RACE-BY-RACE GUIDE TO DAY 2

1.30

IT’S very rare a horse with the potential of SAMCRO comes along. Officially rated 5lbs clear of the field here, that doesn’t tell the full story and he really could be anything. His opponents will say he hasn’t had a proper test, and he’s only raced in Ireland – but on the Irish evidence alone, he’s going to be an absolute superstar. His talent is reflected in his price but he’s impossible to oppose.

2.10

PRESENTING PERCY gets the nod around 9/4. Pat Kelly’s charge was second to Our Duke in the Irish Grand National, and he has winning experience at the Cheltenham Festival, albeit over hurdles. Monalee is the big danger.

2.50

TRAINED by Ben Pauling, RED INDIAN is friendless in the market here at 25/1, but he’ll like the ground and could spring a surprise each-way if he gets out early into his favoured front-running position under David Bass. Max Dynamite is versatile on the flat and over hurdles, and should be thereabouts.

3.30

CONSIDERING ALTIOR has had a few setbacks in his career, it was worrying that Nicky Henderson reported him as lame on Monday. Yet he seemed fine on Tuesday and his trainer said it’s all systems go. Douvan hasn’t ran in a year so has questions to answer, while Min can make a race of it. But on-song Altior will be very hard to beat.

4.10

THE LAST SAMURI has been placed in the Grand National and looks a great bet around 6/1. Kim Bailey considered entering the 10-year-old in the Gold Cup and he’ll have no problem with a proper test like this.

4.50

PRICED 16/1 yesterday evening, Gary Moore’s ERAGON DE CHANAY catches the eye here each-way. He carries a 5lb penalty for winning at Sandown on Saturday but is due to go up 8lbs in the ratings to 129, so is 3lbs well-in in theory at least.

5.30

ACEY MILAN has winning form here and has now won three bumpers in a row. That experience will stand to him and he’s value around 8/1. The Mullins runners obviously command respect, and Blackbow is another for the shortlist.