sent off favourite for the 2021 Grand National. Form fallen away since.

Dr Kananga

Front runner who has 'lesser' Nationals as legitimate targets. Second behind Maximilian in novice hurdle last time out should have put him spot on.

Ashtown Lad

Second behind Remastered in Pertemps Hurdle qualifier an excellent preparatory run (Remastered second behind Le Milos in Coral Gold Cup at Newbury last week). Short enough in market with only five chase starts to his name.

The Wolf

Trainer on record saying The Wolf is 'a very hard ride'.

Gesskille

Six-year-old only just failed to collar Al Dancer over these fences in the Grand Sefton four weeks ago. Not raced beyond two miles six and a half furlongs.

Correction. Gesskille won over three miles at Ludlow on 03.03.22. Updated 02.12.22 @ 23.15. 

Rapid Flight

Six-year-old Cartmel specialist. Stable won this with Highland Lodge in 2015.

Fagan

Twelve-year-old not seen since pulled up behind Commodore at Cheltenham a year ago.

Captain Kangaroo

Plenty of spring in his step when winning the Cork Grand National four weeks ago. Stablemate of Recite A Prayer, trained by Willie Mullins. Jack Foley claims three pounds.

Enqarde

Ten length defeat of Remastered in Tommy Whittle at Haydock twelve months ago reads well. Stable won the 2020 Grand Sefton with Beau Bay and the 2014 Grand National with Pineau De Re.

Domaine De L'Isle

Fourth in this race last year. Unseated Harry Bannister at The Chair in the Grand National.

Five Star Getaway

Beat Fortescue at Kempton last December and then third behind Le Milos at Sandown in February before finishing well behind Mac Tottie over these fences in the Topham. Fourth in a handicap chase at Bangor on seasonal debut last month looks a good preparatory run. First try beyond three miles.   

Now Where Or When

Seven-year-old Irish challenger who has placed on six of his seven chase starts to date. 

Percussion

Seven-year-old who caught the eye when third in the Grand Sefton at odds of 40/1 last month. Step up in trip to suit.

Didero Vallis

Raced prominently until outpaced from three out when finishing sixth last year. After quiet start stable now operating at win strike rate of 25%; Miss Lucy Turner claims five pounds. 

Minella Bobo

Races from one pound out of the handicap. Pulled up behind Le Milos at Bangor last time out.

A bit of a minefield. 

For those unable to resist temptation, Didero Vallis is the each-way suggestion, currently 22/1 with both Paddy Power and William Hill who pay one fifth the odds six places.

The 2022 Grand Sefton Handicap Chase

Fifteen have been declared for the Grand Sefton (2.11 Aintree) which is run over a trip of two miles five furlongs on the Grand National course; at the time of writing the going on the National course is described as soft, good to soft in places.

Two factors in particular have influenced my thinking on this year's renewal.

Firstly, since 2003 only two horses under the age of eight have come home in front and both were six-year-olds: Dark Room (2003) and As De Mee (2016), the latter trained by Paul Nicholls. 

This year six runners are aged seven - including the Nicholls trained favourite Broken Halo - while Gesskille is the sole six-year-old in the field. 

With just four starts over fences to his name, Broken Halo looks short on chase experience compared to most of his opponents.

Secondly, more than half the field - eight runners - race from out of the handicap.

Top weight Two For Gold ran up with the pace for a long way over these fences in the Grand National in the spring off a mark of 154; he eventually weakened and was pulled up before two out. I'd imagine handler Kim Bailey wasn't too pleased when the handicapper reacted by raising Two For Gold five pounds for that particular effort to 159. In 2018 Warriors Tale, trained by Paul Nicholls, carried 11-12 to victory.

Senior Citizen has a respectable record over these fences: seventh in this race in 2020 behind Beau Boy and then second last year behind Mac Tottie (Al Roc tenth). In addition he finished third in the 2021 Topsham behind Livelovelaugh and eighth behind Mac Tottie in this year's renewal of the Topsham (Spiritofthegames fifth). 

Most of those efforts have been on good to soft ground; trainer Alan King is on record saying his charge 'is a proper good-ground horse' so the recent rains won't have helped the cause.

