No significant defectors when the 6-day entries were released for the Grand National yesterday although the favourite Many Clouds was cut from 7s to 13/2 (each way six places) after a six figure each way bet was placed on last years winner with BetVictor.
A decent flat card at Pontefract and Brorocco (2.35) is taken to make a winning return for Andrew Balding whose string are in rude health. The selection pulled too hard and failed to get home at Nottingham on his last start as a juvenile but he has been subsequently gelded and might have more to offer over middle-distances this term; this stiff mile looks a good starting point.
James Eustace saddled the winner of the corresponding race 12 months ago and his filly Folly Bergere showed ability on her sole start in a Newmarket back-end maiden on soft ground and is entitled to improve for the experience.
Surprise Vendor (3.45) has been in good form of late over jumps and he can land the stayers' event over 2m 1f for the third successive year despite being 3lbs higher than last term.
I am a big fan of Lord Ben Stack (4.20) and am looking forward to his reappearance especially now the yard have been among the winners; the selection should have won at Haydock on his last start as a 3-year-old and the winner (Cymro) subsequently followed up from a 4lbs higher mark.
This is a top class handicap for the time of year and expect to see a number of winners come out of the race but I expect Lord Ben Stack to make up into a top-class handicapper this term especially when there is a bit of cut in the ground.
At Ludlow no surprise to see Brise Vendeenne (3.25) drop back in trip having seemed not to quite get home over 3m last time although trainer Philip Hobbs will fit blinkers on the mare for the first-time to help her concentrate.
The ground is currently described as good to soft but rain was forecast yesterday and Goohar (4.00) returns from a 10-week break for Henry Daly whose string are always respected at the Shropshire track. The 7-year-old is not the most fluent of jumpers and often runs as if he would appreciate an additional half mile but he is taken to go close with ant further rain a plus.
Grandioso (5.05) wasn't on a going day over 3m here on his last start but has everything in his favour dropped back in trip and must go close with Gina Andrews taking over in the saddle for the first time.
At Newton Abbot Indiana Bay (5.15) has a bit to find with a couple of today's rivals in the Hunter Chase but I thought he was a potential improver this season and I take him to outstay Tony Star who was a winner between the flags last month and is likely to make the market for the selection.
Verni (2.25) finished a good third on his first start over timber for Philip Hobbs and is taken to win the maiden hurdle dropped back a couple of furlongs although Paul Nicholls saddled an interesting hurdling debutant in Whispering Storm who is fitted with both a tongue tie and a hood.
