DAVY RUSSELL blog: AINTREE Friday

It was fair to say we all had an uphill task with Constitution Hill and so it proved. My fella Zanahiyr ran a nice race. We went a lovely pace and I thought for a moment he was coming to battle back again but just not to be.

Onto day two at Aintree and I’ve some lovely rides to be looking forward to. I ride three, all in the Grade Ones and all with genuine chances on paper. Listen, it would be magic to ride a winner but it’s not the be-all or end-all. Aintree is just a fantastic place and there is always a brilliant atmosphere on Ladies Day.

FRIDAY

AINTREE

GERRI COLOMBE 1.45pm – Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade One)

My best chance of a winner on the day looks to be Gerri Colombe ? (pictured below) for Gordon in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase. He ran a cracker in Cheltenham and only just failed to peg back The Real Whacker. The form of that race took a real boost on the weekend when the fourth went and landed the Irish Grand National. Sadly Jordon (Gainford) is on the sidelines and I’m just keeping his saddle warm while he’s out. The more rain the better for this lad as he goes particularly well when the mud is flying. Conditions should be ideal, and the track should suit too. He stays really well and that is a huge plus as well. He’s plenty in his favour to be fair. ⭐ STARSPORTS.BET MARKET ⭐

2.20pm – Handicap Hurdle

No ride for me in the competitive handicap hurdle that looks as wide-open as you might expect. I thought Captain Conby ? ran a real eye-catcher in Cheltenham and can go well here again from a 1lb lower mark. I’d say the return to a more conventional track on slightly better ground may just help him and he can go well. ⭐ STARSPORTS.BET MARKET ⭐

FOUND A FIFTY 2.55pm – Poundland Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade One)

More Grade One action and another lovely ride in Found A Fifty ? in the Top Novices’ Hurdle. He gave me a lovely feel in Fairyhouse back in January and was just touched off when stepped up in class the last day. He was beaten by a smart one in Corbetts Cross that day in Naas and I’d say would have learnt plenty. This is another step up for this lad again, but we’ve taken our time with him and I’d say it’s a plus that he didn’t go to Cheltenham. There are plenty in this to fear headed by Luccia who gets the weight from the boys and Inthepocket who ran well in the Supreme. ⭐ STARSPORTS.BET MARKET ⭐

3.30pm – Marsh Chase (Grade One)

Only the seven runners in the day’s other Grade One where Fakir D’oudairies ? will bid to repeat last season’s success. Listen, he wasn’t his usual self in Ascot the last day but he’s better than that and is deadly around here. The fact that they missed Cheltenham with him is a plus and the first-time pieces can help him too. I’d say he’s the one to beat with Pic D’Orhy likely to pick up the pieces if he doesn’t fire. ⭐ STARSPORTS.BET MARKET ⭐

4.05pm – Topham Handicap Chase

I’m not riding in the Topham which gives the professional jockeys a sighter of the Grand National fences before Saturday’s big one. Final Orders and Il Ridoto look the obvious types but have been plenty busy enough this season. I prefer the chances of Burrows Saint ? for Willie and Patrick Mullins. He’s a fair bit of experience over these fences and a drop back in trip may just help him. Of those at bigger prices don’t be surprised if Kerry Lee’s Demachine goes well. He’s another with plenty of good form who may just enjoy this trip. ⭐ STARSPORTS.BET MARKET ⭐

ABSOLUTE NOTIONS 4.40pm – Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Grade One)

The last of my rides on Ladies Day is Absolute Notions ? (pictured below) in the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle. I’m looking forward to getting back on this lad after his huge run in Leopardstown at the Dublin Racing Festival. He was a good second to Good Land that day and I loved his attitude from the back of the last running all the way to the line. He did have a hard race that day and that’s the reason we have kept him fresh for this. The trip and track look ideal and he should give a good account in what looks a real competitive race. ⭐ STARSPORTS.BET MARKET ⭐

5.15pm Aintree – Handicap Hurdle

There seem to be plenty fancied in this as there always are – only one can win though so there will be plenty disappointed afterwards. Jamie Codd has a right chance for Olly Murphy aboard Go Dante ? who may well be ahead of his mark. Parramount was mighty impressive the last day and is another dangerous to discount. Then there’s Ted Walsh’s Gaoth Chuil who won with any amount in hand the last day. It promises to be a real good race. ⭐ STARSPORTS.BET MARKET ⭐