Friday is another big one on ITV Racing with a further five races on the main channel on the eve of the Grand National. As always, no hanging about here and let’s get straight to it.
The first race that ITV cover is the 2.20pm, a Grade 1 novices’ hurdle over an extended 2m. ARAMON was far from disgraced in the Supreme behind Klassical Dream and this tight track will be right up his street. He’s already a Grade 1 winner and will take some stopping for Willie Mullins.
Next up is the 2.50pm, a Grade 1 novices’ chase over nearly 3m 1f. LOSTINTRANSLATION was picked up by Defi du Seuill in the JLT at Cheltenham, but his mixture of speed and stamina will make him hard to peg back for RSA hero Topofthegame. I fancy Colin Tizzard’s runner big-time.
The 3.25pm is the Grade 1 JLT Chase over nearly 2m4f. POLITOLGUE, trained by Paul Nicholls, was well in front of Min at Cheltenham in the Champion Chase and he’s often even better him, landing this event last year. Waiting Patiently will have to be right back to his best to peg him back, although the latter was in front of my hope at Ascot two runs ago.
Over the National fences at 4.05pm with the Topham Handicap Chase over an extended 2m 5f. ADRIEN DU PONT is a classy horse who is right at the top of his game at the moment. He ran over 3m last time at Kempton, but this trip is ideal and he could be another for Nicholls.
And finally on ITV the 4.40pm, a Grade 1 novices’ hurdle over an extended 3m. CHAMP did little wrong at Cheltenham in second behind City Island in the Ballymore, and although up in trip here the tight track should negate the difference. Clearly a high class performer for Nicky Henderson.So best of luck everyone and pray for Yeeehaaas. You betcha!
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