Aintree 2008: Not Long To Go!
Whilst most of us on this blog have been pouring over the Grand National form the Aintree 2008 Festival isn’t just about one race. The entries for Thursday and Friday are out now and there is the prospect of some crackerjack races next week. Here are just a few of the Cheltenham Festival winners and other top class horses that are entered:
Inglis Drever, Kauto Star, Monets Garden, Exotic Dancer, Celestial Halo, Albertas Run, Tidal Bay, Nenuphar Collonges, Master Minded, Voy Por Ustedes, Our Vic, Captain Cee Bee
Particularly interesting will be the return of Kauto Star who holds entries in the Totesport Bowl and the Melling Chase.
The Totesport Bowl would see him potentially matched against old foes Exotic Dancer and Monets Garden (also entered in both races). Also amongst that race’s entries are Our Vic, Aces Four, Gungadu and Turko.
The Melling Chase on the Friday also looks mouth-watering. Along with the doubly entered Kauto Star, Monets Garden and Our Vic we have Champion Chase winner Master Minded, former Champion Chaser Voy Por Ustedes and Arkle Chase winner Tidal Bay. If we end up with 50% of that field it will be a sight to see.
Who are you particularly looking forward to seeing in the supporting races at Aintree? Is there one horse who you have been waiting to back at this meeting?
A horse I think will win soon is Boychuk from the Philip Hobbs yard. I note he is entered in a handicap at Aintree and I will be having a look at the race closer to the time. He ran an eye-catching race at Cheltenham but perhaps a tough jumping track like Aintree might not be the best place for him to exploit what looks like is becoming a decent handicap mark. I think he might register a win before the end of the season.
Let us know if there is one horse you will be backing over the three day Aintree Festival.
This post has 4 comments
#1
March 30th, 2008 18:26
The one of big interest for me is Elusive Dream from the Nicholls yard. in the 2m4f nov hdl on Thursday. Been targeted at Aintree and missed Cheltenham so should be fresh. Last run at Fontwell took on My Way de Solzen from miles out and they cut each other’s throats – can’t see Ruby making the mistake Sam Thomas did by kicking ahead so soon.
#2
April 3rd, 2008 22:24
Well done Matt that was a great pick.Anything for 2MRW? Greenbridge could be worth a bit of interest as it looked very special last time out.
#3
April 3rd, 2008 22:59
Hope you got on, Elusive ran a cracker, couldn’t be happier – also got me out of a hole as had nothing up before he came home! Haven’t looked at Friday’s card yet in great detail as been at Aintree today so concentrated on Thursday’s card thus far. That said, Greenbridge looks to have a really decent chance and could be anything. Would be more than happy to take on Captain Cee Bee under a penalty despite a great performance by Binocular today – will get back on here with any Friday picks first thing tomorrow. Although I’ll stick my neck on the line now and say Master Minded will probably win! ;o)
#4
April 3rd, 2008 23:35
Yes, great shout Matt – keep up the good work.