ffa01
Apr 4, 2003, 18:25
Grand National Runners Guide with attheraces
BEHRAJAN
Top chaser and game sort who is built to carry big weights and anything but disgraced in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last time. Another who has a tendency to make mistakes, though, and would ideally prefer a bit of cut to slow the others down; however likely to be sticking on under his welter burden whatever the conditions and it would not be the biggest surprise to see him give a good account.
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GINGEMBRE
Has had an interrupted campaign but no doubt this former Scottish National winner is better than ever this season, as he showed with an excellent run in the Hennessy at Newbury in November. Latest run on ground softer than ideal best forgiven and connections wisely elected to bypass a run in the Gold Cup; ground and trip will suit and looks a leading contender in a wide open contest.
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SHOTGUN WILLY
Very useful performer who has shown improved form this season and has been laid out specifically for this race; showed stamina was his strongest suit when a close second in the Scottish National last April and turned in a tremendous performance under a big weight to win at Haydock last month. Ruby Walsh prefers this one to stable companion Ad Hoc and looks sure to give a very good account.
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FADALKO Return to Top
Capable chaser at up to 2m4f but stamina is the big worry in a race that’s likely to be run at a decent pace. Wasn’t at best on penultimate start at Ascot, or over 2m4f at Cheltenham last time and, although he’s very well suited to a sound surface, it’ll be a big surprise if he’s able to make the frame from this mark.
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CHIVES
Would ideally prefer a bit more cut but looks to have all the necessary requirements for a race of this type. Far from disgraced in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last time but probably better judged on his excellent second to Mini Sensation in the Welsh National in December; travels really strongly and looks the type to stay this trip so has to be high on the shortlist under the excellent Richard Guest.
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IRIS BLEU
Has taken a hike in the handicap after impressive Sandown win on heavy ground but showed he’s well capable of winning a race from this sort of mark when close third to Shotgun Willy over 3m4f at Haydock last time. Early casualty in this race last year and tendency to make the odd mistake always a concern but likely to appreciate this trip and is another with solid each-way claims.
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AD HOC
Along with Shotgun Willy gives Paul Nicholls a very strong hand in this renewal and another who has been laid out specifically for this. Ran highly satisfactory race after a break of over two months at Cheltenham behind Youlneverwalkalone last time and hard to forget the manner in which he was travelling in this race last year before being brought down four from home. Paul Carberry, who rides this track better than anyone, is back in the saddle and the conditions are likely to be ideal; sound jumper who is at the very top of the shortlist.
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BALLINCLAY KING
Enigmatic chaser who is just the sort who could take to these fences but, along with several of these, would ideally prefer more give in the ground; ran a blinder on ground that was plenty quick enough at Cheltenham last time and is well worth a try over this marathon trip; travels and jumps well and holds fair each-way claims, especially if the heavens open.
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CARBURY CROSS Return to Top
Most progressive performer at this time last year but has mainly been soundly beaten this term and has looked to possess plenty of temperament this time. Was never going at any stage at Cheltenham last time and eventually pulled up in the race won by Youlneverwalkalone. There’s been support for him with the bookmakers already this week but he’s got plenty to prove at present.
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BINDAREE
Turned in a tremendous performance to win the corresponding race last year (task simplified somewhat with departures of Ad Hoc and Davids Lad 4 out) but has had interrupted campaign this term with yard just emerging from a viral infection. Hasn’t looked the easiest of rides in last couple of runs as he’s made his quota of mistakes and has tended to run in snatches. These conditions should bring out the best in him once again but 7lb higher in the race this time and may only be playing for a minor placing.
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YOULNEVERWALKALONE
Progressive performer this term and showed that stamina was his strong suit when beating Haut Cercy and Ad Hoc in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last time. Tends to make the odd mistake but strong travelling nature will stand him in very good stead and unlikely to be too inconvenienced by good ground (connections reportedly worried by the prospect of fast ground, though). Looks just the type that could go well in a race of this nature.
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THE BUNNY BOILER
Suited by an extreme test of stamina but hasn’t been anywhere near best since being returned to fences in December. Well beaten behind Youlneverwalkalone and Ad Hoc on good ground at Cheltenham last time and, unless the heavens open in the next couple of days, it’s unlikely that he’s going to have the ground in his favour.
