Aintree 2014 - Maghull Novices' Chase

2.05 Aintree

Doom Bar Maghull Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner £61,897

Advice: 1 pt win Trifolium (4/1 general)

Balder Success: Bitter disappointment in Sandown’s Henry II Chase but good winner twice since, especially convincing in victory at Warwick over 2m (heavy, but handles all ground) while strong stamina reserves as showed in Kempton win should help today.

Hinterland: Second season novice chaser and making a much better first of things this time around, although form of two defeats of Grandouet been let down by that one’s limp showings since; Bought down in Champion Chase when still going well and player today here.

Moscow Mannon: Has been much improved as a chaser following useful hurdles form but couldn’t back up his wide margin Naas win latest and this a level up from that still.

Next Sensation: One of season’s top handicapper, running opposition into the ground at Plumpton, Newcastle, and Doncaster when eased down when winning by seven lengths; Attempts to repeat the feat at Cheltenham in Grand Annual and had a huge lead that was eroded as he went into fourth; Not hard to think he perhaps should have won that race with more judgement from the front and well worth his chance here if hard race not left it’s mark.

Simply Ned: Been good in handicap, a clear cut winner at Ayr last year and then following up pair of good seconds with win in valuable Doncaster event; Close up off similar rating to Next Sensation there last time and can improve again although that a different level of form; Interesting.

Ted Veale: Prepared for a crack at the Grand Annual having won the Country Hurdle but trainer decided mark was too high following season in which he’s been pretty quickly exposed as step below best of graded class; Best run so far when he fell in the Arkle and can’t have been sure how he’d have finished but only effort that entitled him to some consideration; More needed.

Trifolium: High class hurdler who has made into at least as good a chaser; Front running in deep ground seemed to be the answer when romping home with Leopardstown Grade 1; Form of that let down since but Arkle third was a fine effort and just sets the standard here; If in the same form, should go well and can take the beating.

VERDICT: As with most of the graded contests this week, quality is high in a small field and a case can be made for most of these. A chance is taken on TRIFOLUM’S Arkle form, which could just set the standard here, and if in the same shape today he can go well. Next Sensation should love this course and under a better-judged ride may have actually won the Grand Annual, but he had a harder race than Trifoloum there and that is a worry. Balder Sucees, having missed the festival, and Hinterland, have obvious chances.