Hobbs can make a fair Comment
NO COMMENT upset plans two weeks ago, when he unseated Barry Geraghty at the second hurdle at Chepstow, scuppering a nice double.
It was only the five-yearold’s second race over hurdles, however. Trainer Philip Hobbs is certain to have schooled him extensively ahead of today’s opener at Aintree.
The son of KayfTara was the best-backed horse of the day at Chepstow, being available at 7/2 before going to post the 6/4 favourite.
His previous run was when winning a Punchestown bumper in April with Monbeg Notorious third, who was a facile 15- length winner at Tipperary this week.
God’s Own has been an exceptionally- progressive chaser over the last couple of years, and bids for the Money Gardens race after two Grade 1 successes.
Last time, at Punchestown, he produced a career best when defeating the great Vautour by two lengths, dropped back to two miles by trainer Tom George.
Ahead of that at the Grand National meeting he won the Melling Chase, over today’s longer trip, and he will be ready for today in a slightly lower grade.
Billy My Boy may just be at the right end of the weights in the handicap hurdle at Wincanton, over two miles, for Chris Down and rider James Davies.
The seven-year-old is still hovering around his last-winning mark. With trip and ground no problem, there could be a little more progress.