2.15 Aintree
John Smith's Maghull Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1) (5YO plus)
Winner £61,897
Advice: 1 pt win Baily Green (11/4 general)
Alderwood: Very progressive over hurdles last spring,
winning County Hurdle and then not looking back since, landing Grade 2 and then
1 at Fairyhouse and Punchestown; Taken time to get hang of chasing, but came to
the boil perfectly to land Grand Annual with lot in hand latest and big show on
the cards for horse who loves nothing better than this time of year.
Baily Green: Completed a seven timer with win over Tofino
Bay in November and arguably improved since despite not winning in three starts
since, outrunning his odds in Arkle to run Simonsig very close at Cheltenham;
No reason why he can’t run at least as well once again.
Marshal Shukov: Super coinstent this season, winning 2m4f
contest in good style at Chepstow and then once again winning very well at
Taunton; Bought down at 4th in Grand Annual but way he struggled in
Graded chase suggested that he would have failed to land a blow.
Overturn: Best dual purpose horse in country without a doubt
and underlined that when second in Champion Hurdle; Taken to fences like duck
to water, winning three chases with ease by double figures; Disappointing in
Arkle when he practically banked third last and was then well beaten off, but
today’s all about the speed on this track (faster surface too) and will be
helped by that; Should go well.
Sire De Grugy: Not been seen for 130 days but had always
been useful and promising start to chasing carrier had included second to
Captain Conan to supplement easy debut win and beating Cantlow now also reads
well; Freshest horse here (also a bonus) and has to be respected.
Special Tiara: Ran creditably behind Baily Green in Grade 3
at Punchestown but beaten 15 lengths and hard to recommend.
VERDICT: An exciting renewal on the cards. Grand Annual
winner Alderwood comes into his own at this time of year and Overturn will
really enjoy this track, but BAILY GREEN’S Arkle second gives him a top chance
and he’s value. Sire De Grugy too can go well.
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