Racecards
15:25 Aintree
Betfair.Com Best Odds Standard Open National Hunt Flat (Class H)
- 5 Runners
- Distance: 2m 1f
- Going: Soft, Good to Soft in places
Arctic Echo
50- Form 11
- Age 5
- Weight 12-0
- Trainer G A Swinbank
- Jockey D C Costello
held up in touch, ridden to lead over 3f out, headed over 1f out, soon weakened
Blue Buster
24- Form 6-1
- Age 4
- Weight 11-11
- Trainer M & D Easterby
- Jockey Mr T Greenall
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, went 2nd approaching final furlong, no chance with winner
Refinement (IRE)
248- Form 112-
- Age 5
- Weight 11-7
- Trainer J & A O'Neill
- Jockey Mr A J Berry
tracked leader, led over 1f out, ran on well
- Age 4
- Weight 11-4
- Trainer John Queally
- Jockey N D Fehily
led, headed over 3f out, soon ridden, weakened over 2f out
- Age 4
- Weight 10-11
- Trainer D McCain Jnr
- Jockey G Lee
held up in rear, pushed along and outpaced 6f out, never dangerous
In depth
Verdict
Blue Buster can see off Refinement and Arctic Hero. A decent race in prospect in spite of the soft going but Mick Easterby looks to have unearthed a useful tool and if he can improve from his Sedgefield victory, this could be a winning opportunity for Tom Greenall, who is the grandson of one of Aintree's directors. Refinement's second in the Festival bumper is much the best form and we have already seen how Total Enjoyment has added to the value of the form in Ireland. He is the one to beat if fit. Arctic Echo will need to be something special in order to try and concede two penalties. His two wins thus far have come at Hexham on fast ground. Twist And Turn is in receipt of all the allowances as a filly. There are sure to be plenty of winners here but Blue Buster is just fancied over Refinement on this occasion.