GO on Davy – show us that unbelievable talent once again as we all relish day two of the Aintree Grand National meeting live on ITV Racing.
I’m talking, of course, about the mighty Grand National-winning jockey Davy Russell, who having come out of retirement had a horrible Cheltenham.
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But this afternoon has a real chance to shine in the opening Grade 1 Air Charter Services Mildmay Novices’ Chase over three miles and a furlong.
Russell is on top GERRI COLOMBE (1.45), who I felt should have won the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham but was touched off by The Real Whacker.
Russell takes over from Jordon Gainford this afternoon and this could be a huge win for the rider who left the Festival in bits.
Gordon Elliott is the trainer and I expect Gerri to be too good. Go Davy!
In the big handicap hurdle, I’m hoping that DARGIANNINI is improving fast for Harry Derham.
He stays this trip well, looked good at Newbury last time and at Uttoxeter the time before, and while up to a mark of 138 now could still be ahead of the handicapper.
Paul O’Brien has the ride and he is a rock-solid each-way shout.
Back to Grade 1 company for the Poundland Top Novices’ Hurdle over an extended two miles. TAHMURAS (2.55) was terrible at Cheltenham but I’m happy to give him another chance here for the champion Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden.
The Tolworth hero looked really useful at Sandown and Nicholls would not have him out again this term if he wasn’t happy he could put the Festival flop behind him.
He will be an each-way price as well, so I just favour him over Luccia, who is a big danger on this track.
For most, the feature today is the Grade 1 Marsh Chase (better known as the Melling) over two and a half miles.
I’m not sure it’s a vintage renewal for all Fakir D’Oudairies, Pic D’Orhy and Hitman are admiral performers at their best.
I’ll risk FUGITIF (3.30) in the hope he goes on the run from this lot for Sean Bowen and trainer Richard Hobson.
Rated 153, he’s in the mix and his efforts in the Paddy Power (which was an excellent race) and Magners Plate have been pretty good. He stays well and could surprise a few people.
We go back over the National fences for the Topham Handicap Chase over two miles and five furlongs – and it is wide open.
BURROWS SAINT (4.05) is interesting for Willie Mullins and his son Patrick.
The old boy was once fourth in a Grand National where the trip just found him out in the closing stages.
He ran pretty well behind Longhouse Poet at Down Royal last time and should have an each-way chance.
Then there is another Grade 1 in the Winners Wear Cavani Sefton Novices’ Hurdle over an extended three miles.
I love GREY DAWNING (4.40) who is going to be a lovely chaser one day. Trained by Dan and ridden by Harry Skelton, he kept on well over slightly shorter to score in a Grade 2 at Warwick last time.
I think this longer distance will be no issue. Is he good enough? Time will tell, but he’s talented and worth a try each-way.
The card ends with a handicap hurdle over an extended two miles. Not an easy closer!
GAOTH CHUIL (5.15) might still be well-handicapped despite being 15lb higher here than when scoring at Leopardstown last time.
His previous ninth at the same track was also a decent effort and I expect a huge run for Ted Walsh and Shane O’Callaghan who takes off a useful 7lb. Have a few quid on each-way.
It will be a cracking day of racing once again. Good luck! Yeeehaaa!
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