This has always been recognised as a valuable trial for the Grand National, and plenty of National winners - Red Rum, Party Politics and Earth Summit have used this race as part of their build-up. However, unlike the big race, which is invariably won by a horse with plenty of experience over fences, this race has often gone to something far less exposed, and COE (7/1 Ladbrokes), a lightly-raced seven-year-old on the upgrade, fits the bill nicely.
The Sue-Smith-trained gelding has taken time to get the hang of jumping fences but, as a consequence, he was able to make his handicap debut from a a mark 5lb lower than his hurdle rating, and he couldn't have been more impressive in coming home five lengths clear of Iwillrememberyou over course and distance (3m4f) last month. The handicapper has put him up 9lb (carries 10st 6lb here), but now he's got his act together he should be able to make further progress.
His owner Trevor Hemmings loves to have winners at the track and he has two other entries - Glasker Mill (14/1 bet365) and Sherwoods Folly (6/1 Victor Chandler).
Glasker Mill ran the race of his life last time out when a head second to Cloudy Lane in the Peter Marsh (3m), but he lacks form at this longer trip, whereas Sherwood Folly should find this trip ideal after weakening only from the final fence when fifth in the Welsh National over 3m6f. On slightly better terms, he has every chance of turning the tables on the Chepstow second Cornish Sett (14/1 bet365), and also holds Nenuphar Collonges (10/1 Blue Square) and Mon Mome (14/1 Coral), who finished seventh and eighth respectively - he won't be far away.
Several of these are carrying more than their fair share of weight and it's worth noting that eight of the last 10 winners carried no more than 11st 1lb. In fact, in the last 10 years, horses racing off the bottom weight of 10st have the best overall record, and you would have more than doubled your money by backing all horses in that category. This year, there is only one qualifier - L'AVENTURE.
This moody mare has been called some names in the past, but you can't knock her record in this race - fourth, fifth, second, third between 2005 and 2008 when with Paul Nicholls. Now trained by Nick Williams, for whom she has run three good races, I can see her running a blinder off just 10st and simply can't resist an each way dabble now at a standout 20/1 with Totesport. Considering her habit of tailing off in the early stages before coming with a late rattle, she might also be worth backing in-running at what should be inflated odds.
Recommended Bets:
Coe 2pts @ 7/1 Ladbrokes
L'Aventure 1pt each way @ 20/1 Totesport (and place only in-running)
