MIDNIGHT EXPRESS
Shadow to light up Aintree
MIDNIGHT SHADOW (1.57) remains a work in progress after only six starts over fences but can land his biggest prize to date in the Old Roan Handicap Chase at Aintree this afternoon.
Sue Smith’s runner was a hugely consistent novice last season culminating in a career-best effort at the Cheltenham Festival when sixth of 12 behind Samcro in the Marsh Chase.
The seven-year-old has a nice pull in the weights with Itchy Feet on their running in the Scilly Isles Novice Chase at Sandown and is taken to reverse that form here.
A bigger danger could come from Crievehill, a progressive sort last year for Nigel Twiston-Davies with a good record when fresh.
HIGHWAY ONE O ONE (3.42, nap) is better known for his exploits over the larger obstacles but can exploit a significantly lower mark over hurdles.
Chris Gordon’s runner already has an outing under his belt when he ran well for a long way at Fontwell Park over fences but can race from a 5lbs lower rating here.
With several frontrunners in the line-up, this contest should be run at a good pace and bring his stamina into play down the long home stretch and he may see off rivals including Monte Cristo and top-weight Voix de Reve.
The Veterans’ Handicap Chase looks a cracking renewal headed by Aintree stalwarts Vintage Clouds and Vieux Lion Rouge and both should run well but the nod goes to ACTIVIAL (1.22).
The Tom George-trained stayer has a really good record when fresh and is arguably the best handicapped entry in the race off a mark of 142 having been rated more than a stone higher last year.
Two-and-a-half miles was way too far for KANNAPOLIS (4.37) last time out but the sharp two miles at Wincanton looks made to measure for the five-year-old today.
But perhaps the best bet at the Somerset track is PERFECT PREDATOR (2.17) in the novices’ hurdle.
Alan King has his stable in cracking form at the moment and the selection can make the most of the weight he receives from the penalised Celestial Force.