OUR POWER (2.40) can kick in the turbo for in-form Sam Thomas in the William Hill Grand Sefton Handicap Chase at Aintree.
The last four runners sent out by the trainer and 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey on chasing legend Denman have won.
My selection has been wonderfully consistent in quality handicaps at around three miles over the past couple of seasons.
But the drop down to 2m 5f, in a race where plenty like to go forward, could be a shrewd move by Cardiff-based Thomas.
It has surely been on his mind ever since Our Power jumped for fun in the 2023 Grand National but lacked the requisite stamina to remain in contention
Tom Lacey is likely to have thorough stayer THE LORD MAID (12.55) primed for the 3m ½f Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle.
Lightly-raced for her age, Mount Nelson’s daughter defeated Listed winner Lavida Adiva at Ayr’s Scottish Grand National meeting and could have the run of it off 6lb higher.
MAMBONUMBERFIVE (2.05) is fancied to make the most of an 8lb age allowance in the Introducing William Hill Half A Mill Handicap Chase
The recruit from France looks like a chaser but still had the raw ability to land the Grade Two Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton.
Trainer Ben Pauling does not usually switch horses to fences so early and the four-year-old goes to Liverpool with a good reputation.
At Wincanton, fourteen-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls sends THREEUNDERTHRUFIVE (3.30) to pursue a 12th Badger Beers Handicap Chase – in the 64th year of the same sponsorship – for team Ditcheat.
Much the best on ratings, the ten-year-old is back on his last winning mark of 152 and he has a solid record when fresh.
