Nicky Henderson: “I can see him running a big race”

AINTREE

5:15 RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL

MISTER COFFEY (Nico De Boinville)

He is the most handsome person and has ‘Grand National’ written all over him because he has the size and scope for these big fences and jumps and stays very well, and this race has been the plan from the outset this season. He’s a very consistent horse and is much happier with plenty of cut so the ground at Aintree will suit and he has valuable experience over the fences having contested the Topham (where he lost a front shoe) last year. There are 39 other runners to contend with so it would be foolish for me to be over confident, we can only be hopeful, but he’s in good form at home and if he can get over the first four, find a comfortable rhythm and enjoy himself, I can see him running a big race, but it’s the Grand National and as we all know, my record in it is not one to dwell on!

Unibet are paying SIX PLACES in the Grand National!

1:45 G1 Maghull Novices’ Chase

Jonbon (Aidan Coleman)

He lost his unbeaten record over fences in the Arkle last time yet still put up a bold performance and the extra week after Cheltenham has given us plenty of time to freshen him up. I’m sure he’ll be stepping up in trip sooner rather than later but this looks a good opportunity for the time being and I’ve been very happy with him at Seven Barrows. He has a very obvious chance, especially if Banbridge comes out!

Unibet are BOOSTING the price of the favourite in this race!

2:25 Handicap Hurdle

Mill Green (Nico De Boinville)

He really is the most wonderful horse and tries his heart out, as his excellent effort when third in the Pertemps last time will testify. He was third in this race last year off a 1lb higher mark and is very lightly raced this term so comes here relatively fresh. The ground isn’t an issue at all and he represents great each way value at the very least.

Unibet are paying an EXTRA PLACE on this race!

3:35 G1 Liverpool Hurdle

Champ (Jonjo O’Neill Jnr)

The plan was always to skip Cheltenham and come straight here because he does tend to run his best races when fresh and he was placed in this last year having run at the Festival prior. He has been a real stalwart of Seven Barrows and everyone absolutely adores him so let’s hope he can put up a good show. I can’t see any reason why he won’t.

Marie’s Rock (Nico De Boinville)

She was perhaps a little disappointing in the Mares’ Hurdle and we were very much in two minds whether to run in the Stayers’ over three miles but this race has always been the plan and I’m very much looking forward to seeing how good she can be over this trip. She gets a very handy mares weight allowance and I think she comes into this with a serious chance.

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