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BLOWING WIND
Has performed creditably in the last two runnings of this race but doesn’t come into this year’s renewal in the same sort of form that he did last year after his tremendous Cheltenham win. Beaten nearly 30 lengths by Bindaree last year but soundly beaten since and it’ll be a surprise if he’s pitching in at the finish this time round.
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YOU'RE AGOODUN Return to Top
Has shown improved form this term and is closely matched with Shotgun Willy on their form over 3m4f at Haydock. Out of his depth in Cheltenham Gold Cup last month but isn’t the best of jumpers and made plenty of mistakes in this race last year. Better than the bare result of that suggests but has a fair bit to find with a few of these and it could well be a similar scenario this time round.
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KATARINO
Useful hurdler over 2m who has yet to show the same level of form over fences and has had plenty of problems, including breathing ones. Lightly-raced since winning his only start to date over the larger obstacles and, although not disgraced behind Royal Predica at Cheltenham last time, has something to prove over this much longer trip.
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RED STRIKER
Another from the Richard Guest yard that loves cut in the ground and, although not always the best of jumpers or the most consistent around, would have minor place claims if stamina holds up and should conditions be in his favour. Comes here in decent form but this course demands impeccable jumping and he’s passed over for that reason this time.
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SOUTHERN STAR
Fair chaser on good and soft ground but has a fair bit to find with several of these on last two pieces of form at Haydock (behind Shotgun Willy) and behind Youlneverwalkalone at Cheltenham. Yard look to have much better claims with Chives and this one will have to improve a fair bit to be involved at the finish on this occasion.
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MONTY'S PASS
Successfully negotiated the National fences when second in last year’s Topham and looks to have been laid out for this race. Not surprisingly hasn’t shown much over two miles over hurdles on last couple of outings but won’t mind the drying conditions and looks the type who could improve a good deal for the step up to this trip. Barry Geraghty reportedly takes the ride in preference to Youlneverwalkalone and the combination look to have more in their favour than most. Big chance.
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MAJED Return to Top
Useful hurdler but pitched in at the deep end and hasn’t been anywhere near that level in three outings over fences. Made chasing debut in this race last year and well beaten when falling but again well beaten on first run for over 300 days at the Cheltenham Festival last time and makes little appeal.
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AMBERLEIGH HOUSE
3m3f winner at this course who is likely to improve for the step up to this trip. Has been laid out specially for this race and ran a highly satisfactory trial in ordinary event at Bangor last time over inadequate 2m4f which should have put him spot on for this. Although he faces by far and away his stiffest test to date, he's another who makes a fair bit of each-way appeal.
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MAXIMIZE
Sound jumper who loves good ground and, along with Chives, gives his yard a strong hand in this year’s renewal. Shaped well on second outing after a break when fourth to Youlneverwalkalone in strong handicap at Cheltenham last time and likely to improve again over this trip; likely to have conditions to suit and no surprise to see him give another good account.
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MONTIFAULT Return to Top
Not always the most consistent but is a capable sort when the mood takes him and, along with Ad Hoc and Shotgun Willy, gives his yard a great chance of scoring in the race. Has a decent strike-rate over fences and ran well after break of over four months last time. Soundly beaten when upped to 3m6f at Sandown last April but was never going at any stage that day and that run is probably best forgiven; has minor place claims in this competitive race.
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POLAR CHAMP
Stays well and effective with cut or on a sound surface so won’t mind which way the weather goes. Ran right up to best on a testing surface at Cheltenham in January but well below that level at Uttoxeter last month on latest outing. Will need to fare considerably better if he’s going to figure prominently in this company.
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CREGG HOUSE
Hasn’t won over fences for over two years but capable of fair form when in the mood, as he showed when fourth to Young Spartacus at Cheltenham on latest start last month. Doesn’t look the easiest of rides and isn’t the most consistent around and, although he won’t have any problems with the conditions, it’ll be a surprise if he’s able to win this.
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GOOD SHUIL Return to Top
Ran best race to date over fences when upped to 3m3f at Cheltenham last November when third to Stormez but well beaten both subsequent outings and didn’t get home over 3m5f in the Irish Grand National last year. Worth a try over this longer trip but doesn’t really appeal as a Grand National winner waiting to happen.
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MANTLES PRINCE
Hasn’t raced over fences since May of last year and, as only two wins over fences have been at 2m, he has plenty to prove regarding stamina. First run for current yard but makes very little appeal.
