Verdict

MANY CLOUDS continues his quest to become the first Grand National winner since 2003 to win another chase. Last year's Aintree hero is a cut above these and has already shown he retains all his ability when finishing second to Don Poli back at Aintree before finding only Smad Place too good at Cheltenham last time. Unioniste and Perfect Candidate arrive on the back of cosy wins at this course and Cheltenham respectively with the former preferred on his defeat of Neptune Equester. Maggio won this in 2014 isn’t getting any younger while Carrigdhoun has it all to do on these terms.

Formwatch

Many Clouds (IRE) 6-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders on inside, went 2nd 14th, led narrowly 2 out (usual 3 out), headed approaching last (usual 2 out), soon ridden, kept on same pace, no chance with winner in clear 2nd approaching omitted last, 2nd of 8, 12l behind Smad Place (11-6) at Cheltenham 3m 1f (1) hvy in Jan.

Unioniste (FR) 10-11fav (11-2) In rear, tracked leader before 3rd, led 5th, headed 2 out, ridden to lead before last, kept on well, won at Kelso 3m 2f (2) hvy in Feb beating Neptune Equester (10-12) by 9l, 4 ran.

Perfect Candidate (IRE) 4-1 (11-7) Held up on outside, headway 12th, went 2nd after 16th, left in lead next, pressed from 2 out until last, drew clear flat, stayed on strongly, won at Cheltenham 3m 2f hcp (2) hvy in Jan beating Beg To Differ (11-6) by 8l, 8 ran.

Carrigdhoun (IRE) 9-4 (11-12) Led, headed 2 out, no extra, 2nd of 5, 20l behind Rocking Blues (11-7) at Kelso 2m 7f hcp (3) hvy in Feb.

Maggio (FR) 12-1 (11-4) Chased leader in 2nd, slight mistake 9th, under pressure 3 out, soon no impression in 3rd, not fluent last, dropped to rear close home, 5th of 6, 16 3/4l behind Sir Des Champs (11-0) at Thurles 2m 6f lst (1) sft in Nov.