Racing
Aintree Win 6 Preview | 9th April
13.45 Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle
MINELLA STUDY was last seen finishing a creditable third in the Triumph Hurdle and is fancied to resume winning ways on this flatter track with conditions in his favour.
He’s a strong-traveller and was probably in front a little too early last time out. He is handed the vote to potentially reverse latest form with Maestro Conti and collect the opener for his handler.
SELMA DE VARY (fourth) and MAESTRO CONTI (second) from the Triumph Hurdle are played as cover.
Tips: MINELLA STUDY, SELMA DE VARY & MAESTRO CONTI
14.20 William Hill Manifesto Novices’ Chase
It’s hard to oppose LULAMBA. He lost his unbeaten chase record when third in the Arkle but this step up in distance should be right up his street and the course will play to his strengths.
He is clear of the field on ratings and can get back to winning ways. Koktail Divin might be the one to chase him home.
Tips: LULAMBA
14.55 Racing Welfare Bowl Chase
JANGO BAIE produced a career-best performance when second in the Gold Cup last month and is the likely winner with plenty more to come.
He’s still only seven, so his best days are undoubtedly ahead of him and the younger legs might prove too much for the likes of PROTEKTORAT and PIC D’ORHY.
Dan Skelton’s high-class chaser has been targeted at this race all season mind, so if the favourite underperforms, I can see him picking up the pieces.
Tips: JANGO BAIE & PROTEKTORAT
15.30 Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase
Winning machine BARTON SNOW overcame a bad mistake at the final fence to see off Its On The Line at the Cheltenham Festival and I see no reason why he can’t confirm the form. He’s improving at a rate of knots and could prove difficult to beat.
UNEXPECTED PARTY has won his last couple of starts very impressively though and his excellent jumping should see him to good effect around this course. He’s one of the classiest horses to be running in this race and will be a fresher horse compared to most, which is a distinct advantage.
THUNDER ROCK has been revitalised by the switch to this code and has won his last couple of starts in good style. It would come as no surprise to see him take to these fences and is one of the outsiders worthy of a second look.
Tips: BARTON SNOW, UNEXPECTED PARTY & THUNDER ROCK
16.05 William Hill Aintree Hurdle
In the Aintree Hurdle, I’m siding with BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD to confirm Champion Hurdle form with the re-opposing rivals and land the spoils.
She ran well to finish second, and while this longer distance will help The New Lion, Gordon Elliott’s multiple Grade 1 winner (including over C&D) will enjoy this test more and proved her class when beating Lossiemouth in February.
I think her form is stronger than Dan Skelton’s charge, so the 7lb she gets from her main rival again could be enough to see her come out on top. Good value.
Tips: BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD
16.40 Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase
The Red Rum looks ultra-competitive. However, BROOKIE will find this easier than when eighth in the Champion Chase last time out and has the course experience in the book.
The nine-year-old ran so well when second in the Grade 1 Maghull Novices’ Chase at this meeting last year, where he split Kalif Du Berlais and L’eau Du Sud and that is a high-class piece of form. Off a mark of 145, I think he’s an outsider to consider.
HERCULE DU SEUIL split both Libberty Hunter and Quilixios when fourth in the formerly-mentioned Grade 1 at this fixture two years ago and the two he split subsequently ran with credit in the Champion Chase.
He hasn’t made an impact in two starts for this stable but this multiple graded winner looks nicely treated off a mark of 145 and seems overpriced.
Last year’s winner SANS BRUIT and Grade 1 course winner INTHEPOCKET also enter the mix.
Tips: BROOKIE, HERCULE DU SEUIL, SANS BRUIT & INTHEPOCKET
