Aintree. Not just a celebration of the biggest steeplechase in the world but also a redemption arc for those who were thwarted at Cheltenham. Today features plenty of Cheltenham contenders, including an expensive purchase who lived up to the billing last month.
Big Race View
The Mildmay Novice’s Chase takes the eye today in which is a shot at Grade One test for Caldwell Potter on the biggest stage. Nicholls’ Cheltenham successes have dried up considerably but Aintree can be a happy hunting ground for those who avoid the March Festival and head here. Rarely did a winner of a handicap look Grade One material. He’ll act on the ground, distance won’t be a problem and, in terms of the market, spring a surprise.
Stellar Story has been an unlucky bride this season in his chasing starts but don’t forget he is a Grade One winner and came second in the Brown Advisory against all costs in March. A very talented horse who should not be slept on
Big Race Bet: Mildmay Novice’s Chase (Grade One) – Caldwell Potter @ 9/2 (General), Stellar Story e/w @ 17/2 (William Hill)
Excellent at Each-way
The Sefton Novice’s Hurdle, as with many three-mile novice hurdles, is wide open which means those further down the market may have a chance. Familiar Dreams comes from the Gordon Elliott stable who’s looking for a better Festival than Cheltenham. He’s won twice and placed once in three hurdles starts including winning a Grade Three at Limerick on the same Festival week. One who has gone under the radar may find a good performance.
Excellent Each-way bet: Sefton Novice’s Hurdle (Grade One) – Familiar Dreams e/w @ 7/1 (General)
Handy Handicap Guide
We’re over the Grand National fences for the second time this week at Aintree and the first handicap at this Festival. The Topham may have half the distance, but it could be twice as challenging having to meet those venomous fences at quicker speeds and with only one chance to get it right. The Goffer has just started to wake up in time to try and land a big handicap. He finished a respectable fourth over the banks at the Festival and is a horse who prefers the better side of soft in these top handicaps. Expect him to make an impact off a low weight.
Fantastic Lady has had plenty of experience around Aintree and these National fences, but has never hit the heights. Getting to the age of 10 now, she may be running out of time to land a prize on this historic course. However she’s two pounds lower than last year’s contest when finishing sixth, she’s been running consistently in Listed contests. There’s no stopping her putting in one last push.
Soul Icon memorably broke a long standing duck when taking the Desert Orchid Handicap Chase at Kempton over Christmas. That may have come over two miles but he’s regularly finished second at two-and-a-half. Placing a close up second of three on a stiff track like Exeter will play to his strengths and deliver a nice each-way place.
Handy Handicap Bets: Topham Handicap Chase – The Goffer @ 16/1 (William Hill), Fantastic Lady e/w @ 22/1 (William Hill, Betfred), Soul Icon e/w @ 28/1 (William Hill)
Selections:
13:45 – Mildmay Novice’s Chase (Grade One) – Caldwell Potter @ 9/2 (General), Stellar Story e/w @ 17/2 (William Hill)
14:20 – William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier H’cap) – Impose Toi @ 15/2 (William Hill), Steel Ally e/w @ 12/1 (William Hill), Favor And Fortune e/w @ 16/1 (William Hill)
14:55 – Top Novice’s Hurdle (Grade One) – Tripoli Flyer @ 100/30 (William Hill)
15:30 – Melling Chase (Grade One) – Jonbon @ 4/7 (William Hill)
16:05 – Topham Handicap Chase (Premier H’cap) – The Goffer @ 16/1 (William Hill), Fantastic Lady e/w @ 22/1 (William Hill, Betfred), Soul Icon e/w @ 28/1 (William Hill)
16:40 – Sefton Novice’s Hurdle (Grade One) – Califfet En Vol @ 4/1 (General) FAMILIAR DREAMS E/W @ 7/1 (General)
17:15 – Hallgarten And Novum Wines H’cap Hurdle – Moon Chime @ 9/1 (Betfred), Grimaud e/w @ 11/1 (General), Slugger e/w @ 33/1 (William Hill)
Best of Luck!
