1.45 John Smith's Mersey Novices' Hurdle (2m4f) Grade 2
Impressive Neptune winner Simonsig heads the field and will take the world of beating. I have always held this horse in the highest regard since he bolted up in the Champion Point-to-Point Bumper at Fairyhouse last year. He hacked up at Ascot on his hurdling debut and then left a lasting impression when going down to Fingal Bay at Sandown. The way he travelled that day marked him out as a top class horse and he has done little to deter that impression since. This speedier track should suit him well because he has pace to burn and defeat is hard to envisage. He looks banker material.
2.15 John Smith's Maghull Novices' Chase (2m) Grade 1
If Simonsig faces an easy task in the first, then Sprinter Sacre has even less to beat in this. He has demolished everything put in his path since making the transition to fences and put to bend any lingering doubts in the Arkle at Cheltenham. All the opposition are decent horses in their own right but, baring accidents, defeat would be an almighty shock. His jumping has been exceptional from day one so the prospect of a mishap costing him victory would appear remote.
5pts Win Double Simonsig (4/9) and Sprinter Sacre (1/6) with Paddy Power
2.50 John Smith's Aintree Hurdle (2m4f) Grade 1
A superb renewal which will feature four horses with outstanding chances, plus the lively outsider Third Intention. Saphir River ran in the 2m4f Handicap today so I expect him to come out. Oscar Whisky won the race last season from Thousand Stars after they had both run well in 3rd and 4th in the Champion Hurdle. This season they come here after running 5th and 4th in the World Hurdle respectively. Both had hard races there and are obviously closely matched so their price discrepancy looks a little strange. Rock On Ruby and Zarkandar from the Nicholls yard represent the Champion Hurdle form this season. Rock On Ruby was a ready winner with Zarkandar a fast finishing 5th. Rock On Ruby flopped at Aintree last year and has tended to run his best races fresh. However, there is an extra week this year and he appeared to have a little left in the tank at Cheltenham. Zarkandar won the Betfair Hurdle when under a cloud and it is possible that it lefts it's mark in the Champion Hurdle. He is reported to be in better form now but it would be a concern that he has had two relatively hard races when below par. Third Intention won the National Spirit at Fontwell before finishing 8th in the Coral Cup and needs to find a good deal more to figure.
I find it very hard to fancy anything with any conviction. I think Oscar Whisky and Thousand Stars are more closely matched than the market would have you believe but both have hard races in the World Hurdle to overcome. Rock On Ruby flopped 12 months ago and might do so again, Zarkandar will appreciate the extra distance if he is over his Cheltenham and Newbury exertions but that is a question mark for me. I wouldn't be surprised to see any of the four win it and will watch it with interest.
3.25 John Smith's Handicap Chase (3m1f) Listed
The one horse that stands out in this is Chapoturgeon. He has been running in Hunter Chases for Richard Barber and acquitted himself really well in the Christies Foxhunters at the Cheltenham Festival. Many, myself included doubted his stamina for that test, but he saw out the trip well. Nevertheless, the drop to 3m on an easier track should suit and he is undoubtedly well handicapped on the best of his form. The fact that he has transferred back to Paul Nicholls with Ruby Walsh taking the ride is an indication that he is fancied to go well with important money for the trainers' title up for grabs.
2.5pts Win Chapoturgeon at 4/1 with Various (BOG)
4.15 John Smith's Grand National Chase (4m4f) Grade 3
See Grand National post - http://cuhrs.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/grand-national.html
5.05 John Smith's Handicap Hurdle (2m)
Kazlian has obvious claims having been ridden very forcefully in the Fred Winter at the Cheltenham Festival. He understandably weakened but still finished 4th. That did not go unnoticed and has been raised 6lbs for his efforts and looks short in the betting. Cases can be made for many but at the prices the one that appeals is another Pipe horse, Dream Esteem. He has won his last two and is up another 5lbs since triumphing at Newbury last time. Brendan Powell rides and takes of a valuable 5lbs and at 11/1 he has solid claims.
0.5pts EW Dream Esteem at 11/1 with Bet365 (BOG, 5p places)
5.35 John Smith's Champion Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (2m1f) Grade 2
I will be watching this for future clues but will not be betting.
Other Bets
Oscar Whisky in the Aintree Hurdle is Betfair's Banker tomorrow which means that your multiple stake is refunded if Oscar Whisky is the only horse to let you down. With Simonsig and Sprinter Sacre looking so strong it would be rude not to take advantage.
£100 Win Treble Simonsig, Sprinter Sacre, Oscar Whisky on Betfair
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