PETITE HAS THE POWER

PETITE POWER can take advantage of his preferred conditions in the Marston’s 61 Deep Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter.

Fergal O’Brien’s consistent stayer will be very much at home in ground that is certain to be very testing for the Staffordshire track’s gruelling annual feature.

This extreme test, over four and a quarter miles, appears sure to suit Petite Power better than most because he has rarely finished any previous race, at up to three miles six and a half furlongs, without suggesting a little further would be even better for him.

At 11, the majority of horses might be just about hanging on to the ceiling of their ability or beginning to flag a little.

But that is not true of Petite Power, who has been in the form of his life this season.

He followed victories at Cheltenham and here with a narrow defeat as neck runner-up at Exeter and then excelled himself when third to Grand National contender Kimberlite Candy in Warwick’s Classic Handicap Chase two months ago.

Looks Like Murt has sound prospects, back up in trip for the very competitive 1834 Novices’ Handicap Chase, if he can avoid the mishaps which have hindered his potential so far in a nonetheless highly promising campaign.

At Kempton, McFabulous is the pick in the European Breeders Fund Paddy Power “National Hunt’’ EBF Novices’ Handicap Hurdle.

A Grade Two bumper winner last year, McFabulous suffered defeats on his first two hurdles outings before regaining the winning thread in a qualifier for this race at Market Rasen last month.

He came home nearly four lengths clear in conditions that admittedly played to his strengths, but McFabulous looked good value for the margin and can kick on again back up to Grade Three level.