FITZY’S PUTT OUR RISHI IN BIT OF A HOLE

Revealing tales and top tips from ITV Racing’s Oli Bell

THERE are so many questions going into the Randox Grand National meeting, and most of them will be answered by Saturday evening.

The ground will be a massive factor this week — will the National be a race where the mudlovers and stamina gluttons hold sway?

How will the changes to National — the field size, moving the first fence and the standing start — work in practice and will Animal Rising keep to its word and not stage a protest before the race?

The trainers’ championship rarely makes for a cliffhanger but it does this year, with Dan Skelton seeking to deprive Paul Nicholls, the man who taught him so much, of a 15th crown, but with Willie Mullins threatening to beat the pair to the punch.

At least I got a round of golf in with Mick Fitzgerald and Rishi Persad yesterday. Rishi and Mick had a sidebet and it was Fitzy who sank a 20-footer on the 18th to take the honours. Mick has agreed to go double or quits on the National. He’s siding with Meetingofthewaters while Rishi is playing safe with Corach Rambler.

BELL’S BANKERS

I WANT to see that whatever ailed Nicky Henderson’s horses during Cheltenham has packed its bags before backing runners from Seven Barrows, so I’ll take Triumph Hurdle runner-up KARGESE against Sir Gino in the Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (2.20).

Along similar lines, in the William Hill Bowl Chase (2.55), I’ll take on Shishkin — and Gerri Colombe — with the novice CORBETTS CROSS.

The resurgent BOB OLINGER will do for me in the William Hill Aintree Hurdle (3.30), while BENNYS KING shouldn’t be underestimated in the Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase (4.05).

OLI BELL is a Sky Bet brand ambassador