The Neighsayers - Friday at Aintree


Following on from Zenta and Famous Clermont winning on Thursday, @lukeblack85 is back with 2 selections on Friday, hoping to follow suit.

2:20 William Hill Handicap Hurdle - (Premier Handicap)

The 2:20 is an ultra competitive handicap with various strands of Cheltenham form being represented. Camprond (13/2) could have won the Coral Cup on another day and rightfully takes his place at the head of the market despite a 5lb rise. On this occasion he had the second favourite for this race Captain Conby (8/1) and fellow re-opposer Good Risk at All (14/1) well beaten in 6th and 7th respectively. Dargiannini (10/1) has progressed nicely to win 2 handicaps at Uttoxeter and Newbury in impressive fashion and will look to provide Harry Derham with a breakthrough winner in his fledgling training career. 

The Martin Pipe 2nd and 3rd represent that particular form-line in the shape of No Ordinary Joe (10/1) and Buddy One (10/1), both unexposed types who connections will hope should have more to offer. However my selection represents a different line of Festival form. Fennor Cross (8/1) was thrown into the deep end when taking in the Supreme Novices Hurdle and despite being the first one off the bit, nearly falling and almost detached following that mistake, he actually stuck on well to run a race full of promise despite being beaten 22 lengths. He has been given a mark of 133 for his handicap debut and with Ben Harvey taking a further 5 of his back I think he will be bang there come the finish. This horse has bundles of natural ability as demonstrated when winning a Grade 2 at Cheltenham in November with the very useful Springwell Boy (now rated 140) and next time out novice winner Iberico lord in behind. He is lightly raced over obstacles and looks weighted to make an impact on just his 4th start in the hurdling sphere.

Selection - Fennor Cross 8/1 EW

4:05 Randox Supports Race Against Dementia Topham Handicap Chase - (Premier Handicap)

An intriguing renewal of the Topham this year with numerous horses with past winning experience over the famous National fences heading the market. Ashtown Lad (13/2 Fav) won the Becher Chase over 3m 2f in December when displaying stamina in abundance to assert over Geskille (7/1) in his second of two near misses over the National Fences this season. He was previously beaten by Al Dancer (17/2) who has been put away for this race since that aforementioned victory in November. Final Orders (9/1) was taken off his feet in the Grand Annual before running on well at the finish, he looks ready for this step up in trip on his first try over Aintree’s iconic obstacles. Haut En Coleurs (11/1) has shown classy graded form this season before being beaten over 5 lengths at the Festival off this same mark while the prolific Equus Dancer looks to add to his yards 5 wins in the race, it would be disappointing if he was good enough here however despite the weight he receives from the market principles. 

Il Ridoto (12/1) has been a staple of these mid range handicap chases this season and could make a bold showing if taking to the fences on his first attempt. At a bigger price Ciel De Niege (25/1) has the ability to outrun his odds despite failing to strike a blow in handicaps thus far. His stablemate in the legendary Ricci silks looks the winner for me however. Burrows Saint (12/1) ran a screamer in the National itself when not getting home two years ago eventually finishing in 4th. His form in the meanwhile has been much of a muchness with a good effort behind 2 time Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo at Tramore in January of last year being greatly overshadowed by a near 50 length defeat in his prep for last years National which was followed by an unseat in the race itself proceeding a 78 length drubbing in France’s showpiece steeplechase at Auteuil. Despite still being beaten over 6 lengths he showed much more zest when 3rd behind leading National contender Longhouse Poet after 10 months off the track last time out. He looks tailor made for this race and if he retains some of his unquestionable ability may be able to replicate the tactics which saw Livelovelaugh dominate this contest for the same connections 2 years prior. Over a trip we know he’s sure to see out strongly a positive ride could make this fella hard to catch and he’d be my pick in a competitive heat.

Selection- Burrows Saint 12/1 EW

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