Aintree 4.05

Aintree 4.05 Topham Handicap Chase (National Course) - G3 - 2miles 5 furlongs - 28 run - Good to Soft
 
A great sighter for the big one tomorrow in terms of the Going on the National Course.
 
28 runners and I managed to narrow it down to around 10 who I felt had most to offer.
 
Caribbean Boy for Henderson and Ibleo for Venetia caught the eye but both need to prove conclusive stamina in what it expected to be an end to end gallop from the off. That's because MY WAY with Bryony up is likely to take them along at a fair clip for a long way and we know what that young lady can do from the front with that metronome in her head.
 
Livelovelaugh is a worth favourite but I always want around 5/1 to get round this Course so would take a win on the chin at the current odds. Senior Citizen could run a big race in these conditions but not for the first time you have to look at who is in the saddle and see it as a big negative, a shame there is no longer a Thornton or Hutchinson type riding the King horses. Pink Eyed Pedro is one who is being nibbled at from big odds and the drier it gets the better the chances of this one. I had earmarked it at around 100/1 it looks like going off around a third of that so some value has gone but a big run is anticipated.
 
In terms of tips I really like the unexposed and lightly raced KAUTO RIKO it ticks all the boxes for me as a possible future National horse and I believe they see this as a stepping stone to a full on bid to get qualified for the 2022 National. STORM CONTROL is one we tipped at Cheltenham and it ran well for a fair way, the drop in trip is a plus and I think it and MY WAY will take them a long way in to the race but I think STORM CONTROL just has the edge of the pair.
 
Morning Vicar for Henderson came very close but would be reserve in case of a non runner but I cannot leave out MODUS who has Course and Distance winning Sefton form here, the better Going is a plus and he may have been aimed at the race and looks a bit overpriced to me.
 
TIPS - Kauto Riko + Storm Control / Trackers - Modus and My Way