The Irish horse racing broadcaster provides seven selection for Friday's action at the Grand National Festival.
13:45
A tricky start for punters, with Handstands understandably well fancied after his defeat of subsequent Arkle winner Jango Baie at Sandown in February. I marginally prefer the claims of CALDWELL POTTER 3/1 , who jumped for fun when landing the novice handicap chase at the Cheltenham festival and could be hard to catch if getting into a similar rhythm around here.
14:20
Fiercely competitive but I like a couple against the field, starting with the novice WADE OUT 15/2 . The six year-old enjoyed a confidence-boosting victory at Wetherby on his latest start and appeals as potentially well handicapped on a mark of 128, though he has been well found in the market. At a much bigger price, I can’t let WESTERN WALK 16/1 go unbacked following a promising seasonal debut at Naas. This lightly-raced eight year-old boasts some smart handicap form and appears to have been underestimated here.
14:55
ROMEO COOLIO 7/4 didn’t do much wrong when third in the Supreme Novices Hurdle and this looks a great opportunity to return to winning ways, albeit he is a short price.
15:30
A disappointing turnout and JONBON 4/6 really ought to make amends for his defeat in the Champion Chase by repeating last year’s victory unless old rival El Fabiolo can leave his latest Navan effort a long way behind him.
16:05
I wonder could GENTLEMAN DE MEE 25/1 be worth chancing here? It’s not that long ago Willie Mullins’ gelding was runner-up in a Champion Chase and if his stamina holds up here he could prove very well handicapped. It’s been a quiet campaign but there were definite signs of life on his latest outing at Navan.
16:40
The long-absent Mister Meggit is a fascinating contender but CALIFET EN VOL 4/1 may be the percentage call. A Listed scorer at Huntingdon when last seen, he promises to be well suited by the step up to three miles.
17:15
HAMSIYANN 11/2 proved a bitter disappointment on his last start but deserves another chance. That Musselburgh defeat in a Pertemps qualifier was too bad to be true and Tony Martin’s charge had previously looked one to keep on the right side of when scoring at Cheltenham in November.
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