Racecards
15:05 Aintree
Betfair.Com Handicap Chase (Class D)
- 5 Runners
- Distance: 2m
- Going: Good to Soft, Good in places
- Form 1B4403
- Age 9
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer Ferdy Murphy
- Jockey D N Russell
chased leaders, led 2nd at 7th, led 2 out, all out
- Form 2-3F152
- Age 10
- Weight 11-11
- Trainer Mrs S Bradburne
- Jockey M Bradburne
led, headed 4th, led again 6th, ridden approaching 3 out, headed 2 out, weakened flat
- Form 12254P
- Age 12
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer P Monteith
- Jockey A Dobbin
held up, ridden to go 2nd last, stayed on under pressure flat
Spokesman
245- Form 0/0F240-
- Age 9
- Weight 10-10
- Trainer J & A O'Neill
- Jockey L Cooper
held up, hit 8th, not fluent 3 out, soon ridden, weakened flat
- Form 211-000
- Age 11
- Weight 10-8
- Trainer Dr P Pritchard
- Jockey Paul Moloney
jumped right, chased leader, led 4th, headed 6th, blundered 8th, weakened quickly after, behind when pulled up before 3 out
In depth
Verdict
Spokesman can land this ahead of Chergan and Ichi Beau. Jonjo O'Neill's nine-year-old lacks a recent run but, having won on the Flat, in a bumper and over hurdles, will be looking to gain the full set on his chasing bow. The best of his chasing form rated him in the low 100s and, running off 105 here, has to be considered. Ichi Beau is a course and distance winner, that success coming from a rating of 96. Much as he's now rated 124, he has won from 134 so, all in all, has to be on the shortlist. Chergan has been running well this year, winning at Kelso from a mark of 116 (now rated 120) and, back at two miles, should give his usual good account. Caitriona's Choice is back to near a winning mark achieved at Perth in May, so cannot be ruled out on that basis, but Damien's Choice is likely to be a big price. Overall, though, we give the nod to Spokesman.