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TORDUFF EXPRESS
Beat Gunner Welburn at level weights in last year’s Foxhunters over 2m6f at this course over the National Fences and has been in good form in Hunter Chases this term. Likely to stay this trip and won’t mind the ground conditions and, although unlikely to have too much improvement in him at the age of 11, could well be fighting it out for a minor placing.
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GOGUENARD
First fence faller in this race last year but successfully negotiated these fences when runner up in the John Hughes a couple of years ago. Looks better than ever at present for in-form yard at up to a mile and looked most unlucky when pecking and unseating his rider when clear at the penultimate fence in a competitive handicap at Cheltenham last time. That was over 2m4f but stays 3m well and well worth a try over this trip. Looks overpriced at present and well worth an each-way investment.
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GUNNER WELBURN Return to Top
Stays well but all best form has been with plenty of cut in the ground, as he showed in two runs at Chepstow in December and when successful at Newbury last time. Normally a sound jumper but these conditions have to be a concern and looks held by Torduff Express on their form in last year’s Foxhunters at this track. Would only be one to consider seriously if there is heavy rain.
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ROYAL PREDICA
Came back to form from out of the blue to win over 3m 1f at Cheltenham last time and gives his yard a predictably strong hand in this year’s event. Does have plenty to find on form in top staying races of last spring, including when beaten nearly 80 lengths by Bindaree in this race last year. Not one to be lumping on by any means but if that Cheltenham effort can be improved upon over this trip, it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise should he run well.
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SUPREME GLORY Return to Top
Stays well and seems to go on most ground so drying conditions at this stage not necessarily a concern; only lightly raced since win in Welsh National in December 2001 and wasn’t at all disgraced behind Shotgun Willy at Hayock last time. Likely to prove suited by this trip but will need to better efforts of this term to be involved at the finish in this very competitive event.
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TREMALLT
Front-runner who tends to make the odd mistake and will need to improve a good deal on form of this season (after break of nearly a year) to get competitive in this company. Won’t mind dry conditions but unlikely to be getting anything like his own way in front and others make a fair bit more appeal.
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WONDER WEASEL
Closely matched with Shotgun Willy and co on his fourth place in a valuable handicap over 3m4f at Haydock last time but has been out on his feet both times he’s attempted 4m in the last year and was already looking held when unshipping his rider in the Scottish National last April. Extra half mile of this contest has to be a bit of a concern.
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DJEDDAH Return to Top
Hasn’t won for some time and also very inconsistent, but showed he retains plenty of ability when fifth to Youlneverwalkalone over 3m at Cheltenham last time. No reason why he should reverse that form with those that finished ahead of him that day and has unseated his rider in the last two runnings of this race.
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BURLU
Front-runner who has won six times over fences in native France but didn’t jump with much fluency on first run for Martin Pipe and eventually pulled up behind stable companion Royal Predica. Will need to fare considerably better to figure in this much more competitive event and big surprise if he’s good enough.
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RED ARK
Hasn’t won since early last year and both those wins came over 2m. Got no further than the first fence in this race last year and has since had his stamina give out when tried over three miles at Kempton in February. Held by Gunther McBride on that form and, although not disgraced back over 2m at Cheltenham last time, is best watched over this trip.
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ROBBO Return to Top
Talented but unreliable hurdler/chaser and, although he’s effective on a sound surface, he looks out of his depth in this grade and is just as likely to run a stinker as he is to put his best foot forward. Soundly beaten in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter last time and, although yard back among the winners of late, looks up against it here.
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KILLUSTY
Hasn’t had much racing but has won seven of nine starts under all codes of National Hunt racing; would have been unbeaten over fences but disqualified on chasing debut and showed he was better than ever after break of nearly 750 days at Sandown last month over 3m on soft ground. Looks the type who has further improvement in him and well worth a try over this marathon distance. Up in grade but will be a very interesting runner if making the cut.
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EMPEREUR RIVER
Plenty of winning form over fences down the years in France but, although he seems effective on a sound surface, all winning form has been with plenty of cut in the ground. Seems to stay 4m well enough but this will be a very different test to anything he’s encountered to date and he’s best watched today.
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BRAMBLEHILL DUKE
Goes on drying ground but not the most consistent around; not disgraced behind Youlneverwalkalone and Ad Hoc at Cheltenham but, although worth a try over this trip, no reason why that form should be reversed.
