JACOBS’ Crackers
Tom Scudamore was at his strongest to force the eightyear-old home as the pair drew clear of the Haydock field.
Some bookies reacted by making Vieux Lion Rouge 10-1 favourite for the Aintree showpiece last night.
The horse has already won the Becher Chase over the National fences this season and this was his prep for the world’s greatest steeplechase.
Blaklion also cemented his Aintree credentials as he pulled 18 lengths clear of the third Vintage Clouds.
Vieux Lion Rouge was slashed to 10-1 favourite from 20-1 with Paddy Power for the Randox Health Grand National on April 8.
Other bookies, including Ladbrokes, put him at 16-1.
Trainer David Pipe said: “He’s changed a lot as he never used to find much at the end of his races. As a French horse he’s quite a late maturer and running in the National last season made a man of him.
“I wasn’t confident he was going to win as it’s a long straight and Tom wasn’t sure what he had left. He’s going BACARDYS (12-1) and Disko (6-1) led the array of winners last week, while the Week Ahead column pinpointed Roaring Rory at 9-2.
SUNDAY SERVICE Chase at 2.40 and ANIBALE FLY may successfully give 3lb away to Haymount in the Ten Up Novice Chase at 4.10.
The best bet at Ffos Las could be MIDNIGHT SILVER under Sam Twiston-Davies in the mares’ hurdle at 3.20.
THE WEEK AHEAD PRUSSIAN EAGLE is much better than he has shown in his career to date and could pop up at a price in the novice handicap chase at Ludlow (2.35) on Wednesday. ANTE-POST The Grand National weights were revealed this week and although the state of the going will play a huge part in the outcome, I have already banked the 20-1 available about ONE FOR ARTHUR.
He was hugely impressive when sauntering home in the Classic Chase at Warwick and has already negotiated the fearsome Aintree fences in the Becher Chase.
HOT TO TROT Pop DANDILION into your notebook following a brilliant finishing effort from off the pace at Wolverhampton.
And INAAM, who won at 10-1 at Newcastle on Friday, is a talented horse who is capable of going in again. He was given a peach of a ride by Paul Hanagan to get up late.