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Aintree

Tomorrow, April 5, 2025ChaseClass 14m2f

Bar a luckless fall at Ascot IROKO has had an ideal campaign all geared around this race and he ticks most of the boxes, possessing the right blend of speed and stamina and seeming sure to stay back at a meeting where he has twice run well. He can give JP McManus a record-breaking fourth Grand National and third in 5 years. Perceval Legallois is another big player for the top owner, while Minella Cocooner could be the pick of the Willie Mullins' half-dozen. Intense Raffles is also in the mix.

  • Iroko
  • Perceval Legallois
  • Minella Cocooner
4m2f Hcap Chs
Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 4 places
  • 1. I Am Maximus
    J: P. TownendT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
    F: 1/14311-P8
    Price History:
    8.00
    Age:
    9
    Weight:
    11-12
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    167
    Days Since Last Run:
    63
    Verdict
    Has had just 2 runs in handicaps, winning the 2023 Irish National and bursting clear to land this prize from an 8 lb lower mark last year, posting the best performance in the race for some time. No show this season but this will have been the plan. Red Rum was the last winner off top-weight in 1974.
  • 18. Iroko
    J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.T: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
    F: 3/152-2F42
    Price History:
    8.50
    Age:
    7
    Weight:
    10-11
    Gear:
    tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    152
    Days Since Last Run:
    35
    Verdict
    Handicap hurdle winner at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival and has developed into a very smart chaser with the potential for even better. Twice placed at this meeting (behind Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin last year) and had a good prep run at Kelso last month. Will stay and ticks lots of boxes.
  • 16. Perceval Legallois
    J: M. P. WalshT: Gavin Patrick Cromwell, Ireland
    F: 5F-286411
    Price History:
    11.00
    Age:
    8
    Weight:
    10-12
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    153
    Days Since Last Run:
    63
    Verdict
    Fine record at Leopardstown and has won 2 of the big 3m handicaps there this season, following up his Christmas Paddy Power Chase win in a listed hurdle 9 weeks ago. Has really come of age this season and on his first run outside of Ireland is part of a very strong challenge for yard and his owner.
  • 5. Hewick
    J: Gavin SheehanT: John Joseph Hanlon, Ireland
    F: 6-3232571
    Price History:
    10.00
    Age:
    10
    Weight:
    11-7
    Gear:
    blinkers
    Official Rating:
    162
    Days Since Last Run:
    21
    Verdict
    A remarkably versatile performer who won the 2023 King George under this rider and has run well over unusual obstacles in USA and France. Warmed up for a crack at this with a confidence-boosting victory over hurdles recently and could be set for a big run from a good mark. Sure to be popular.
  • 10. Stumptown
    J: Keith DonoghueT: Gavin Patrick Cromwell, Ireland
    F: 1P3-U1111
    Price History:
    9.00
    Age:
    8
    Weight:
    11-2
    Gear:
    blinkers
    Official Rating:
    157
    Days Since Last Run:
    24
    Verdict
    Very likeable sort and has clearly been transformed by cross-country fences, landing the 4-timer in good style in the big one at the Cheltenham Festival despite some mistakes. Bidding to emulate Tiger Roll, who did the Cheltenham-Aintree double twice, and part of a strong hand for Gavin Cromwell.
  • 19. Intense Raffles
    J: J. J. SlevinT: T. Gibney, Ireland
    F: 5/7111-902
    Price History:
    13.00
    Age:
    7
    Weight:
    10-10
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    151
    Days Since Last Run:
    42
    Verdict
    Ploughed through the mud to land a Fairyhouse hat-trick in last year's Irish National and firmly back on track over fences for the first time this season when chasing home Nick Rockett in the Bobbyjo there 6 weeks ago, going down fighting. Set to peak here and the grey has to be on the shortlist.
  • 28. Vanillier
    J: Sean FlanaganT: Gavin Patrick Cromwell, Ireland
    F: 020-P6913
    Price History:
    11.00
    Age:
    10
    Weight:
    10-6
    Gear:
    blinkers and tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    147
    Days Since Last Run:
    24
    Verdict
    Rejuvenated by the fitting of blinkers, winning Cross Country at Punchestown in February from Coko Beach, and doing really well under the circumstances when third to Stumptown at Cheltenham (rider almost took wrong course early). Second off this mark in 2023 and the grey is set for another big run.
