DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
SATURDAY APRIL 5
1.55 AINTREE
Lulamba was a surprise withdrawal from the big juvenile race on day one and the decision to come here instead looks likely to be vindicated.
Runner-up in what could turn out to be a vintage renewal of The Triumph Hurdle, if the speed figure is to be believed, connections can count themselves unlucky to have their pockets picked by a horse having his first run over hurdles in public.
However, he did beat East India Dock fair and square and that has to be deemed as a big feather in his cap.
A scopey four-year-old who will no doubt improve with time, the extra half a mile should play into his strengths and compensation for his agonising defeat a month ago awaits.
Whether he ends up going over fences next season remains to be seen, but one who is likely to go down that route is Koktail Divin and he brings strong Irish maiden hurdle form to the party. A big, strapping chasing type, who jumps and travels well, the only negative stems from the fact he hails from a yard struggling for winners at present.
In contrast, Stuart Edmonds has his team in fine nick and MIAMI MAGIC (best price 11-2) appeals as one who could go well at a decent price. Runner-up to the useful Potter’s Charm over this course back in December, his subsequent effort at Kempton suggests he remains on the improve and the pause that refreshes of 42 days should aid this good ground performer no end.
Given the strength of Lulumba, the progressive six-year-old looks a solid option in the without the favourite market.
MIAMI MAGIC – 1-point each-way@11-2 (without Lulumba)
3.05 AINTREE
Similar to The Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, Teahopoo looks a vulnerable favourite on account of the quick ground and form of his stable and there’s a strong possible we might get a winner from left field.
Last year’s winner Strong Leader, back on his favoured quick ground, could easily be the main beneficiary, especially when you add into the mix his solid track record that reads 121. Arriving here fresh having misfired on soft ground at Cheltenham back in January, connections have been keen to follow a similar route this time around.
Another who must come into calculations based on his suitability to the C&D is GWENNIE MAY BOY (best price 8-1) and his season looks to have been geared around coming back to have a crack at this prize.
Winner of the big three-mile handicap on this card twelve months ago, it’s interesting to note his final circuit time was two seconds quicker than the Grade 1 won by Strong Leader and with similar conditions in place, a bold show looks the likeliest outcome.
GWENNIE MAY BOY – 1-point each-way@8-1 (four places)
4.00 AINTREE – GRAND NATIONAL
As the big race approaches, any ante-post bets have the potential to be questioned but in the case of Iroko and Monbeg Genius, I genuinely wouldn’t swop the pair for much else in tomorrow’s field.
The former had the perfect preparation behind yesterday’s Bowl runner-up, Grey Dawning, and he is undoubtedly one of the classiest acts in the line-up, similar to I Am Maximus last season. In layman’s terms, not many of his rivals would have the quality to chase home subsequent Gold Cup hero Inothewayurthinkin, like he did here last season, and providing he can avoid any major catastrophes on the first circuit, there’s a strong possibility he will be bang there at the business end.
The latter has had his powder kept dry ever since winning with authority at Uttoxeter back in February and it’s been good to see the form/time figure work out well accordingly.
A creditable fourth in the Welsh National previously without necessarily everything working out in his favour that day, Jonjo & A J O’Neill’s inmate proved he has stamina in abundance and with his cracking effort in the 2023 Ultima also looking a strong piece of form, a repeat of either display might be enough for him to disturb many ahead of him in the market.
Looking at the race with a blank canvas, HEWICK is now becoming a proposition too tempting to resist with his favoured good ground in place and he is worth a late entry into the portfolio.
Arriving here having flew around Thurles for two circuits over hurdles last time out (smart speed figure), his preparation appears fine-tuned and in what would undoubtedly be one of the biggest stories of the race if he were to win, Shark Hanlon’s likeable and classy gelding can make his presence felt.
HEWICK – 1-point each-way@11-1 (six places)
5.00 AINTREE
A race that arguably deserves more attention than being bolted on the end of the Grand National but, like many of the novice chases here this week, a tricky one to have a dogmatic view.
Only by Night can be deemed unlucky to have the Arkle Trophy ripped off her mantlepiece at Cheltenham and based on her performance a month ago, she undoubtedly looks the one to beat providing the race hasn’t taken its toll.
Of those who didn’t attend the festival, KALIF DU BERLAIS (best price 7-2) holds the strongest claims and, as he has proven twice this season, he is more than capable of knocking out big figures over two miles.
The theory of stepping in up in trip to bring about further improvement failed to materialise last time out due to heavy ground, but fresh and back at a track that should suit his eye, Paul Nicholl’s gelding can go a long way to follow in the footsteps of San Bruit here on Thursday.
KALIF DU BERLAIS – 1-point win@7-2