Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Petite can display all his Power
PETITE POWER can take advantage of his preferred conditions in today’s Marston’s 61 Deep Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter.
Fergal O’brien’s consistent stayer will be very much at home in ground that is certain to be very testing for the gruelling annual feature.
This extreme test, over four and a quarter miles, appears sure to suit Petite Power better than most – because he has rarely finished any previous race, at up to three miles six and a half furlongs, without suggesting a little further would be even better.
At 11, the majority of horses might be just about hanging on to the ceiling of their ability or beginning to flag a little. But that is not true of Petite Power, who has been in the form of his life this season.
He followed victories at Cheltenham and here with a narrow defeat as neck runner-up at Exeter and then excelled himself when third to Grand National contender Kimberlite Candy in Warwick’s Classic Handicap Chase two months ago.
He was behind Captain Chaos, a wide-margin winner since at Doncaster, and ahead of The Conditional – who perhaps did not see out the trip and also did not jump as well as when successful at Cheltenham this week.
Nonetheless, there can be few stronger form lines among staying chasers so far this year – and because of the presence of Ladbrokes Trophy winner De Rasher Counter this weekend, Petite Power will be carrying only 9st 7lb.
That includes the 7lb allowance of jockey Liam Harrison, an ever-present during this season’s admirable exploits to date.
Looks Like Murt has sound prospects, back up in trip for the 1834 Novices’ Handicap Chase, if he can avoid the mishaps which have hindered his potential so far in a nonetheless highly promising campaign.