SATURDAY

AINTREE

1:20 H’Cap Hurdle

BOLD ENDEAVOUR (JAMES BOWEN)

He ran very well in the Pertemps at Cheltenham after coming down to a competitive rating and he appears to have come out of it in good shape. 

He hasn’t won for a while, but is Mr Consistent and competes off the same mark as last time, so hopefully with a bit of luck he can finish on the premises.

JERIKO DU REPONET (NICO DE BOINVILLE)

We are switching back to hurdles, because I’m not sure he entirely loved jumping fences, and Nico popped him over a few earlier in the week and he really came to life.

He’s always been a very good horse, this is his trip and the last time he ran over hurdles was when winning at Punchestown last year which provides proof his best form seems to come in the spring.

3:05 G1 Liverpool Hurdle

DODDIETHEGREAT (SAM TWISTON-DAVIES)

As everybody knows, all of the prize money he earns goes directly to the Doddie Weir Foundation and he has managed to collect plenty for an extremely worthy cause. 

He didn’t enjoy the Stayers’ Hurdle last time but we’re reverting to the cheek pieces rather than the blinkers he wore at Cheltenham and it would be fantastic if he add to his already generous bank account!

IMPOSE TOI (NICO DE BOINVILLE)

I’m not sure what happened at Cheltenham last time but he never really seemed to be travelling and, after making a mistake three out, Nico did the right thing and pulled him up.

He is much better than that, however, and I’m putting it down to an off day because he appeared to be in good spirits at home, although he is quite difficult to gage because he never ever shows anything on the gallops. 

His record at Aintree is good and if he can bounce back, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him go close. 

JINGKO BLUE (JAMES BOWEN)

There aren’t many horses who get an easy lead in a 25 runner Handicap, but he did, under an excellent ride by James in the BetMGM Cup, and is clearly an improving person.

He was entered in various races over various distances this weekend, but his new mark automatically brings him into this and I’m looking forward to seeing how far up the ladder he can go over this trip. Who knows, he could end up a Stayers’ type next season.

CHEPSTOW 

12:35

PLANTERS PUNCH (MR DANIEL WILLIAMS)

He carries a penalty but that is offset by Dan’s 7lbs claim and this looks another good opportunity for him before going on his summer holidays.