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g'wan pick a winner
choices................
BEHRAJAN
Top chaser and game sort who is built to carry big weights and anything but disgraced in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last time. Another who has a tendency to make mistakes, though, and would ideally prefer a bit of cut to slow the others down; however likely to be sticking on under his welter burden whatever the conditions and it would not be the biggest surprise to see him give a good account.
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GINGEMBRE
Has had an interrupted campaign but no doubt this former Scottish National winner is better than ever this season, as he showed with an excellent run in the Hennessy at Newbury in November. Latest run on ground softer than ideal best forgiven and connections wisely elected to bypass a run in the Gold Cup; ground and trip will suit and looks a leading contender in a wide open contest.
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SHOTGUN WILLY
Very useful performer who has shown improved form this season and has been laid out specifically for this race; showed stamina was his strongest suit when a close second in the Scottish National last April and turned in a tremendous performance under a big weight to win at Haydock last month. Ruby Walsh prefers this one to stable companion Ad Hoc and looks sure to give a very good account.
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FADALKO Return to Top
Capable chaser at up to 2m4f but stamina is the big worry in a race that’s likely to be run at a decent pace. Wasn’t at best on penultimate start at Ascot, or over 2m4f at Cheltenham last time and, although he’s very well suited to a sound surface, it’ll be a big surprise if he’s able to make the frame from this mark.
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CHIVES
Would ideally prefer a bit more cut but looks to have all the necessary requirements for a race of this type. Far from disgraced in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last time but probably better judged on his excellent second to Mini Sensation in the Welsh National in December; travels really strongly and looks the type to stay this trip so has to be high on the shortlist under the excellent Richard Guest.
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IRIS BLEU
Has taken a hike in the handicap after impressive Sandown win on heavy ground but showed he’s well capable of winning a race from this sort of mark when close third to Shotgun Willy over 3m4f at Haydock last time. Early casualty in this race last year and tendency to make the odd mistake always a concern but likely to appreciate this trip and is another with solid each-way claims.
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AD HOC
Along with Shotgun Willy gives Paul Nicholls a very strong hand in this renewal and another who has been laid out specifically for this. Ran highly satisfactory race after a break of over two months at Cheltenham behind Youlneverwalkalone last time and hard to forget the manner in which he was travelling in this race last year before being brought down four from home. Paul Carberry, who rides this track better than anyone, is back in the saddle and the conditions are likely to be ideal; sound jumper who is at the very top of the shortlist.
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BALLINCLAY KING
Enigmatic chaser who is just the sort who could take to these fences but, along with several of these, would ideally prefer more give in the ground; ran a blinder on ground that was plenty quick enough at Cheltenham last time and is well worth a try over this marathon trip; travels and jumps well and holds fair each-way claims, especially if the heavens open.
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CARBURY CROSS Return to Top
Most progressive performer at this time last year but has mainly been soundly beaten this term and has looked to possess plenty of temperament this time. Was never going at any stage at Cheltenham last time and eventually pulled up in the race won by Youlneverwalkalone. There’s been support for him with the bookmakers already this week but he’s got plenty to prove at present.
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BINDAREE
Turned in a tremendous performance to win the corresponding race last year (task simplified somewhat with departures of Ad Hoc and Davids Lad 4 out) but has had interrupted campaign this term with yard just emerging from a viral infection. Hasn’t looked the easiest of rides in last couple of runs as he’s made his quota of mistakes and has tended to run in snatches. These conditions should bring out the best in him once again but 7lb higher in the race this time and may only be playing for a minor placing.
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YOULNEVERWALKALONE
Progressive performer this term and showed that stamina was his strong suit when beating Haut Cercy and Ad Hoc in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last time. Tends to make the odd mistake but strong travelling nature will stand him in very good stead and unlikely to be too inconvenienced by good ground (connections reportedly worried by the prospect of fast ground, though). Looks just the type that could go well in a race of this nature.
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THE BUNNY BOILER
Suited by an extreme test of stamina but hasn’t been anywhere near best since being returned to fences in December. Well beaten behind Youlneverwalkalone and Ad Hoc on good ground at Cheltenham last time and, unless the heavens open in the next couple of days, it’s unlikely that he’s going to have the ground in his favour.
