The second day of the National meeting begins with an impossible looking 12-runner handicap hurdle. Knight’s Parade is interesting near the foot of the weights but Some Buckle (1.45) looked ready for a return to this trip in the Imperial Cup last time and today’s better ground should suit this son of Milan who is going to make a decent novice chaser next term. He can reward each way support (12/1 at BetVictor) and I can also pass on a good word for Pearl Swan blinkered for the first time for champion trainer Paul Nicholls.
The Grade 2 Novices’ Hurdle has been won by the favourite for the last three seasons and BetVictor’s 5/2 favourite Glingerburn (2.15) has been a revelation for Nicky Richards over hurdles winning all four runs including in Grade 12 company at Kelso last time. Nicky Henderson has won this event four times in the last five years and his Cardinal Walter is a 90-rated flat animal who has taken well to timber and will appreciate the forecast good ground; he can reverse February Newbury form with Qewy.
The Grade 1 Novices’ Chase is a cracker but Saphir Du Rheu (2.50) is a confident selection for Paul Nicholls switching his attentions back to fences having finished runner up in the World Hurdle last time. The selection has failed to complete in two of his three previous starts over the larger obstacles but today’s better ground should suit and he is the best horse in the race.
Willie Mullins saddled the winner of the Melling Chase 12 months ago with Boston Bob but this is a much stronger race and a chance is taken on Al Ferof (3.25) who ran an excellent race when third in the King George when last on the track over Xmas but missed Cheltenham with a minor niggle. Paul Nicholls looks sure to have him spot on this afternoon and he can reward each way support at 11/2 with BetVictor.
My two against the field in the Topham are Montoyas Son (33/1) and Ruben Cotter (10s) and the suggestion is to split stakes between the pair. The former has won his last five starts for Keith Dalgleish whilst I was very taken with the latter when scoring at Kempton last time. Note BetVictor are paying five places on the race.
The Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle can throw up a few shocks but Minella Rocco (4.40) could be anything having won both hurdle starts to date in the manner of a very exciting prospect. A winning point-to-pointer he will jump a fence in time but he can take this for his leading connections.
Our Kaempfer was very impressive at Kempton last time but the runner up hardly franked the form despite winning at Taunton last time but at 16/1 he might be a shade overpriced for Charlie Longsdon.
In the Bumper Persian Delight (5.15) looked useful when winning at Taunton on soft ground back in February but his half-brother Royal Shakespeare went well on good ground and he is entitled to improve again with that experience under his belt.
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