Aintree 2011 - Melling Chase

3.05 Aintree

John Smith's Melling Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner £98,910

Pick: Albertas Run (win)

Albertas Run: Peaks at this time of year, as he showed last season when completing a Cheltenham/Aintree double with wins in the Ryanair Chase and this very race; Attempts to do the same here and every chance after a battling win in the Ryanair.

Chaininbar: Had a good season last year, with a wide margin win at this Festival by 15 lengths in 2 mile handicap chase and also a win at Newbury (both valuable events); Has a fussy side though, and refused to race on both occasions at big spring festivals last twice, so cannot be fancied and in any case, not good enough.

French Opera: Had an incredible season last year, winning 5 out of his 6 races and coming desperately close second in the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival (compensated with Grade 2 afterwards); Ran a shocker on seasonal reappearance but put that right when bolting up in Game Spirit Chase; This trip too far after festival disappointment.

Kalahari King: Made fine return last season when winning valuable 2m handicap chase at Doncaster, so disappointing that he was easily beaten first time out this season(not given hard race); Well beaten in Tingle Creek and Jumpers Bumper to start but attracted major interest when staying on from miles back to come very respectable fourth in the Victor Chandler Chase, and nearly caught Albertas Run in Ryanair Chase at festival, so has to be seen as main threat.

Made In Taipan: Very useful chaser/hurdler who posted some decent efforts last season; runs this year are much less inspiring.

Mad Max: Has made a very solid start to life over fences, and was running a big race until a crashing error two out in the Arkle; Appeared to be suited by longer trips when hacking up at this meeting last year, but weak finishes in the Paddy Power and December Gold Cup gave impression that drop back would suit; Failed to cut little, if any ice in the Victor Chandler Chase or at festival last time but wouldn’t be a trusted stayer.

Masterminded: Has proven truly outstanding in 2 mile chases, putting up one of great modern displays when cruising home in 2008 Champion Chase; Rib injury was thought to be reason behind below par reappearance year and was widely expected to be Champion Chaser for third time, but never able to get in race from 2 out (quick ground blamed); Had wind op and looked back to best when romping home in Amilin 1965 Chase, confirming that impression when trashing 5 reopposing rivals in Tingle Creek; Made to work far harder to hold on at death in Victor Chandler from Somsersby but showed that he wouldn’t shirk a battle when grinding it out; Running a fair race (in no way definitely beaten) when battering three out, when he wasn’t bothered with afterwards; Expected to like step up in trip and will have ground slower than at Cheltenham, but needs more than what he showed there to be involved.

Somersby: Impressed on 4 starts novice chasing last season, winning Henry the II Chase in impressive style and running second in the Arkle and at this meeting (over same trip as today) afterwards; Ran on from miles back to be third in the Tingle Creek, and even better when pushing Masterminded all the way in Victor Chandler at Ascot; Would have won that race over today’s trip and shapes as if he’ll do really well over longer distances although more needed than when fifth in Champion Chase last time.

Tartak: Has been in great heart of late, winning the Peterbrough Chase and then an extremely competitive Cheltenham Handicap; Has jumped much better than recently for those wins but jumping went to pot at Ascot and well beaten in Ryanair.

Would need a career best by some way on figures but rating underestimate very classy sort, who will be well suited by coming here fresh having missed Cheltenham; Impressive when winning John Durkan Chase, form that has been well upheld by J’y Vole; Has to be given chance here.

VERDICT: A familiar cast come back for what’s usually a stellar race and ALBERTAS RUN, so tough to beat when at his best on this ground, can complete the spring festival double for the second year running and is taken to beat off Kalahari King again. Champions Chase principals Masterminded and Somersby will be popular as ever but both would need to run better than their Champion Chase form to win here while Tranquil Sea mustn’t be underestimated.