Thruthelookinglass couldn't get the job done despite being backed into 6/5F.
There's no excuse for how he didn't win, as he jumped brilliantly, low and slick over his fences. It looked like he was going to cruise through for the win just before turning for home, but he didn't stay on anyway near as strong as the runner-up and especially the winner.
Jubilee Express 3/1 (1pt) – Exeter 3.45
I have tipped up Jubilee Express on a couple of occasions this year, which included a win in the Welsh National Trial and then a pulled-up effort in the actual Welsh National. On the back of that recent performance, he has a lot to prove, but this is a weaker race.
Based on how he won the Welsh National Trial, it does show that he is still a horse with a great amount of ability. That was a Class 2 against some solid handicappers, including Aworkinprogress, who has since won the Lingfield National race. Also, Sporting Ace, who beat my selection yesterday was back in seventh, 52 lengths behind Jubilee Express.
The ground should be in his favour, even though he has only raced once on heavy ground over obstacles, which saw him finish tailed off. He was at Cheltenham on heavy ground, but he might've been in need of that run, as it was his first run in 273 days.
His record on soft ground is strong, including a second in the 2024 Welsh National.
Haut Folin 5/1 (1pt) – Ffos Las 1.52
It could be recency bias with a couple of recent winners for the Venetia Williams stable, but I am going to give Haut Folin a chance.
The yard has been out of form for all of the season, but in the last week, they have had five winners. Since they are getting their act together, it makes sense to try Haut Folin, who has dropped down to a good handicap mark.
Haut Folin has won on heavy ground off a handicap mark of 104 and has run well off much higher marks. His handicap mark for today's race is 93, which gives him a very solid chance on older pieces of form.
He has to shoulder a heavy weight on testing ground, which isn't an ideal scenario, but I think the odds available are worthy of a chance. The favourite is probably on a good handicap mark, as he won with ease last time out, but he seems to show his best form at Leicester. I've had my fingers burnt by backing River Run Free this season, so I am happy to take him on. Esperti will likely be popular in the market with two small distance wins, but I don't rate the form.
GambleAware