I AM NOT TO BE OPPOSED
ALTHOUGH conceding weight to his three rivals, I Am Maximus looks the one to beat in today’s Grade 3 Tote.ie Bobbyjo Chase in Fairyhouse, a recognised trial for the Aintree Grand National.
The Willie Mullins trained eightyear-old is returning to the scene of his two notable successes over fences and, back in calmer waters, should prove a tough nut to crack.
I Am Maxiumus bumped into Minella Crooner (reopposes today) and Gentlemansgame in his initial forays over fences before filling fourth spot in a couple of Grade 1 novice events behind Mighty Potter at Leopardstown and The Real Whacker at Cheltenham.
His breakthrough came, off a mark of 149, in the Boylesports Irish Grand National, at this venue, last Easter when Paul Townend’s perseverance paid off as he weaved his way through the field to land the spoils at the expense of Gevrey.
The J P Mcmanus-owned gelding wasn’t seen again until contesting the Grade 1 Drinmore, also at Fairyhouse in early December when, ridden by Jody Mcgarvey, he mastered subsequent Grade 1 winner Found a Fifty.
I Am Maximus has run twice in open company since and was far from disgraced when fourth to Closutton superstar Galopin Des Champs in the Savills at Leopardstown and last of three finishers behind his stable-companion and Fastorslow in the Paddy Power
Irish Gold Cup.
Rated 158, I Am Maximus must concede between 4lb and 12lb to his rivals. But he should be tough to beat.
Last year’s Randox Health
Grand National runner-up Vanillier, is a leading fancy for his return to Aintree in early April and, narrowly beaten by Kemboy in this race last year, will have plenty of supporters. But he has shown little spark in three runs this season and, although receiving 12lb, might struggle to cope with I Am Maximus, while Gordon Elliott’s (inset) Minella Crooner, third to Jungle Boogie at Tramore on New Year’s Day, looks a bigger threat than stable-companion Fury Road, a comeback ride for Jordan Gainford.