IN GOD’S OWN WE TRUST
God’s Own can pick up where he left off last term and get the current campaign off to the best possible start by landing the 188Bet Monet’s Garden Old Roan Handicap Chase at Aintree tomorrow.
Tom George’s charge has mixed it with the best over the last few seasons, notching three Grade One wins along the way as well as having to settle for minor honours behind the likes of Un De Sceaux in the 2015 Arkle and Sprinter Sacre in the Champion Chase back in March.
Beaten eight and a half lengths in fourth at the Festival, God’s Own bounced right back to his best at Aintree in April when landing the Melling Chase in fine style, with the reopposing Vibrato Valtat well behind in fifth.
He then proved that Grade One verdict was not an isolated incident when dropping back half a mile to two miles to see off Vautour in the Champion Chase at Punchestown.
God’s Own benefited from a great Paddy Brennan ride that day and while the rider has now moved on to pastures new, Adrian Heskin can certainly steer home the winners so he should want for nothing from the saddle.
Born Survivor showed plenty of ability over hurdles last year and it is interesting that trainer Dan Skelton has opted to stick with the smaller obstacles rather than switching up to fences.
The hint should certainly be taken as he returns from a lengthy lay off in the Premier League Betting At 188Bet Handicap Hurdle.
Winner of two of his three racecourse starts, his only disappointment came when upped to Grade Two level at Warwick back in January, finishing a wellbeaten fourth behind Thomas Hobson.
He appeared to have his limits exposed that day but returned to more moderate company at Wetherby in February, he ran out an impressive six-length winner but has not been seen since.
Natural progression would surely have seen him improve over the summer break and he is one to keep on the right side of.
Shuil Royale is the pick in the 188Bet Handicap Chase as a group of old favourites tackle the seventh leg of the Veterans’ Chase Series.
Bagad Bihoue did himself no favours at all when taking a keen hold in the Persian War Novices’ Hurdle last time but compensation awaits in the Dominic Baker Memorial “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle.
Over in Ireland, Zawraq is the one to watch as he makes his long-awaited return in the Listed Trigo Stakes.
Winner of his only juvenile start back in 2014, he looked a true Derby contender after his victory in a Guineas Trial but injury intervened last June and he has been on the sidelines since.
Obviously such a huge absence is not ideal, but Dermot Weld can get one ready off a break and it is telling connections have persisted with this promising colt.