Caldwell Potter’s first off
JP’S HAND LOOKS STRONG IN NATIONAL
CALDWELL Potter, who in February became the most expensive National Hunt horse sold at public auction after fetching €740,000, makes his eagerlyanticipated debut for Paul Nicholls in the Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree today.
The six-year-old impressed in Grade One company at Leopardstown over Christmas.
Former trainer Gordon Elliott did his best to keep hold of the grey, but Caldwell Potter was eventually knocked down to bloodstock agent Anthony Bromley, for an ownership group that includes Alex Ferguson, John Hales, Ged Mason and Peter Done.
Rivals
Chief among Caldwell Potter’s rivals is a former stablemate in Brighterdaysahead.
The five-year-old was considered by some as one of the bankers of the week in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, but had to make do with the silver medal behind Jeremy Scott’s Golden Ace.
Elliott is adamant he was not seen to best effect there.
“The longer trip is going to suit her well and hopefully she can get back on track.”
The Cullentra handler also runs Staffordshire Knot, sold at the same dispersal sale for €510,000 but still in his care after being bought by Gigginstown.
Willie Mullins saddles Jimmy Du Seuil and Ile Atlantique, second and third respectively behind Ballyburn in the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Mahon’s Way (Henry de Bromhead), Esprit Du Potier (Lucinda Russell), Bugise Seagull (Charlie Longsdon) and Josh The Boss (Nigel Twiston-Davies) complete the field.
GAVIN Cromwell is looking to make history this afternoon when LIMERICK LACE (4.00) bids to become the first mare to win the Grand National since Nickel Coin in 1951.
She’s very talented and she’s tough — two qualities essential when running in the famous old race.
The seven-year-old won the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham, beating the well-fancied Dinoblue, and her 10-length win at Doncaster over Christmas was very impressive.
Stamina is the big question mark over her, with those two wins coming over 2m4f, but she ran a blinder in the Troytown over three miles and she has the pedigree to stay.
Gold
Mark Walsh had the choice of the two fancied JP McManus horses in Limerick Lace and I Am Maximus and I certainly wouldn’t rule out the Willie Mullins-trained star.
I Am Maximus will have champion jockey and Gold Cup hero Paul Townend in the plate and the eight-year-old ticks a lot of boxes.
Last year he won the Irish National at Fairyhouse, staying on well under pressure and this season he’s won the Drinmore and Bobbyjo Chases.
He will jump and stay for fun and will be bang there at the business end of things if he gets a clear run.
I Am Maximus has some engine, he can win over long and shorter distances without trouble.
He does have a tendency to jump to his left and can be a little slow at his jumps, but he jumps well and you need that in the National.
Ground
The ground was always my big concern for him in this race — I thought it would be (right) too quick for him, but the slower conditions play to his strengths.
And ground is going to be key today. Some horses will handle it, some horses won’t and the jockeys will know early enough if their horse is not enjoying it or not.
The race is four miles and if there are any stamina issues they will show up at the jumps.
Horses will go slower on the softer ground and often over-exaggerate a jump on soft or heavy ground because they are nearly trying too hard.
Whereas on fast ground, they go quicker and lower.
On soft ground they have more time to look at the fence and jump higher. Some horses will be better than others.
Delta Work has no issues with soft ground or long distances or jumping and he’s really bouncing at the moment for Gordon Elliott.
Gauge
He missed his engagement at Cheltenham, so it’s hard to gauge his track form, but Gordon is raving about him and he’s been around there before.
He’s lacking a run, but he’s tough as teak and conditions will suit him down to the ground. And he’s fresh.
Panda Boy is a very good
STAR OF THE SHOW: Limerick Lace and Keith Donoghue after winning the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham handicapper in there off a light weight and he looks very dangerous.
He was second in the big Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas — staying on well.
The eight-year-old followed that up with a close home fourth place in a lucrative handicap at the Dublin Racing Festival and he will be spot on for today’s assignment.
Martin Brassil knows how to prepare horses for the big day and none bigger than when Numbersixvalverde won the National for him in 2006.
Panda Boy is definitely one to side with for each-way backers with the light weight.