Al Dancer moved from Nigel Twiston-Davies' yard to Sam Thomas last year. In a Straight from the Stable piece in the Weekender [22-26.12.21] Sam Thomas said of his new inmate:

"He's a cracking horse who has lost his way a little and our first objective was to get him to finish his race properly, which he did last time out at Sandown when we ran him back over hurdles. 

He'll have another run over hurdles, which will hopefully give him more confidence before we get him over fences again. He's still relatively young and there's more to come."

On his two subsequent chase starts, he finished third behind Destined To Shine and Eclair D'Ainay at Chepstow and then second, beaten a neck, by Lalor at Newbury. 

That form reads well - the fitting of cheekpieces certainly seems to have had the desired effect. 

He finished third off 154 in the 2020 Paddy Power Gold Cup (sent off 5/1 favourite) behind Coole Cody and Spiritofthegames; in that context a mark of 144 here could prove lenient if he's back to his best.

There wouldn't be much between Al Dancer and Spiritofthegames on the form of that 2020 Paddy Power Gold Cup but plenty of water has passed under the bridge since. 

Dan Skelton's charge tends to be held up and challenge late so slower ground here should help. His seasonal pipe-opener at Fakenham (beaten a neck by Shetland Bus over three miles) should ensure he's cherry ripe but a record of just one win from 20 chase starts tempers enthusiasm a little.

Lifetime Ambition had no chance when second behind Capodanno over three miles at the Punchestown Festival in April but Fury Road and Millers Bank were in arrears that day - and Bob Olinger pulled up. That looks strong form.  

Four of Jacamar's six wins to date have come at right-handed tracks. In a Straight from the Stable article [Weekender 12-16.10.22] handler Milton Harris said:

"He did well last season winning at Kempton and Leicester and has gone up to a career-high mark of 139, so life will not be easy, but he seems in very good order. He has been winning over 2m4f but I am thinking of stepping him up in trip to 3m and if his comeback goes well [fourth behind Peregrine Run in the Native River Handicap Chase at Chepstow] we may give him an entry for the 'Hennessy' [no entry made]."  

Of those racing from out of the handicap Gesskille (unexposed and won a listed chase at Auteuil in the summer despite a couple of slow leaps) and Cooper's Cross (connections immediately nominated this race as the target after carrying top weight to victory in a Class 4 handicap chase at Carlisle) are worth a second look.

Over the course of this evening the prices of all the main contenders have shortened markedly. 

I like the chance of Al Dancer but at the prices I'll take a small each-way interest in Two For Gold, 8/1 with bet365 who are paying four places.

Aintree Grand National 2022

The success of Irish trained horses in recent years has been well documented; the going for tomorrow's renewal, due off at 5.15, is currently described as good to soft. 

21 of the 40 runners are trained in Ireland; Gordon Elliott saddles seven - Davy Russell is aboard Run Wild Fred - and Willie Mullins four. 

The form of Gordon Elliott's string has been a cause of some concern recently while earlier in the week Willie Mullins was uncharacteristically downbeat about the chances of his charges.

Three of the four reserves - Commodore, School Boy Hours and Romain De Senam - will take their chance following the withdrawals of Phoenix Way (temperature), Easysland (bad scope) and Lord Du Mesnil (ground).  

Rachael Blackmore renews her partnership with last year's winner Minella Times. 

Henry De Bromhead's inmate heads the weights this year; the last horse to carry top weight to victory was Red Rum in 1974. Since then only three have collected first prize with a burden greater than 11-05: Red Rum 11-08 (1977); Neptune Collonges 11-06 (2012); and Many Clouds 11-09 (2015).

Minella Times hasn't been in such good form this term but nonetheless, at the time of writing, shares favouritism with Any Second Now (unlucky in third last year), Delta Work (denied Tiger Roll to win the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham 24 days ago) and grey mare Snow Leopardess (won the Becher Chase in December).

The last seven-year-old to come home in front was Bogskar in 1940 which doesn't augur too well for Coko Beach and Noble Yeats; the latter will be the last ride for amateur Sam Waley-Cohen who announced his retirement from race-riding earlier in the week.    

It's 99 years since 13-year-old won Sergeant Murphy won; 13-year-old Blaklion tries to repeat the feat tomorrow. 

