AINTREE – FRIDAY

2:20 Handicap Hurdle

No Ordinary Joe (Nico De Boinville)

He’s barely put a foot wrong in his whole career and is developing into a very smart performer as his gutsy victory at Kempton over Christmas and gallant defeat at Cheltenham last time will testify, so he comes into this at the top of his game and his record at this trip is excellent. The ground won’t be an issue and he’s a sharp horse so this flatter track will suit. I’ve been very happy with him since the Festival and he has to be taken quite seriously.

Unibet are paying an EXTRA PLACE in this race!

2:55 G1 Top Novices’ Hurdle

Luccia (Nico De Boinville)

Unfortunately she lost her unbeaten record in the Mares’ Novice last time but wasn’t beaten all that far and looked in with a chance jumping the last but just got tired up the hill. Under the circumstances I was still pleased with the run because she hadn’t had an ideal preparation coming into it after having a few small issues, but the lead up to Aintree has been completely different and she really is in great shape. She receives 7lbs from her male counterparts and I like her a lot.

Unibet are paying MONEY BACK AS CASH if your pick finishes 2nd or 3rd in this  race!

4:05 Topham Chase

Fantastic Lady (Nico De Boinville)

It all ended very quickly in this race last year when she and James Bowen parted company at the first, which was very unfortunate because she is actually a very good jumper; in fact that is her main asset, but these things happen. We were going to run her a couple of weeks ago but I said to her owners if we want to take this race seriously we should save her and come here nice and fresh. She’s schooled well over the National-style fences in Lambourn and this trip is ideal. It’s the Topham so one can only be hopeful rather than confident but she’s a decent mare and I’d like to think she won’t disgrace herself.