Topham 2024

[Venture to Cognac]

Entries…………

https://www.racingpost.com/racecards/32/aintree/2024-04-12/862280

One horse on my mind for months for this, Sharjah, and his run in The Turners convinced me. He’s got an entry at Fairyhouse, but regardless of that, I’ll just have a good swing at him for this

Obviously if he does go here, he’ll have a bit of a challenge on his hands, and it’s a typically strong entry…………

James Du Berlais
A horse that’s kind of passed me by, but I did bet him once last year, in The Champion Novices at Punchestown, where he gave me a good run for my money at bigger odds. I actually think he’s a live outsider for the big one, certainly given his run in The Paddy Power, but I’ll not lie, his entry here gives me a headache. Looks perfect for it.

The Goffer
He’s the one National bet I have that I’d like to get rid of for now, but not in a position to. I’m just not convinced by his stamina for the big one, and I was a bit nonplussed by his run in The Ultima. I’d have to cover him here in some shape or form

Empire Steel
Another one I’ve bet for The National, and I’m hoping this is a precautionary entry

Ontheropes
Long term notebook horse of mine who’s low key return from injury hasn’t concerned me too much. Hoping he doesn’t come here, as I’m planning an Antepost on him for Fairyhouse shortly

Courtland/Francky Du Berlais
You just can’t ignore Bowens ability to get them ready for this, and with Mac Tottie probably running in the big one, then this pair look ideal. Francky is well enough known, but Courtland looks like getting brought along nicely just in time for this

Heltenham/Sail Away
Skelton bang in form, and the manner in which Heltenham won at Newbury, suggests there’s a lot more to come. This looks perfect for Sail Away after his lofty target last time

Quick Draw
Unlike Skelton, Henderson had a Cheltenham to forget. He’s got a few weeks though to get his string back in good health, and I think this is an interesting contender for him

Al Dancer
Think he’s a safe Antepost for this, and really liked the return to form at Kempton

Riaan
Thought he had a chance at Cheltenham last week (bet him), but he blundered chances away in The Plate. Definitely one that’s got something like this in him. Willing to forgive him last weeks run

Your Darling
Another yard going the right way, and having been highly touted as a youngster, this looks a realistic target for him, and like the yard, he’s in form

I’ve ignored my old pal Battleoverdoyen, as he already looks like he’s not going.

Loads to distract me in there, and I really like James Du Berlais, but I promised myself that I’d have a proper Antepost punt on Sharjah, and providing he’s decent odds, I’ll stick to my guns, with maybe one or two more on the day

Edit, 33’s bigger than I expected

Sharjah 33’s

[botchy1]

I’ll hold fire for now, but i thought that In Excelsis Deo was a massive eyecatcher at Cheltenham and would fancy him to finish in front of his stablemate if he runs here.

He was nearly brought down by a faller a few fences out and he would of gone mighty close to winning if not for that.

[peter .h]

Plenty of old and new favourites in there. Frero Banbou has had a busy season, but has been mostly consistent throughout. His run in the Sefton and at Cheltenham are enough for me to put him on the shortlist.

Ga Law may be high enough in the handicap, but he isn’t short of class and this looks an ideal target.

I’m another one not letting Sharjah go without an early punt. It’d be quite special if he lined up here.

[TakeYourTime]

I’ve also taken a punt on Sharjah at 33s. Livelovelaugh vibes.

[Silver Spoon]

It’s definitely In Excelsis Deo for me at 14-1.

Peter, I did give Ga Law some serious consideration, but I’ll leave it at one ante-post at this time

[He Didnt Like Ground]

I’ve played Empire Steel as I just don’t think he’ll stay in the Nat ( he looked a non stayer in Scot prev )

[Eezer]

I’ve had an ante-post here with Killer Kane at 33-1 ew as I’m a bit of a sucker for this horse

[Tizaaards Cider]

James Du Berlais for me.

He was the winner at every stage for me in the plate. Travelled like he could have won going backwards.

Probably going to be my main bet of the week.

[Mike007]

Frero Banbou looks handily handicapped but needs 2 to come out i think.

[GM23]

Shakem Up’Arry for me. Took the 12s a while back hoping he wouldn’t get in the National.

[Mike007]

I’ll try Frero Banbou 20-1 ew 6 places

[stilvi]

Can’t see any reason to desert Shakem Up’Arry. The race should suit as he jumps well and races prominently. Just a question as to whether he can offset the 6lb rise.

[Wilts]

“Shakem Up’Arry for me. Took the 12s a while back hoping he wouldn’t get in the National.”

I was tempted at the 12s antepost, but I stupidly waited. Knowing me i’ll look for so say ‘better value’ on Friday and plump for a different horse

[Mike007]

Saw a stat that the last 10 winners of this didn’t win their last race.

[GM23]

Stilvi, the 6lb rise wouldn’t worry me too much as I think he won a lot easier than it looked last time.
For me, he was just wandering in front like so many others have done in the past at Cheltenham.

[Wilts]

Interesting, Mike

[TheTinMan87]

This race will be a bookies benefit. Its normally a basket case of a race anyway but with the ground the way it is you might as well start at the back of the market and work your way in. Don’t be taken in by the extra places either because there probably won’t be that many finishers

[Author]

Posts