Nico de Boinville: Top Notch put up a great performance when chasing home Yorkhill in the JLT, making him the clear form pick
I am off to Taunton on Thursday but I will be very busy at Aintree on the final two days – fingers crossed, I look to have a very strong book of rides on the Friday, in particular – and hopefully the guvnor will have a good start to the meeting in my absence!
He certainly looks to have an excellent chance with Top Notch in the Grade 1 novices’ chase at 1.45pm. He put up a great performance when chasing home Yorkhill in the JLT – I think the winner is a bit of a freak – and that makes him the clear form pick, for all that you have to respect the likes of Frodon and Cloudy Dream. He looks in great shape at home.
Triumph Hurdle winner Defi Du Seuil is the obvious one to beat in the juvenile race at 2.20pm and he could be far too good for the opposition but he hasn’t had to battle yet, and I think our Divin Bere could give him a race. He is improving and ran a great race when just touched off in the Fred Winter last time.
I would favour Empire Of Dirt over Cue Card in the Bowl at 2.50pm. He found things happening a bit too quick for him in the Ryanair and I think the step back up in trip will enable him to travel much better within himself. And his earlier second to Sizing John in the Irish Gold Cup reads pretty well now.
I don’t anticipate many problems for Champion Hurdle winner Buveur D’Air in the Aintree Hurdle, and I don’t envisage the step up to 2m4f being any problem for him.
Theinval ran a great race to finish third in the Grand Annual and should go well in the 4.40pm but if you are looking for one at a bigger price in that race then Raven’s Tower could be interesting. He hasn’t been running too well of late but he is only 1lb higher than when winning over course and distance in November and could go well at a price on ground he likes.
I won the bumper on Kayf Grace last year and this year we have Polly’s Pursuit in the race. She has been running well on the all-weather and she has chances in what looks, as ever, a very competitive and open race.
I will be at the Many Clouds Lambourn Open Day next Friday, 14th April where there is a chance to come and see some of Nicky Henderson’s superstars including Sprinter Sacre, Altior and Might Bite! It is a great day for all the family! More info at www.lambournopenday.com
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