The Road to Cheltenham targets three races with his Day 2 selections, including a split stakes approach to the Topham.
13:45 Friday
There are four Grade 1 contests on the card for Day 2 of the Grand National Festival at Aintree, starting with the Mildmay Novices’ Chase - the Road to Cheltenham has a bet in the opener and three others including a split stakes approach to the Topham.
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Aintree Day 2 Tips
I’m willing to give DANCING CITY the benefit of doubt after his disappointing run at Cheltenham last month – I thought he was going reasonably well before a mistake at the third fence from home and Danny Mullins took care of him once he dropped out of contention.
Prior to the Festival, Dancing City was unbeaten in two chase starts and it would seem plenty have forgotten that he won three Grade 1s over hurdles. He has the services of Paul Townend and 11/2 (in from 7/1 this morning) could still turn out to be a ridiculous price if he brings his A-game to Aintree on Friday.
He was a convincing winner around Aintree at this meeting last year and he should be able to give a decent account of himself – all being well.
16:05 Friday
JAMES DU BERLAIS traded very short in-running in last year’s Topham and he can go one better this time around. He ran off a mark of 151 that day and returns off a 1lb higher mark than last year, which should give him a fantastic chance of claiming victory in Friday’s feature.
Paul Townend has chosen to ride stablemate Blue Lord – which could be a tip in itself – but I’m happy to give James Du Berlais a chance at redemption. At a bigger price, I like GLENGOULY to give each way punters a run for their money after running well for a long way in last year’s race.
So instead of going with just one Topham horse, I’m going to split my stake and have a stab at both.
16:40 Friday
It doesn’t look like the strongest renewal of this race and I’m going to take a chance on MISTER MEGGIT for Jonjo & AJ O’Neill. Regarded as one of the most talented horses in the yard, things haven’t gone right for him this season but he’s back and connections have decided to throw him in the deep end on his return.
He looked like a potential superstar when winning on hurdles debut in November and I am fascinated to see how he gets on in this race. The step up to three miles is likely to bring out further improvement and I can see him being a popular selection for each way punters on Friday.
Nicky Henderson is sweet on Califet En Vol but I’m siding with Mister Meggit to give his connections another Grade 1 success.
