There is a top quality card for the start of the Aintree Festrival with 11 runners from our list to follow among the entries.
In the 2.00 Inglis Drever, the winner of the World Hurdle renews his rivalry with Mighty Man, Black Jack Ketchum and Blazing Bailey. The Howard Johnson horse has a particularly good record at Cheltenham and I have a feeling that he may not be quite as effective at Aintree. I fancy course and distance winners Black Jack Ketchum and Mighty Man to contest the finish. Both will like the ground.
In the 2.35 Exotic Dancer is clearly the form pick and the one they all have to fear. He has had a busy season though and I just wonder if that may catch up with him. I am going to oppose him with Turpin Green and State of Play, with slight preference for the former.
Andreas (4.20) had flattered to deceive in his races until showing a much better attitude to take the Grand Annual at Cheltenham. He has a big weight in this race as a result but the ground will suit him and he should be on the premises. Our other list runner is the grey Locksmith. He is well handicapped and has been showing signs of a return to form recently. He has an each way chance.
Tidal Bay represents our list to follow in the 4.55. He only just failed by a neck in the Ballymore Properties Hurdle at Cheltenham and is a major player here if he handles the faster conditions. Liberate looks the danger.
There are 4 runners from our list in the handicap hurdle at 5.30, Kicks for Free, Roll Along, Conna Castle and Dusky Warbler. Kicks for Free will handle the ground, doesn’t look badly treated and gets the selection.
On the flat I am interested in My Arch in the 5.40 at Leicester. At around 14/1 he is each way value.
Be lucky!
ahorse 