Dan Skeleton's charge finished fourth behind One For Arthur in 2017, sixth last year and won the 2017 Becher Chase over these obstacles. Quoted at 100/1 with Paddy Power at the time of writing, to my mind he looks the best value longshot. 

Those who like to make their own selections may find the Racing Post's pinstickers' guide of some use; for everyone else, there's this:

1. Fiddlerontheroof

Placed in all 10 chase starts to date. Finished second in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury in November, making up a lot of ground up the long home straight. Two pounds well in at the weights.

2. Enjoy D'allen

Third behind Freewheelin Dylan in last year's Irish National and looks to have been laid out for this. Another placed in all 10 chase starts to date. 

3. Any Second Now

Unlucky last year finishing eight lengths third after being badly hampered by a faller at the 12th fence. Set to carry 13 pounds more than last year. 

4. Fortescue

Four pounds well in at the weights but regular rider Hugh Nugent can't use his five pounds claim. Finished well beaten in seventh in the Ladbrokes Trophy but beat Fiddlerontheroof in the Swinley Chase at Ascot seven weeks ago. Looks the type to appreciate a marathon test.

As always, check each-way place terms with your bookmaker - most High St. firms are paying six places; Sky Bet are paying seven.

It just remains for me to wish you all the very best of luck!

Aintree December 2021 - an outsider for the finale

Some top class racing on offer tomorrow and I usually like a bet in the Becher Chase at Aintree but instead I'm going to take a chance on one in the finale at 3.15: the Unibet - 2021 Horserace Betting Operator Of The Year Handicap Hurdle.

Fifteen have been declared; the going is described as soft, good to soft in places.

A few in the field, having tried their luck over the bigger obstacles, now revert to hurdles. 

Both Midnight River and Carys' Commodity came to grief on their chase debut while Kateson beat Eternally Yours in this race last year off a mark of 134 but was well beaten in a novices' handicap chase here last time out.

Favourite Tamar Bridge made all to win a Wetherby novice hurdle in some style last time. 

His eight and a half length defeat of Bass Rock in a match at Ayr in March reads well as Bass Rock comfortably won a Class 2 handicap hurdle at Carlisle in October (Albert's Back 41 lengths adrift in sixth) and then ran creditably to finish third behind Dans Le Vent at Haydock a fortnight ago. Has Olly Murphy's charge been let in lightly on his first run in a handicap? 

Pounding Poet was second behind Mackelduff over course and distance last time out with Winningseverything fourth; the pair look closely matched once again. 

Winningseverything and Martinhal were withdrawn from the Haydock race won by Dans Le Vent on account of quick ground. Both should find underfoot conditions more to their liking here; Harry Fry's charge is fitted with a first-time tongue-tie.

Martinhal looks unexposed; his three wins to date have come at right-handed tracks (Exeter twice and Huntingdon). Back in January he beat Karl Philippe with the third that day, Gladiateur Allen, edging out Elixir De Nutz by a nose in a hot-looking novice chase on Haldon Hill this afternoon.

Elvis Mail has five pounds in hand of his chase rating but most of his runs have been around the two mile mark - a comment that also applies to Highway One O Two - while Storm Nelson makes a delayed seasonal debut following a dirty scope and doesn't look particularly well-handicapped.

Ballyandy isn't getting any younger but he could easily be competitive off a mark of 140 - and Finn Lambert claims ten pounds.

A difficult race in which it's possible to make the case for one or two at bigger prices; I'm going to chance Straw Fan Jack.

As well as training horses in Brecon, Sheila Lewis also owns and runs a beauty salon and she has made no secret of the fact that Straw Fan Jack is the apple of her eye. 

Conceding 11 pounds the grey was beaten a head by Fifty Ball in a novice handicap hurdle at Ascot (October 2020; Fifty Ball subsequently second in the 2021 Betfair Hurdle behind Soaring Glory) before winning a novice hurdle at this track by 30 lengths. 

Conceding 21 pounds he was beaten a head by Samba Dancer at Cheltenham on seasonal debut before finishing midfield in the Greatwood Hurdle three weeks ago. I think the track and trip here will suit better, as will the cut underfoot; the booking of Aidan Coleman catches the eye.

With Sky Bet paying five places and offering 14/1 at the time of writing, Straw Fan Jack is the each-way suggestion.

