One For Arthur Primed for Another Aintree Win
Our focus today is on the Becher Chase (1.30) over those famous fences at Aintree and ONE FOR ARTHUR returns to the scene of his finest hour.
That came with that superb Grand National triumph back in 2017, and while he had to miss the 2018 renewal, he was back for this year's edition of the Liverpool spectacular
where he came from well off the pace to finish sixth. He ran well on his seasonal debut at his local track Kelso when fourth to Mysteree and he is 7 lbs. better off now with
the Eider Chase winner.
Lucinda Russell's pride and joy will love the trip, the familiar National fences and the soft ground so he ticks a lot of boxes. His jumping should keep him in contention and it
will suit if they go a good clip up front as he can then reel in the leaders coming to the elbow.
Brian Ellison's Definitely Red has competed in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and whatever about his prospects there, he is very much at home on this track and he is clearly in the mix.
Sharp Irish amateur Jamie Codd is a very interesting booking for Le Brueil on whom of course he won the four miler at Cheltenham. However Ben Pauling's charge was pulled up on his seasonal debut
- admittedly in a hot contest over hurdles at Wetherby - but the stable just doesn't seem to be firing on all cylinders right now.
Richard Johnson rode Gordon Elliott's first winner back in the day and it's fair to say neither of them have done too badly since. They combine on Alpha Des Obeaux who has a tough
job at the weights and this is probably a scouting mission for the big race itself next April. Ground and trip suit though so he won't be just making up the numbers either. While Wandrin Star
was probably lucky White Moon fell at Wincanton last time out it was still a welcome - and badly needed - return to form, while Ballyoptic, even with joint top weight, looks way over priced.
A case can probably be made for them all but One For Arthur will do for me.
Aintree - 1:30
1/2 Point EACH WAY One For Arthur (8/1 Betvictor, look for bookies paying 5 places)
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