  • 8. Minella Cocooner
    J: Jonathan BurkeT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
    F: 3631-5894
    Price History:
    15.00
    Age:
    9
    Weight:
    11-2
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    157
    Days Since Last Run:
    42
    Verdict
    Thrived last spring, chasing home Intense Raffles in the Irish National before landing the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown. Has had a quiet campaign but no surprise if he comes alive now the clocks have gone forward and he has the tactical speed and stamina which is needed this race. Interesting.
  • 17. Kandoo Kid
    J: Harry CobdenT: Paul Nicholls
    F: 212P23-18
    Price History:
    17.00
    Age:
    9
    Weight:
    10-11
    Gear:
    tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    152
    Days Since Last Run:
    35
    Verdict
    Grey who took really well to these fences when third in last season's Topham and returned with a comfortable success in the Coral Gold Cup handicap at Newbury in November. That has been a good pointer for this race and it's probably best to forgive him his first run since back there last month.
  • 6. Minella Indo
    J: Rachael BlackmoreT: Henry de Bromhead, Ireland
    F: 1P/1443-26
    Price History:
    23.00
    Age:
    12
    Weight:
    11-3
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    158
    Days Since Last Run:
    55
    Verdict
    2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner who ran a screamer in third in this last year off a similar mark, jumping well and looking to have got away at one point before I Am Maximus surged past him. All roads have led back to this again (raced just twice this season) and easy to see him in the frame again.
  • 12. Beauport
    J: Sam Twiston-DaviesT: Nigel Twiston-Davies
    F: 52P1P-132
    Price History:
    -
    Age:
    9
    Weight:
    11-1
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    156
    Days Since Last Run:
    49
    Verdict
    Won last year's Midlands National at Uttoxeter and stormed home in another staying handicap at Ascot on his comeback in November. Good efforts in Graded company over hurdles since and he's not without a chance, his jumping proving far better this season than it has in the past.
  • 30. Hyland
    J: Nico de BoinvilleT: Nicky Henderson
    F: 02-141122
    Price History:
    19.00
    Age:
    8
    Weight:
    10-6
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    147
    Days Since Last Run:
    42
    Verdict
    Has had a fine first season over fences, winning 3 times, while he ran a cracker in a valuable 3m handicap at Kempton 6 weeks ago, closing up well from long way off pace. Top trainer seeking first win in the race and the grey looks his best chance for a while, this scenario likely to suit him well.
  • 32. Three Card Brag
    J: Sean BowenT: Gordon Elliott, Ireland
    F: 6/22-33713
    Price History:
    26.00
    Age:
    8
    Weight:
    10-5
    Gear:
    cheekpieces
    Official Rating:
    146
    Days Since Last Run:
    55
    Verdict
    Smart novice chaser who took a 3m Navan maiden in January but not so good in Grade 2 there last time, some uncharacteristic jumping lapses largely to blame. Remains with potential granted a test like this and could be in contention if keeping the mistakes down.
  • 3. Nick Rockett
    J: Mr P. W. MullinsT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
    F: 41273-411
    Price History:
    26.00
    Age:
    8
    Weight:
    11-8
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    163
    Days Since Last Run:
    42
    Verdict
    Has improved in his second season chasing, winning the Thyestes at Gowran in January before taking the Bobbyjo 6 weeks ago. While that is usually a good trial for this race it was a messy renewal and a couple of those in behind him might have his measure on these terms. 1 of 6 for Willie Mullins.
  • 20. Senior Chief
    J: D. J. O'KeeffeT: Henry de Bromhead, Ireland
    F: 3/321P-169
    Price History:
    34.00
    Age:
    8
    Weight:
    10-10
    Gear:
    cheekpieces
    Official Rating:
    151
    Days Since Last Run:
    41
    Verdict
    Won 25f Cheltenham handicap chase on return before a fair run behind a few of these in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, let down by his jumping. Will be all the better for a run over hurdles 6 weeks ago and could go well with his stamina tested further in refitted cheekpieces.
  • 4. Grangeclare West
    J: B. HayesT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
    F: 61/11-P625
    Price History:
    34.00
    Age:
    9
    Weight:
    11-8
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    163
    Days Since Last Run:
    35
    Verdict
    Two from 2 in his novice chase campaign and while he's run only one good race this term it was when splitting Galopin des Champs and Fact To File in the Irish Gold Cup, so clear claims on that form. Flopped at Navan 5 weeks ago, though. Upped markedly in trip for first go in a handicap.
