HILL CAN GIVE US A THRILL
THERE are so many myths surrounding the Grand National meeting — one of the main ones being you must avoid backing horses coming to Aintree on the back of a run at Cheltenham. What rubbish. The overwhelming trend is for the winners of today’s races to have previously appeared at the Festival last time out.
That gives us a decent lead into the Betway Red Rum Handicap Chase (4.40) — for which the other notable stats to find our likely hero are: Aged nine or younger. Carrying 11st 1lb or less. With this two-miler being run over the Mildmay Course you know the action will be fast and frantic, so it’s important not to get behind as prominent racers fare best on both chase courses.
Following our check through the trends we are left with five horses.
Do it for the village could get stuck at the back as he lacks early pace.
The flying portrait is at his best on faster ground, while it will be no surprise to see the same being said after the race about Theinval. King’s Socks has hit the wall after travelling well in both his runs this season.
ROBINSHILL is the value in the race at 20-1 (2pts win generally) having been outclassed in the Arkle.
He has form on tight tracks and can be excused his previous moderate effort on the grounds of it being around the galloping Ascot track.
We must have an interest in the Foxhunters’ Chase (4.05) as it’s one of only five races run over the big fences during the season and massive fun to follow.
Official ratings cut down the number of potential winners in this, which leads us to GRAND VISION.
He ran well at Cheltenham and is worth 2pts win at a general 4-1.