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BLOWING WIND
Has performed creditably in the last two runnings of this race but doesn’t come into this year’s renewal in the same sort of form that he did last year after his tremendous Cheltenham win. Beaten nearly 30 lengths by Bindaree last year but soundly beaten since and it’ll be a surprise if he’s pitching in at the finish this time round.
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YOU'RE AGOODUN Return to Top
Has shown improved form this term and is closely matched with Shotgun Willy on their form over 3m4f at Haydock. Out of his depth in Cheltenham Gold Cup last month but isn’t the best of jumpers and made plenty of mistakes in this race last year. Better than the bare result of that suggests but has a fair bit to find with a few of these and it could well be a similar scenario this time round.
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KATARINO
Useful hurdler over 2m who has yet to show the same level of form over fences and has had plenty of problems, including breathing ones. Lightly-raced since winning his only start to date over the larger obstacles and, although not disgraced behind Royal Predica at Cheltenham last time, has something to prove over this much longer trip.
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RED STRIKER
Another from the Richard Guest yard that loves cut in the ground and, although not always the best of jumpers or the most consistent around, would have minor place claims if stamina holds up and should conditions be in his favour. Comes here in decent form but this course demands impeccable jumping and he’s passed over for that reason this time.
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SOUTHERN STAR
Fair chaser on good and soft ground but has a fair bit to find with several of these on last two pieces of form at Haydock (behind Shotgun Willy) and behind Youlneverwalkalone at Cheltenham. Yard look to have much better claims with Chives and this one will have to improve a fair bit to be involved at the finish on this occasion.
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MONTY'S PASS
Successfully negotiated the National fences when second in last year’s Topham and looks to have been laid out for this race. Not surprisingly hasn’t shown much over two miles over hurdles on last couple of outings but won’t mind the drying conditions and looks the type who could improve a good deal for the step up to this trip. Barry Geraghty reportedly takes the ride in preference to Youlneverwalkalone and the combination look to have more in their favour than most. Big chance.
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MAJED Return to Top
Useful hurdler but pitched in at the deep end and hasn’t been anywhere near that level in three outings over fences. Made chasing debut in this race last year and well beaten when falling but again well beaten on first run for over 300 days at the Cheltenham Festival last time and makes little appeal.
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AMBERLEIGH HOUSE
3m3f winner at this course who is likely to improve for the step up to this trip. Has been laid out specially for this race and ran a highly satisfactory trial in ordinary event at Bangor last time over inadequate 2m4f which should have put him spot on for this. Although he faces by far and away his stiffest test to date, he's another who makes a fair bit of each-way appeal.
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MAXIMIZE
Sound jumper who loves good ground and, along with Chives, gives his yard a strong hand in this year’s renewal. Shaped well on second outing after a break when fourth to Youlneverwalkalone in strong handicap at Cheltenham last time and likely to improve again over this trip; likely to have conditions to suit and no surprise to see him give another good account.
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MONTIFAULT Return to Top
Not always the most consistent but is a capable sort when the mood takes him and, along with Ad Hoc and Shotgun Willy, gives his yard a great chance of scoring in the race. Has a decent strike-rate over fences and ran well after break of over four months last time. Soundly beaten when upped to 3m6f at Sandown last April but was never going at any stage that day and that run is probably best forgiven; has minor place claims in this competitive race.
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POLAR CHAMP
Stays well and effective with cut or on a sound surface so won’t mind which way the weather goes. Ran right up to best on a testing surface at Cheltenham in January but well below that level at Uttoxeter last month on latest outing. Will need to fare considerably better if he’s going to figure prominently in this company.
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CREGG HOUSE
Hasn’t won over fences for over two years but capable of fair form when in the mood, as he showed when fourth to Young Spartacus at Cheltenham on latest start last month. Doesn’t look the easiest of rides and isn’t the most consistent around and, although he won’t have any problems with the conditions, it’ll be a surprise if he’s able to win this.
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GOOD SHUIL Return to Top
Ran best race to date over fences when upped to 3m3f at Cheltenham last November when third to Stormez but well beaten both subsequent outings and didn’t get home over 3m5f in the Irish Grand National last year. Worth a try over this longer trip but doesn’t really appeal as a Grand National winner waiting to happen.
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MANTLES PRINCE
Hasn’t raced over fences since May of last year and, as only two wins over fences have been at 2m, he has plenty to prove regarding stamina. First run for current yard but makes very little appeal.
