Cogry is class act in Classic
LAST year’s Betfred Classic Chase at Warwick proved the ideal prep race for subsequent Grand National hero One For Arthur.
However, today’s contest is usually a poor guide to the big ’un in April and the last winner to place in the Aintree showpiece before Lucinda Russell’s star was way back in 1982.
Our main stats are to find this afternoon’s likely scorer are:
Won over at least three miles.
Run in the past 42 days. Aged seven to nine. Those important trends quickly reduce the list from 14 to three.
Topper Thornton was a come-from-behind stayer in Ireland and has adopted the same tactics now in the care of trainer Alex Hales.
But unless your name is One For Arthur you don’t want to be held up here — plus Topper Thornton looks moderate and slow anyway.
COGRY and Cresswell Breeze are similar types.
Both stay well but the Nigel Twiston-Daviestrained Cogry travels better in his races and needs to win today to guarantee himself a place in the Grand National line-up.
A dual-track winner, his second in the Scottish National is the best form on offer.
Have 3pts win at 12-1 with several firms.