The countdown is on for the big race as we are just 24 hours away from the Grand National, but before we get there we have another excellent day of racing on Friday on what is Ladies Day up at Aintree.
The feature race on the second day of the meeting is the Topham Chase which is run over the National fences. We have come up with one selection for that as well as one on the support card earlier in the day.
2.20 Aintree
This is a cracking handicap hurdle over two & a half miles, with any number in with a chance. Dan Skelton has the current favourite in Kateira but there’s got to be a slight worry about the ground whilst Ocastle Des Mottes is hard to assess for the Mullins camp. He’s run in 2 nice races in this country but never troubled the judge, finishing no better than midfield. The Pauling yard, having a great season, have another good chance with Champagne Twist & after winning the EBF Final at Sandown, he comes here with a cracking shout albeit off a 7lb higher mark. At bigger odds, we like the chances of Sonigino who has good course to his name. 3rd in this race last year was promising & he then went on to land a handicap at the December meeting on heavy ground by 6 lengths. That win was off 4lb lower but his jockey today claims a valuable 5lb offsetting the difference. Form aside from that has been up & down. 3rd in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow & 4th in the Greatwood at Cheltenham is very good form but his last 2 runs (in the Lanzarote & the Martin Pipe) have been disappointing. That has seen a slight ease in mark & if you can ignore those runs, his price looks silly. With a return to this venue in his favour as well as ideal ground, you’ve got to think he’s got a fair chance in an open race.
Tips
Back Sonigino (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 21.00 Coral BOG (⅕ odds 1-5)
Special Offer
Open up a Boylesports account during the flat season and bet £10 on any race to get £20 in bonuses! Click the image below to take advantage of this fantastic offer! 18+ T&Cs apply Gamble Aware.
4.05 Aintree
Ahead of the big one tomorrow, we get to see the National fences again with the Topham being run over 2 miles 5 furlongs. Shakem Up’Arry did us a favour at Cheltenham winning the Plate & he’s the favourite here but isn’t a betting proposition here. Life In The Park was 4th in the Plate & is 5lbs better off with the winner; for shrewd connections, ridden by Rachael Blackmore who has won over these fences, he shouldn’t be overlooked. Last year’s winner Bill Baxter comes here & is only 1lb higher so he can’t be overlooked but at a bigger price, Your Darling is the one we’re siding with. He’s definitely been laid out for the race & the yard has been quoted as saying he’s schooled well over the fences. Last seen in November, he won an Ascot handicap in fine style, coming clear by 9 lengths. He’s 9lb higher here but the key to him is freshness. He has an unreal record when off the track for more 100 days reads 3-1-1-1-9-1 so the fact he’s been off for 140 days is perfect & a clear sign that this is his target. His yard has had a superb year & this would be a great to top it off. He likes to race prominently so hopefully he can stay out of trouble & if he does, we think he’ll go close.
Tips
Back Your Darling (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 15.00 Bet365 BOG (⅕ odds 1-6)
