Yeats to join the legends
NOBLE YEATS
WHAT did to win the Randox Grand National (5.15) as a seven-year-old novice 12 months ago was nothing short of extraordinary.
Extraordinary enough to emulate Liverpool legends Red Rum and Tiger Roll and win backto-back Nationals? Quite possibly.
In actual weight, Red Rum had 23lb more on his back for his second Aintree win; Noble Yeats has 15lb more to carry.
But he is an improved horse this year — fourth in the Gold Cup — and still only approaching his prime. Jumping ability, stamina and finishing pace are all a given with Noble Yeats and Cheltenham showed he has the heart to defy the handicapper, too.
Vanillier, Corach Rambler and Coko Beach can fill the places.
However former Albert Bartlett Hurdle winner Vanillier fares, his trainer Gavin Cromwell could have an exceptional day.
His dual Stayers’ Hurdle champion
FLOORING PORTER
had an interrupted prep ahead of his hat-trick bid and in the circumstances ran a blinder to be fourth, beaten just three and a half lengths by Sire Du Berlais.
Now spot on, Flooring Porter can avenge that defeat as well as a narrow reverse to the same rival in the Liverpool Hurdle (3.35) last year.
No horse in the Albert Bartlett last month was travelling better than
LETSBECLEARABOUIT
turning in but he faded up the hill to finish fourth.
He can win a big prize in the Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (3.00) dropped back to 2m4f.
After an aborted novice chase campaign, the stamina-laden
BARDENSTOWN LAD
appeals in the three-mile handicap hurdle (2.25) for the jockey-trainer duo that won yesterday with Fennor Cross.
TODAY’S SELECTIONS
Bardenstown Lad (ew) 2.25 Aintree Letsbeclearaboutit 3.00 Aintree
Flooring Porter
3.35 Aintree
Noble Yeats
5.15 Aintree