Racing
Aintree Place 6 preview | 15th April
13.45 – EFT Systems Maghull Novices’ Chase – 1m7f
JONBON is clear of these on form and ratings and while he proved no match for El Fabiolo last time, he won at this meeting last year and has an excellent chance to complete his season by adding another Grade 1 to his CV.
Selections: Jonbon
14.25 – Village Hotels Handicap Hurdle – 3m
GATSBY GREY caught the eye when fifth in a valuable handicap two starts ago at Leopardstown and has been aimed at this race since. He has a good chance, while Lanzarote winner WEST BALBOA should appreciate the step up in distance. BARDENSTOWN LAD is well-treated on the pick of his form and could go well. VINA ARDANZA was third in a Grade 1 at this meeting last year and isn’t out of it either.
Selections: GATSBY GREY, WEST BALBOA, BARDENSTOWN LAD, VINA ARDANZA
15.00 – Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle – 2m4f
AUTHORISED SPEED has won three of his four starts over hurdles and I think the longer trip will bring about improvement. He can make mistakes but he has a serious engine and holds a better chance than his odds suggest for Gary Moore, who has done well with his runners here this week. IRISH POINT resumed winning ways last time and his form-lines look strong, so he should be able to at least make the frame.
Selections: AUTHORISED SPEED, IRISH POINT
15.35 – JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle – 3m
I am going to nominate FLOORING PORTER as the sole pick in this race. He had an interrupted preparation before contesting the Stayers’ Hurdle but ran with credit to finish fourth. He was second in this last year and conditions will be perfect for him as well, so he should prove hard to pass if able to get into a nice rhythm on the front end. I cannot see him out of the frame.
Selections: FLOORING PORTER
16.15 – William Hill Handicap Chase – 3m
SHAKEM UP’ARRY might actually be suited to the step up in distance after finishing third in the Plate at Cheltenham last time. He was third at this meeting last year off only a four pounds lower mark and should again go well. Irish raider DARRENS HOPE is interesting, who won a Grade 2 last year and is on a dangerous mark, so she is of interest near the foot of the weights.
Selections: SHAKEM UP’ARRY, DARRENS HOPE
17.15 – Randox Grand National Handicap Chase – 4m2f
DELTA WORK is a pound lower than when third last year and is undoubtedly an even stronger horse this year plus he is better off at the weights with Noble Yeats and Any Second Now. With a clear round, he should be in the frame. LIFETIME AMBITION has the ability to figure if he stays, while ROI MAGE shouldn’t be underestimated, who’s been aimed at this race for a long time as well. I will also add in Willie Mullins’ CAPODANNO.
Selections: Delta Work, Lifetime Ambition, Roi Mage, Capodanno
