Present Man certainly can

Frost’s charge should not be hampered by weight rise

There are several previous winners over the Grand National fences in action at Aintree today as the Randox Health Becher Chase takes centre stage.

Blaklion, Vieux Lion Rouge, Highland Lodge and Ultragold have all scaled the heights, but if Bryony Frost can get PRESENT MAN into the same rhythm as she does at Wincanton, they could be hard to beat.

The 7lb rise for winning the Badger Ales Trophy may anchor him, but on this course more than any other, jumping is key and Frost is one of the best in the business at getting them to do that.

There is a slight concern about him going left-handed because the last time he did he jumped markedly out to his left, but hopefully the uniqueness of the fences will keep him straight.

Grand National winner One for Arthur returns in the Rewards4Racing Many Clouds Chase but faces a stiff task after a long lay-off up against DEFINITLY RED.

ZERACHIEL is worth noting in Kelso’s Persimmon Homes Scottish Borders National Handicap Chase tomorrow.

In-form Ian Williams has been meticulous in choosing his venue for the eight-year-old’s seasonal debut – and on the evidence of Zerachiel’s previous campaign, this extreme trip and good-to-soft ground should be right up his street.

Conditions are also sure to be the liking of DONNA’S DIAMOND in the Mrs Ivan Straker Paris Pike Novices’ Chase.

The high-class staying hurdler did little wrong on his return to chasing at Hexham, bumping into a winner who is very useful on his day, and he should have this field covered. SELECTIONS AINTREE: 11.55 Eldorado Allen, 12.25 Lord Bryan, 1.00 Midnight Shadow, 1.30 Present Man, 2.05 Definitly Red, 2.40 Giving Glances, 3.15 Captain Redbeard.

KELSO (Tomorrow): 12.00 Romeo Brown, 12.30 Donna’s Diamond, 1.05 Zerachiel, 1.35 Empire De Maulde, 2.10 Valleyofmilan, 2.40 Peters Cousin, 3.15 Border Victor.

DOUBLE: Present Man and Zerachiel.