Henry Daly, who enjoyed his first Cheltenham Festival success with Relaxation in Wednesday's National Hunt Chase, can strike again with Edmond in the Marstons Pedigree Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter today.
This tough eight-year-old is a much improved jumper this season and was impressive when winning handicaps at Chepstow on his first three starts.
His most notable success came when he made all the running to beat Forest Ivory by 10 lengths in the Coral Welsh National in December. He jumped brilliantly that day under an aggressive ride from Richard Johnson.
Last time at today's venue Edmond progressed again when finishing a three-and-a-half-length second to Young Kenny after responding gamely to pressure.
Clearly still on the upgrade Ed- mond looks too good for his rivals in this marathon test when he will have most to fear from Scotton Green and Ackzo, first and second respectively in the Tote Northern National at Newcastle last month.
Venetia Williams was another to open her account at the Festival when Samakaan landed the Grand Annual Chase on Thursday and the Ross-On-Wye trainer can continue her good run with Royale De Vassy in the European Breeders Fund Tattersalls (Ireland) Mares' Novices' Chase (Final).
The six-year-old was a trifle unlucky last time as she fell two out when holding a clear advantage in the race won by In The Rough. Royale De Vassy raced with enthusiasm that day and this ex-French mare can make the most of her lenient handicap mark to land tomorrow's handicap.
Paris Pike appeals as the best bet of the day in the Tote Placepot Novices' Handicap Chase.
Ferdy Murphy's eight-year-old has the makings of a smart handicapper and showed useful form at Kelso on his most recent outing when he put in a superb round of jumping to beat Sparky Gayle by eight lengths.
The rapidly-improving Zanay can complete his three-timer for the year in the £55,000 Bet Direct Winter Derby at Lingfield.
Strong Promise is on course for a crack at the Martell Cup at Aintree following his brave effort to take third place in Thursday's Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup.
His trainer Chris Kinane said yesterday: 'It was a great run and he has come out of the race very well. He travelled home well and ate up last night.'
Kinane went on: 'He has had precious little racing really and we will press on with him, Punchestown and all those types of places will come on the agenda - the Heineken Gold Cup would be a race for him over in Ireland.'
