13:45, Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle
Winston Junior 5/1, 2pts each-way (3 places)
The 2nd, 3rd and 4th from the Triumph Hurdle reoppose here and there's a case for all of them. Minella Study travelled like the winner for much of the way but got run down late on. There's plenty to say he'll be better on this track and that was his only run of the calendar year so far. He's closely matched with Maestro Conti and Selma de Vary, both of whom also travelled well at Cheltenham and have big says here. Preference though is for the Fred Winter runner-up Winston Junior. Faye Bramley's Lord Byron was 5th in the Triumph so she has a fair idea of what is required from her runner here. He has ground to make up on Minella Study from their clash in December but things didn't go well for him that day and nor did they at the Festival. He was beaten by Saratoga that day but the form looks strong and the winner would have been well fancied for this had he turned up. Winston Junior had a slightly easier race at Cheltenham than those in the Triumph and still doesn't look as though he's been able to show us what he's really made of just yet. Perhaps this is the scene.
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14:20, William Hill Manifesto Novices' Chase
Lulamba 4/6, 3pts win
It's not the strongest renewal but in Lulamba we have a real top-notcher on show. Nicky Henderson's star novice had swept all before him this season before the bubble burst in the Arkle. A mistake at the second last cost him whatever chance he had left but perhaps on quick ground he does need more of a stamina test and he finally gets that here. He's a classy sort who should be taking this unless the long season has started to catch up with him. Koktail Divin brings in classy form himself and should run well for a long way but the suspicion is Lulamba will prove too much late on.
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14:55, Racing Welfare Bowl Chase
Jango Baie 11/8, 2pts win
There is never a big field for the Bowl but 5 this year is a bit of a shame. Pic Dorhy has run well here in the past but the suspicion is that he, like Protektorat are a bit long in the tooth for the top level now. Spillane's Tower has always threatened to bag a big one and he looked classy when winning the Cotswold Chase but hasn't been seen since and it remains to be seen if connections will run him here. Impare Et Passe accounted for Jango Baie over a shorter trip here last season but things haven't been plain sailing since and he has stamina to prove. Jango Baie is favourite to exact revenge 12 months later and is without doubt the best hose in the race on this seasons' form. He had a hard race at Cheltenham but Nicky Henderson took this with Might Bite back in 2019 after he had finished 2nd in the Gold Cup and barring that race leaving a mark, he should strike again.
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15:30, Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase
Barton Snow 15/8, 4pts win
A typically big field Foxhunters' awaits us but this year it has a red hot favourite in the shape of Cheltenham hero Barton Snow. The big question at the festival was if the 9 year old would stay and he answered that question emphatically. The fences could catch him out as he's not a straightforward jumper but the drop in trip should make him even more dangerous. He's the best horse in the race and he should be able to take out the big Spring double in this sphere.
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16:05, William Hill Aintree Hurdle
The New Lion 15/8, 4pts win
The Aintree Hurdle takes place after the Foxhunters this year which seems a bit strange but it's a strange renewal. The race lacks a star this year but in The New Lion and Brighterdaysahead we have the 2nd and 3rd from the Champion Hurdle who look set to dominate the betting. Alexei may have finished a lot close at Cheltenham had he not got the last all wrong but a hard season could catch up with him and he is untested at the trip. El Fabiolo has always had class but it is perhaps a couple of years to late to be taking out a race like this whilst Golden Ace has also a bit to prove now. Brighterdaysahead has always looked better over this trip but so too has The New Lion and it is the English horse who is preferred. Dan Skelton's stable star has had a pretty easy season so far and didn't look to have a hard race last time out either. He's unbeaten at the trip and is fancied to land another Grade 1 here.
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16:40, Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase
Sans Bruit 3/1, 1.5pts win
Ryan's Rocket 12/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)
Sans Bruit is back looking for the hattrick and must be in any calculations. Everything is set fair for another huge run in what is probably an easier race than either of the past 2 runnings in which he's come out on top. Ryan's Rocket was well fancied for the Grand Annual but didn't get in. He ran at Kempton on the Saturday after the festival but nothing went right for him that day. He's been dropped in the weights for that and if you can put a line through it then he must have a chance here as it's not forgotten how well he won at Newbury back in November.
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17:15, Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' Standard Open NH Flat Race
Princess Day 7/2, 2pts win
Jeremy Scott's filly has looked classy in both her runs to date for connections and should take all the beating in this. She's uncomplicated and finds loads for pressure. She should cope with this faster ground and it will take a good one to go by her.
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