  • 26. Meetingofthewaters
    J: D. E. MullinsT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
    F: 11U37-008
    Price History:
    21.00
    Age:
    8
    Weight:
    10-7
    Gear:
    hood
    Official Rating:
    148
    Days Since Last Run:
    34
    Verdict
    Won the valuable Paddy Power Handicap at Leopardstown last season before seeming not to stay when fancied for this off a similar mark, finishing seventh having gone wide. Needs more but did run an encouraging race back at Leopardstown 5 weeks ago.
  • 11. Hitman
    J: Freddie GingellT: Paul Nicholls
    F: 09283-222
    Price History:
    41.00
    Age:
    9
    Weight:
    11-1
    Gear:
    cheekpieces and tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    156
    Days Since Last Run:
    56
    Verdict
    Hasn't won too many races but in fine form this season, finishing second for the tenth time in 23 starts over fences at Newbury 8 weeks ago under this rider. Wouldn't be sure to stay here while he's also shirked the issue in the past.
  • 27. Monbeg Genius
    J: Nick ScholfieldT: Jonjo & A.J. O'Neill
    F: 3/P35P-241
    Price History:
    51.00
    Age:
    9
    Weight:
    10-6
    Gear:
    cheekpieces and tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    147
    Days Since Last Run:
    56
    Verdict
    Has had a good season, finishing fourth in the Welsh National before ending a 2-year losing run in 3m Uttoxeter handicap chase 8 weeks ago. Still relatively low mileage but doubtful a modern-day Grand National is the suitable test it once might have been for him.
  • 7. Appreciate It
    J: S. F. O'KeeffeT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
    F: 2532-5351
    Price History:
    41.00
    Age:
    11
    Weight:
    11-2
    Gear:
    tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    157
    Days Since Last Run:
    76
    Verdict
    2021 Supreme Novice Hurdle winner who never scaled the same heights over fences, recording his first success since the 2022-23 campaign in thin Thurles Grade 2 dominated by the yard in January. Time not on his side having his first go in this and he's not sure to stay.
  • 15. Threeunderthrufive
    J: Harry SkeltonT: Paul Nicholls
    F: 84/2210-32
    Price History:
    34.00
    Age:
    10
    Weight:
    10-12
    Gear:
    cheekpieces and tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    153
    Days Since Last Run:
    49
    Verdict
    Loves an extreme test, fourth in the 2023 Scottish National and successful again at Ascot last season. Narrowly denied bidding to win that race for the second year running 7 weeks ago and arrives fresh. 1 of 5 for runners for top yard. Could go well.
  • 22. Fil Dor
    J: Sam EwingT: Gordon Elliott, Ireland
    F: 3-P212433
    Price History:
    51.00
    Age:
    7
    Weight:
    10-9
    Gear:
    cheekpieces and tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    150
    Days Since Last Run:
    35
    Verdict
    Grey has had a busy season, winning a match at Thurles in November. Has his first go in a handicap chase and potentially well treated on some of his form if staying the new trip. 1 of 6 runners for Gordon Elliott, bidding to join just 3 other trainers to have won 4 Grand Nationals. Wouldn't dismiss.
  • 24. Coko Beach
    J: Jody McGarveyT: Gordon Elliott, Ireland
    F: 0-3U50029
    Price History:
    67.00
    Age:
    10
    Weight:
    10-9
    Gear:
    cheekpieces
    Official Rating:
    150
    Days Since Last Run:
    24
    Verdict
    Grey who chased home Vanillier over the Punchestown Cross Country banks in February before a poor run at Cheltenham. A regular here, although he hasn't been involved in the finish in 3 successive Grand Nationals.
  • 13. Bravemansgame
    J: James ReveleyT: Paul Nicholls
    F: 2256-2383
    Price History:
    41.00
    Age:
    10
    Weight:
    11-0
    Gear:
    tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    155
    Days Since Last Run:
    56
    Verdict
    One-time top-class chaser (last win in the 2022 King George) not quite the force of old nowadays, chasing home stablemate Hitman in first-time tongue tie at Newbury 8 weeks ago. Wouldn't be an obvious type to take to this challenge.
  • 33. Twig
    J: Beau MorganT: Ben Pauling
    F: 2025-2P77
    Price History:
    67.00
    Age:
    10
    Weight:
    10-5
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    146
    Days Since Last Run:
    35
    Verdict
    Did well chasing last term, winning a valuable Uttoxeter summer handicap and runner-up in the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival. Hasn't pulled up any trees this season but probably had this as his target all the while and a revival could be imminent.
