They are back to race over the Grand National fences in the Grand Sefton at Aintree on Saturday and a quality supporting card will be run on testing ground.
The famous Grand Sefton has only recently been moved to this slot, having previously been run in early December on the same card as the Becher Chase, and 11 runners are in line for the £50,000 prize.
Here’s our thoughts on the big race, as well as some other selections on what should be a cracking meeting at the Merseyside venue.
2.45 Grand Sefton Handicap Chase
The heavy ground means that only 11 runners have been declared for the first race of the season over the Grand National fences, but the BoyleSports Grand Sefton Handicap Chase should still be a great spectacle and the horse who interests us the most is HALF SHOT.
Iain Jardine has an 18 per cent strike-rate at Aintree in the last five seasons and probably had this race in mind for Half Shot at the start of the campaign. That’s because Half Shot is a very solid jumper and he showed that when going well for a long way in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr. He was beaten only 14 lengths into seventh, from 7lb out of the handicap.
Half Shot returned from a summer break at Kelso last month and showed he is still going forwards when beaten just a head into second on that seasonal return. He was again fluent at his fences on that occasion and found one too good for the fourth time in his last five outings.
It’s frustrating that he hasn’t got his head in front, but this looks like a good opportunity.
The best alternative might be Frero Banbou, who has solid form on heavy ground and always shapes like he wants further when running over 2m. The problem is that he has yet to prove he stays further when he has been given the opportunity, but 2m 5f looks within range.
Trainer Venetia Williams can’t do anything wrong at the moment and her runners are well suited by testing ground so if there is a fly in the ointment, it’s likely to be Frero Banbou.
1.35 Handicap Hurdle
This staying handicap will be a test of stamina in gruelling conditions and that might suit GENTLEMAN AT ARMS, who has form on soft conditions and runs this course well.
The Stuart Edmunds-trained six-year-old was second in a Grade 1 over course and distance last season and is undoubtedly well handicapped on that form, running off a mark of 124.
He hasn’t shown any recent form, but did run well for a long way on his seasonal return at Uttoxeter, when going without the cheekpieces, and the headgear returns for this contest.
The main danger is last year’s winner Remastered. David Pipe’s team appears to be finding form and Remastered went on to be second in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, after winning this race 12 months ago. He is able to race off a mark 10b lower than his chase rating in this.
He is 8lb higher than last year, but goes well at the course and has a good record when fresh.
2.10 Handicap Chase
This 2m handicap chase is one of the best betting races on the day and CHANCEUX may be capable of springing a surprise for Alistair Ralph and Jack Tudor. The pair have a 20 percent strike-rate when joining forces in the last five years, so Tudor’s booking is clearly a positive.
Chanceux was in good form over fences last season without winning and two of his best runs came on heavy ground. He was second at Uttoxeter in December and filled the same position at Stratford only two starts ago. There should be plenty more to come from him over fences.
His fitness has to be taken on trust after 203 days off the track, but he was a good second on his seasonal reappearance two years ago and has run well fresh before - he is a value play.
The Dan Skelton-trained Real Stone could pose the most problems. Skelton’s runners haven’t been flying, but he did win the big 2m handicap hurdle at Ascot last week with Knickerbockerglory and it’s a matter of time before the stable starts firing in winners.
Real Stone was progressive over fences last season and returns here following wind surgery. If the operation has had the desired effect, there is every chance Real Stone can run a big race.