The 2021 Grand Sefton Handicap Chase

Owen Paterson may have been in the supermarket yesterday when he learnt of Boris Johnson's latest handbrake turn -  at this stage it's unclear whether Mr Paterson was in the middle of a big shop down the Asda or picking up a few bits and pieces in the local Nisa - but how about this for an unexpected item in the bagging area: they've brought the Grand Sefton forward four weeks. Whatever next?

Fourteen have been declared for tomorrow's renewal which is usually run when we're all supposed to be doing our Christmas shopping; the going on the National course is currently described as soft, good to soft in places.

I've checked it out - just four of the fourteen have jumped the National fences before and a couple on the list look decidedly short on chase experience, including the well-touted manager's special, Midlands Grand National winner Time To Get Up; the concern is the trip may be on the sharp side for the J.P.McManus owned runner.

Cat Tiger showed a liking for these fences when finishing third behind Cousin Pascal in the Foxhunters' Chase run over course and distance in the spring while Senior Citizen finished seventh in last year's race and then a highly creditable third behind easy winner Livelovelaugh in the Topham (Sir Jack Yeats fifth).

Alan King's inmate swept down the home straight in the manner of a well-oiled trolley to win at Market Rasen last month (Francky Du Berlais 31 lengths adrift in sixth) and this race is his autumn target. In the RP Weekender the trainer states:

"He just doesn't want really soft ground as he doesn't quite get home." 

Jamie Snowden's two runners are certain to attract the attention of punters. 

Hogan's Height won the 2019 renewal 16 lengths and had a pipe-opener over hurdles at Newton Abbot last month.

Thomas Macdonagh has only contested five steeplechases to date but, in his 'Straight from the Stable' tour (RP Weekender 29.09.21 - 03.10.21), Snowden says:

"His final run of last season was a very good one when second to Informateur at Haydock off a mark of 131. He is a decent hurdler (rated 136) but has the potential to do even better over fences (130). He will be at his best on deep ground and the plan is to go for the Grand Sefton Chase at Aintree. I think a good gallop over 2m 4f will be ideal for him and he could be a very interesting contender."

Francky Du Berlais was impressive when winning the Market Rasen Summer Plate in July. 

The handicapper didn't give Peter Bowen any change after that, raising his charge ten pounds; he subsequently relented, dropping the gelding two after he came home well beaten behind Senior Citizen last month. Every little helps. On that form Francky will struggle to reverse placings.

Peter Bowen's other runner, Mac Tottie, has decent form on display and, despite the price, wouldn't be immediately discounted.

Spyglass Hill is worth another look on the back of his fifth behind Ontheropes in the Munster National last month - Ontheropes is quoted a 7/1 chance for the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury in three weeks' time. 

After that race trainer Henry de Bromhead said connections thought 'that maybe the drop back in trip might suit him.'

After a quick scan I see that Five Star Getaway finished a long way behind Paint The Dream at Chepstow and doesn't have that much experience over fences, in marked contrast to The West's Awake and Via Dolorosa. The latter moved to David Pipe's yard last month so this looks an intriguing first run for new connections, although Tom Scudamore is aboard Time To Get Up.

Dr Richard Newland won last year's renewal with Beau Bay; he saddles Al Roc this time who has his third run in this country and second following wind surgery in January. The run over hurdles at Warwick last time should ensure he won't be left on the shelf. 

I always prefer one that has jumped the unique National fences previously for this and Sir Jack Yeats fits the bill. 

He finished second last year from three pounds out of the handicap, leading to the elbow before being passed by Beau Bay. 

Sir Jack races off the same mark tomorrow (126) with a weight of 10-6. 

Earlier in the week I'm sure seven pound claimer Angus Cheleda was jocked up but I'm pleased to see handler Richard Spencer has used his loyalty card and put James Best up; James was aboard last year and in the Topham as well. 

Last season the gelding came into the race with a couple of warm-up runs under the belt so I'm taking fitness on trust; I'd expect to see him racing up with the pace.

At the time of writing Paddy Power offer 14/1 and pay one fifth the odds five places; Sir Jack Yeats is the each-way suggestion. 

I should point out that, in the event of a disappointing performance, in line with stated policy no refunds or exchanges can be given.