STARFORM’S TELLY RACES VERDICT
Best bets for today’s TV action from our experts
WHISKEYWEALTH (4.40) can fill punters’ pockets in the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase at Aintree today.
The market is headed by the first, third and sixth from the Grand Annual but Unexpected Party, Saint Roi and Path D’oroux all had a tough race at the Festival.
So a chance is taken on Whiskeywealth
– who arrives fresh and bang in form – to give Cork trainer Terence O’Brien (above) a day to remember.
The raider has been whacked with a hefty rise for his Gowran Listed win last time but is improving in chunks at the moment and loves deep ground. All eyes will be on Sir Gino in the Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle but preference is for the ultra reliable KARGESE (2.20). You would have called her the winner two out in the Triumph last time but she was just outstayed by her talented stablemate Majborough. She gets 7lb from Sir Gino and this flatter track will also help her cause.
If Sir Gino fails to bring a much needed smile to Nicky Henderson’s face, SHISHKIN (2.55) could oblige in the William Hill Bowl Chase.
Last year’s winner has had a nightmare season but he looked the likely winner when unseating in the King George and enjoyed his sole high point when winning the Denman Chase last time.
Despite his quirks, he’s a class act and will benefit from being fresh, unlike all of his serious rivals.
BOB OLINGER (3.30) is going to be hard to beat back over his ideal trip in the William Hill Aintree Hurdle, while TIME LEADER (4.05) is the pick in the Randox Foxhunter Chase.
He ran a cracker in the Cheltenham equivalent, leading at the last before making a mistake and fading for third. Today’s drop back in trip could see him go two better.