Alan Thomson’s Tips: Lion can roar in Grand National

Alan Thomson, 13th April 2018, Uncategorised, 64

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BLAKLION (5.15) looks sure to give his backers a great spin granted some luck in running in the Randox Health Grand National.

Nigel Twiston-Davies’s gelding travelled and jumped brilliantly 12 months ago before tiring over the last fence. Blaklion was in front a long way from home and he was ridden with considerably more restraint when thumping The Last Samurai nine lengths in the Becher Chase in December (heavy).

Blaklion has undergone a wind procedure since his remote second on deplorable ground in the Grand National Trial at Haydock and although 9lb higher than last year he has looked an Aintree natural from day one.

The Irish field a formidable team headed by the likes of Anibale Fly, third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and Total Recall, a faller three out in the Gold Cup but winner of the Ladbrokes Trophy (formerly Hennessy Gold Cup) at Newbury.

Add Cheltenham specialist Tiger Roll from the all-conquering Gordon Elliott yard, plus lively outsider Alpha Des Obeaux and well-touted Baie Des Iles, representing the husband-wife/trainer- jockey combo of Ross O’Sullivan and Katie Walsh, and you see just how difficult it will be for the home contingent.

Shantou Flyer jumped well before being badly hampered by a loose horse 12 months ago and he rallied bravely to give Coo Star Sivola a scare at Cheltenham last month.

The eight-year- old has also run splendid races in defeat behind Big River (Kelso), Frodon (Cheltenham) and Ballyhill (Cheltenham) and is marked up at 33-1 in most books.

Gas Line Boy gave his supporters a big run for their money last year (fifth) at huge odds but is trading at a more conservative price this year, generally 25-1. With several firms offering six places, the old boy is another ew option.

The prize went back to Scotland last year courtesy of One For Arthur, out injured this year, and the tartan challenge is mounted by Captain Redbeard and Seeyouatmidnight, both with decent prospects of hitting the frame.

BLACK OP (2.25) and On The Blindside are set for a thrilling showdown in the Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle.

Black Op served it up to Samcro before finding the Irish star too strong in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and had earlier come off second-best in a real dogfight with Santini.

Unbeaten On The Blind Side skipped Cheltenham so comes here a fresh horse. He was very impressive when scoring at Sandown by nine lengths in early December and Nicky Henderson has his Aintree team in peak form.

SAM SPINNER (4.20) left some hefty wagers behind at Cheltenham but the northern powerhouse can atone in the Ryanair Stayers Hurdle.

Joe Colliver received flak from some quarters for not making more use of his front-running mount at Prestbury Park but there will be no slack pace now returned to this flat track.

The merit of Sam Spinner’s emphatic defeat of L’Ami Serge at Ascot was well advertised on Thursday and he sluiced through the Haydock mud to thump The Dutchman back in November. L’Ami Serge turns out again following his defeat of Supasundae on the opening day but Sam Spinner will surely test his stamina reserves over this longer distance.

Wholestone finished two places ahead of Sam Spinner at the festival but whether he is as effective away from his beloved Cheltenham is up for debate.

LOUIS’ VAC POUCH (1.45) faces a tall order trying to defy top weight in the 3m handicap hurdle but showed his liking for the track when beating Forza Milan and Beer Goggles back in November.

He made no show when held up well off the pace in the Pertemps Network Final at Cheltenham but Philip Hobbs has hit a nice run of form in the past couple of weeks, so it would be no surprise to see Louis’ Vac Pouch bounce back in this compressed handicap.

CHESTERFIELD (6.20) is well worth an investment in the concluding amateur riders’ handicap hurdle.

He routed the opposition in this contest last year (John Constable looked beaten when falling at the last) and although 9lb higher today, Chesterfield really comes into his own at this time of year.

He followed up his Aintree success by landing the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr and underlined his well-being with a super fourth in the Randox Health County Hurdle at Cheltenham. Chesterfield will be produced late by usual rider Daniel Sansom.