Andy Newton takes a close look at the marathon contest

Andy Newton
The Midlands National is always run on the Saturday after the Cheltenham Festival, so the race does tend to get a bit overshadowed by precedings at Prestbury Park. But, as a plus, the 4m1f Uttoxeter contest can also pick up the tail end of punters still in the Cheltenham buzz and looking for a bet!
Twelve months ago, we saw trainer Paul Nicholls break his duck in the race when he landed the prize with Truckers Lodge, who ran out an easy 18-length winner, and if lining up again in 2021 will be looking to become ...