Aintree 2.10 7 Tantamount - each way at 16/1 (WH/B365/BV)

We had a very nice run for our Elite punt yesterday with Keltus actually getting its head in front
close to the line, but eventually just being touched off by a worthy winner; who has clearly benefitted
from a "wind operation"; it remains a great frustration that this type of operation does not have to
be declared as would be blinkers or a tongue tie, as it can bring about some significant improvement.
Keltus did us proud though and we will win our fair share of close calls through the winter I'm sure.
I was going to look at The Old Roan Chase today, but it has cut up very badly in terms of numbers,
as have a few races at Aintree and sadly, the bulk of the Card at Wincanton and with Leopardstown
being a Flat Card there is just one race that really caught the eye. It WILL BE treated as a Daily Tip;
as it does not quite match an Elite Race criteria, but as we promised an Elite tip, we will share it with
Daily and Elite subscribers and Elite will be back next Saturday, Daily of course each day.
---
The logic, this 3 miles 1 furlong Hurdle is always run at a decent pace, at Aintree Course Form is a
massive asset, indeed if you go back to the first 2 days of the 2016 Grand National meeting just about
every winner, some at big odds, had won or run very well here. The Hurdles Course is very tight;
and several of the well backed ones are actually better as Novice Chasers/Chasers and having
seasonal debut and most have never been beyond 3 miles. The stamina issue is not as important
as on some tracks but on a track where you cannot really afford to make any jumping errors;
or hit a "flat spot" due to the relentless gallop, Course form has to be considered.
Tantamount is a very solid and consistent performer off marks around 115, the trip is ideal and
it has run and won well in ground for Good to Heavy and Good to Soft is optimum. It has run well
at this meeting (3rd last year) in 2014 and 2015, usually on seasonal debut, the fact that it has
already had a decent run (Uttoxeter) a few weeks ago, actually adds to my enthusiasm. With
fitness and form concerns about several of the others at 16/1 with three leading Bookmakers
and 14/1 generally, I expect a very strong run for our money and if it runs up to its mark
of 115, usually does, and the others are not quite spot on, given seasonal debut, we
would expect to go very close in this race.
Regards
Ian