PEN TO MAKE POINT

NEWSBOY’S 1-2-3 1 PENDRA 2 MALL DINI 3 FINAL NUDGE

PENDRA, who got mugged on the run-in 12 months ago, is having his first start since but is fancied to make amends.

Derek O’Connor’s mount, who was wearing blinkers for the first time – the headgear is retained – jumped the final fence with a three-length lead only to be worn down by Domesday Book in the final strides.

That performance came from a rating of 145 and my selection competes from the same perch today.

His absence should not be a problem – Pendra was returning from a 341-day lay-off, having run in the previous year’s Grand National, when excelling himself in this race last year.

Riders like O’Connor are worth their weight in gold in races like this, so the fact the Irishman returns for the mount is another plus. Mall Dini didn’t get much luck when fifth in 2017 and the 2016 Pertemps Final victor should go well, while The Young Master Final and Nudge are others to throw into the mix in a heat of endless possibilities.