Big fences, a significant Irish raiding party and the world's most famous race to round it all off. The Aintree festival gets under way today and never can it have been as wrong to dismiss it as three days riding on the back of one race. It's just too competitive for that, and if you are in any doubt, just look at this afternoon's card.
See More Business was all the rage in the run up to the Gold Cup, the professionals choice, the safe choice. Ultimately, though, the ground became too fast and he finished an admittedly gutsy fourth to Looks Like Trouble. Normally, the Martell Cup would be a logical consolation prize for the top-rated chaser but he might just miss out here too.
The bare Gold Cup form backs up that view. Strong Promise bounced back to form on the fast ground to again be placed in steeplechasing's greatest prize, and with Liverpool remarkably missing out on the inclement weather that has swept through Britain, the bare form evidence might just hold up.
See More Business was found to be suffering from sore shins after the Gold Cup, which hardly inspires confidence about a return to winning form. Throw that in with a field also comprising last year's winner, Macgeorge, and the surprise Gold Cup fifth, Lake Kariba, and See More Business is worth opposing.
Indeed it may be worth throwing a bleary eye on most of the Cheltenham evidence. That is a theory that has paid off in the past, when horses who have just had the edge taken off them by the festival have come here with apparently easy tasks. On that basis, why not check out the claims of Canta Ke Brave and High Stakes in the Glenlivet Hurdle. The fourth and fifth in the Triumph, Architect and Lord Brex, will have their supporters but High Stakes, for instance, will be fresh and has won in Britain already this season.
Christy Roche's horse beat Mixsterthetrixster at Cheltenham last November and that isn't bad form, but slight preference is for Canta Ke Brave, unbeaten over hurdles, a £100,000 purchase off the flat and sure to relish the ground quickening up.
On that same tack, it could also pay off to side with Docklands Limo in the opening novice hurdle, where Aldino and Afrostar represent Irish form.
Docklands Limo hadn't run since the summer of 1998 when reappearing at Utoxxeter this season and improved so much from that effort that he absolutely bolted in at Newbury 12 days ago. He is undeniably fresh and improving and is taken to beat the Martin Pipe runner, Roddock. The Irish had a total of six Aintree winners last year and Frozen Groom is likely to attract a lot of support in the Maghull Chase, based on how well he was going in the Arkle Trophy when falling in the lead at the the third last. He is also likely to be suited by this flatter track.
Both are relevant considerations, but in a race where there is little alternative to examining Cheltenham form, it's worth remembering the hype surrounding Decoupage's chance in the Arkle Trophy.
He was many professionals bet of the meeting, and at least at Liverpool there are no possible reasons for knocking his credentials about tackling a hill. In the Arkle itself, an early mistake seemed to knock most of the stuffing out of Decoupage and another one at the second last completed the job.
However, on good ground and a flat track, Decoupage is undeniably classy, and in this small field, his jumping should not come under to much pressure. Frozen Groom, a normally splendid jumper, looks the danger but Decoupage is preferred.
If there is to be an Irish winner today, it might just come in the first race over the big obstacles, the Foxhunters Chase.
Enda Bolger and Philip Fenton combined to win this contest with Elegant Lord last year, and while Spot Thedifference is a mere novice in comparison with that gallant old stager, he does have some reasonable form. It's particularly reasonable when you consider he really likes to hear his feet rattle. That consideration may just overcome his comparative inexperience and allow Bolger and Fenton another experience of the unique thrill of conquering the National fences.
Brian O'Connor
2.00 - Docklands Limo 2.35 - Strong Promise 3.10 - Decoupage (Nap) 3.45 - Spot Thedifference 4.20 - Canta Ke Brave 4.50 - King Of Sparta 5.20 - Globe Runner
Nap and Double
Decoupage and Canta Ke Brave
Course officials have changed the official going for the Grand National to good.
Jockey plans for the race were cleared up further yesterday with the news that Norman Williamson is to ride Mely Moss in the race.
Latest betting:
7-1 Bobbyjo, Star Traveller, 10-1 Micko's Dream, Young Kenny, 14-1 The Last Fling, Djeddah, Red Marauder, Kendal Cavalier, 16-1 Dark Stranger, Cavalero, 18-1 Earthmover, 25-1 Niki Dee, Lucky Town, Feels Like Gold, Mely Moss, 33-1 Bar. 99445373
