Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips at Aintree and Wolverhampton, including the Grand National on Saturday. View selections below.
PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS (4.00) can carry the famous JP McManus gold and green hoops to Grand National victory.
The eight-year-old gelding won a competitive handicap chase by seven lengths at Leopardstown’s Christmas fixture before scoring again, this time in a 25-runner handicap hurdle, at the beginning of February. Trainer Gavin Cromwell looks to have a well-handicapped horse on his hands.
McManus has scooped the race three times and his team is strengthened by last year’s winner I Am Maximus, well-touted Iroko, the Willie Mullins-trained Meetingofthewaters, and outsider Chantry House.
I Am Maximus came home more than seven lengths clear 12 months ago and must surely go well off an 8lb loftier perch. Meetingofthewaters faded into seventh after holding every chance at the last and another bold display can be expected.
Irish trainers hold a monopoly on the leading fancies and Cromwell has two other strings to his bow. Prolific cross-country winner Stumptown has been prominent in the betting since scoring at Cheltenham, while stablemate Vanillier, runner-up behind Corach Rambler in 2023, is not without a valid claim.
Gordon Elliott’s Three Card Brag opened his account over fences in gruelling fashion at Navan last month before running third in higher grade next time.
Good ground specialist Minella Cocooner lifted the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown and hit the frame in last year’s Irish Grand National, while 2023 King George VI Chase winner Hewick represents a touch of class.
TEAHUPOO (3.05) is a worthy favourite to land the preceding three-mile Grade 1 hurdle.
The 2024 Cheltenham Stayers’ Hurdle winner can resume winning ways having chased home Bob Olinger and Lossiemouth respectively on his last two appearances.
Willie Mullins saddles the relatively unexposed Kitzbuhel, winner of both starts since arriving from France.
Joseph O’Brien’s Home By The Lee is never far away in these hot Grade 1 challenges.
Last year’s winner Strong Leader returned from a wind op to finish fourth behind Gower Road at Cheltenham in January and may do best of the home contingent.
The opening three-mile William Hill Handicap Hurdle sees JERIKO DU REPONET (1.20) renewing rivalry with one his main market opponents Catch Him Derry.
The pair hit the frame behind Doddiethegreat at Cheltenham in March and are also closely matched on an earlier piece of Exeter form. Nicky Henderson’s Jeriko Du Reponet gets the nod sporting the JP McManus silks.
Act Of Authority chased home Wodhooh at the Cheltenham Festival and the form was well advertised on Thursday when Wodooh gave Lossiemouth a scare.
Henderson’s LULAMBA (1.55) can reward favourite backers in the 2m 4f novices’ hurdle.
The ex-French four-year-old, an Ascot winner on UK debut, was turned over by 100-1 shot Poniros in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham but should relish this step up in trip.
Koktail Divin landed short odds in comfortable fashion at Leopardstown early last month and is respected for the Henry de Bromhead-Rachael Blackmore combo.
Away from the Aintree action SABRIMENTO (6.15) is worth an each-way punt at Wolverhampton.
George Boughey’s gelding, twice runner-up on the all-weather this winter, led his field along at a brisk tempo before being swamped inside the final furlong at Kempton.
Billy Loughnane’s mount will appreciate this slight ease in grade.
Tally Ho
Alan
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NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
