Autonomous Cloud on the horizon

AUTONOMOUS Cloud can put a disappointing run last time out behind him by claiming the Bet365 Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter today.

The eight-year-old had been building up a really progressive profile and went off favourite for the Welsh National at Chepstow over Christmas, where he unfortunately burst a blood vessel.

At least that means it is easy enough to forgive him and he has also had a wind operation since then.

His victory on this card last year in a novice chase reads well as he beat Iron Bridge and never came out of second gear when winning at Uttoxeter first time out this season. Testing ground is clearly no issue and he stays forever.

White Rhino can return to winning ways in the Bet365 Handicap Hurdle for Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero.

He just missed the cut for the Pertemps Final this week but this £100,000 alternative is not a bad substitute.

Paul Nicholls takes a useful 5lb off Below The Radar in the Bet365 “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle with Freddie Gingell and that can help offset his penalty.

Gavin Cromwell has made hay on his visits to the UK this season so his Evies Vladimir is of interest in the Bet365 Novices’ Handicap Chase.

Issar D’Airy is backed to complete his hat-trick in the Try Unibet’s New Acca Boosts Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase at Kempton.

The six-year-old is two from two since having his attentions switched to the larger obstacles, with both wins achieved at Newbury.

He was thoroughly impressive when scoring at the Berkshire track pre-Christmas, and while his follow up victory in

January was much harder work, with the winning margin only a short head, the runner-up I’d Like To Know has since bolted up at the same track.

Having been among the winners at the Cheltenham Festival, Dan and Harry Skelton can again successfully combine with Boombawn in the Read Nicky Henderson’s Exclusive Unibet Blog Handicap Hurdle.

The seven-year-old has not been seen in competitive action since scoring at Aintree last May, but he is a Listed winner at this track and a bold bid is anticipated.