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TORDUFF EXPRESS
Beat Gunner Welburn at level weights in last year’s Foxhunters over 2m6f at this course over the National Fences and has been in good form in Hunter Chases this term. Likely to stay this trip and won’t mind the ground conditions and, although unlikely to have too much improvement in him at the age of 11, could well be fighting it out for a minor placing.
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GOGUENARD
First fence faller in this race last year but successfully negotiated these fences when runner up in the John Hughes a couple of years ago. Looks better than ever at present for in-form yard at up to a mile and looked most unlucky when pecking and unseating his rider when clear at the penultimate fence in a competitive handicap at Cheltenham last time. That was over 2m4f but stays 3m well and well worth a try over this trip. Looks overpriced at present and well worth an each-way investment.
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GUNNER WELBURN Return to Top
Stays well but all best form has been with plenty of cut in the ground, as he showed in two runs at Chepstow in December and when successful at Newbury last time. Normally a sound jumper but these conditions have to be a concern and looks held by Torduff Express on their form in last year’s Foxhunters at this track. Would only be one to consider seriously if there is heavy rain.
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ROYAL PREDICA
Came back to form from out of the blue to win over 3m 1f at Cheltenham last time and gives his yard a predictably strong hand in this year’s event. Does have plenty to find on form in top staying races of last spring, including when beaten nearly 80 lengths by Bindaree in this race last year. Not one to be lumping on by any means but if that Cheltenham effort can be improved upon over this trip, it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise should he run well.
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SUPREME GLORY Return to Top
Stays well and seems to go on most ground so drying conditions at this stage not necessarily a concern; only lightly raced since win in Welsh National in December 2001 and wasn’t at all disgraced behind Shotgun Willy at Hayock last time. Likely to prove suited by this trip but will need to better efforts of this term to be involved at the finish in this very competitive event.
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TREMALLT
Front-runner who tends to make the odd mistake and will need to improve a good deal on form of this season (after break of nearly a year) to get competitive in this company. Won’t mind dry conditions but unlikely to be getting anything like his own way in front and others make a fair bit more appeal.
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WONDER WEASEL
Closely matched with Shotgun Willy and co on his fourth place in a valuable handicap over 3m4f at Haydock last time but has been out on his feet both times he’s attempted 4m in the last year and was already looking held when unshipping his rider in the Scottish National last April. Extra half mile of this contest has to be a bit of a concern.
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DJEDDAH Return to Top
Hasn’t won for some time and also very inconsistent, but showed he retains plenty of ability when fifth to Youlneverwalkalone over 3m at Cheltenham last time. No reason why he should reverse that form with those that finished ahead of him that day and has unseated his rider in the last two runnings of this race.
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BURLU
Front-runner who has won six times over fences in native France but didn’t jump with much fluency on first run for Martin Pipe and eventually pulled up behind stable companion Royal Predica. Will need to fare considerably better to figure in this much more competitive event and big surprise if he’s good enough.
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RED ARK
Hasn’t won since early last year and both those wins came over 2m. Got no further than the first fence in this race last year and has since had his stamina give out when tried over three miles at Kempton in February. Held by Gunther McBride on that form and, although not disgraced back over 2m at Cheltenham last time, is best watched over this trip.
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ROBBO Return to Top
Talented but unreliable hurdler/chaser and, although he’s effective on a sound surface, he looks out of his depth in this grade and is just as likely to run a stinker as he is to put his best foot forward. Soundly beaten in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter last time and, although yard back among the winners of late, looks up against it here.
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KILLUSTY
Hasn’t had much racing but has won seven of nine starts under all codes of National Hunt racing; would have been unbeaten over fences but disqualified on chasing debut and showed he was better than ever after break of nearly 750 days at Sandown last month over 3m on soft ground. Looks the type who has further improvement in him and well worth a try over this marathon distance. Up in grade but will be a very interesting runner if making the cut.
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EMPEREUR RIVER
Plenty of winning form over fences down the years in France but, although he seems effective on a sound surface, all winning form has been with plenty of cut in the ground. Seems to stay 4m well enough but this will be a very different test to anything he’s encountered to date and he’s best watched today.
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BRAMBLEHILL DUKE
Goes on drying ground but not the most consistent around; not disgraced behind Youlneverwalkalone and Ad Hoc at Cheltenham but, although worth a try over this trip, no reason why that form should be reversed.
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g'wan pick a winner
choices................