  • 23. Broadway Boy
    J: Tom BellamyT: Nigel Twiston-Davies
    F: 1135-324P
    Price History:
    67.00
    Age:
    7
    Weight:
    10-9
    Gear:
    cheekpieces
    Official Rating:
    150
    Days Since Last Run:
    25
    Verdict
    Three wins in a productive novice chase campaign and found only Kandoo Kid too good in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in November. Let down by his jumping in 2 runs back at Cheltenham since and won't get away with that here for all he'll be suited by the extreme test. Cheekpieces refitted.
  • 2. Royale Pagaille
    J: Charlie DeutschT: Venetia Williams
    F: 6F/1F-1P66
    Price History:
    81.00
    Age:
    11
    Weight:
    11-9
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    164
    Days Since Last Run:
    22
    Verdict
    Mud lover who landed a second Betfair Chase at Haydock in November. Not so good away from testing ground since, well held again in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month. Represents 2009-winning yard but hard to fancy under these conditions.
  • 34. Duffle Coat
    J: Danny GilliganT: Gordon Elliott, Ireland
    F: 21352P4B
    Price History:
    51.00
    Age:
    8
    Weight:
    10-4
    Gear:
    cheekpieces
    Official Rating:
    145
    Days Since Last Run:
    25
    Verdict
    Grey challenger who won the Mayo National last spring and finished second in the Galway Plate. In the process of running his best race since when brought down 2 out in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham last month and wouldn't completely dismiss for Gordon Elliott.
  • 9. Conflated
    J: Jordan Colin GainfordT: Gordon Elliott, Ireland
    F: 2-6U58708
    Price History:
    81.00
    Age:
    11
    Weight:
    11-2
    Gear:
    cheekpieces
    Official Rating:
    157
    Days Since Last Run:
    23
    Verdict
    Tends to thrive in the spring (placed in Ryanair/Cheltenham Gold Cup and Melling Chase here in recent seasons) and ran respectably in the Plate at this year's Cheltenham Festival, making a bad mistake 2 out. On a long losing run but should give a good sighter in front for a long way again.
  • 14. Chantry House
    J: James BowenT: Nicky Henderson
    F: 7409-5515
    Price History:
    81.00
    Age:
    11
    Weight:
    10-13
    Gear:
    blinkers
    Official Rating:
    154
    Days Since Last Run:
    70
    Verdict
    Ended losing run in 25f Cheltenham handicap chase on New Year's Day but predictably not in the same form back there 3 weeks later, let down by his jumping. Down the pecking order for his owner and seems unlikely to be the one to give Nicky Henderson a first Grand National.
  • 25. Stay Away Fay
    J: Paul O'BrienT: Paul Nicholls
    F: 4/113PP-P0
    Price History:
    151.00
    Age:
    8
    Weight:
    10-9
    Gear:
    tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    150
    Days Since Last Run:
    25
    Verdict
    Won the 2023 Albert Bartlett but has rather lost his way over fences, again not finding much in Cheltenham Festival handicap last month. Should stay this far but has it all to prove.
  • 21. Idas Boy
    J: Harry BannisterT: Richard Phillips
    F: 1F-F03106
    Price History:
    81.00
    Age:
    11
    Weight:
    10-10
    Gear:
    cheekpieces and tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    151
    Days Since Last Run:
    35
    Verdict
    Won a regional National in Ireland for Noel Meade last summer but made a low-key start for new yard over hurdles 5 weeks ago and probably not well enough handicapped to take this aged 11, while he's also looked reluctant at the start previously.
  • 29. Horantzau Dairy
    J: Ciaran GethingsT: Michael Keady
    F: 23F22999
    Price History:
    67.00
    Age:
    8
    Weight:
    10-6
    Gear:
    tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    147
    Days Since Last Run:
    62
    Verdict
    Placed in the Kerry and Munster Nationals earlier this season (50,000 gns buy for new connections in March) but doesn't look well-enough handicapped to take this on first start for new yard.
  • 31. Celebre Dallen
    J: Micheal NolanT: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White
    F: 08/145U4-1
    Price History:
    101.00
    Age:
    13
    Weight:
    10-6
    Gear:
    cheekpieces
    Official Rating:
    147
    Days Since Last Run:
    143
    Verdict
    Good record fresh, landing 3m Bangor handicap chase on return in November and not seen since. Has completed on all 3 of his runs over these fences, although appeared not to stay in last season's Becher and have to go back a century to find the last teenage Grand National winner. Tricky to fancy.
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