FUSIL RAFFLES was one of my best bets at the Cheltenham Festival but just got outstayed up the Cheltenham hill after sitting a little too close to the pace. Daryl Jacob always had this talented grey handy in the Marsh and when Shan Blue decided to kick on, he covered the move and ensured he was never too far away. Given how that front runner folded, it suggested they went a little too quick and when you also think that the eventual winner, Chantry House, came from behind you would have to say it was some effort from the selection to finish a close second.
I think he is a proper Grade 1 chaser and has a great attitude to go with it so therefore I expect him to enjoy his day in the sun today on ground he will love.
The Aintree Hurdle looks an interesting race and you could make a case for most in the field, including rank outsider Millers Bank. I've taken an interest in two proven, classy sorts who are currently available at huge prices. BUVEUR D'AIR skipped the Champion Hurdle, annoyingly, so comes here a fresh horse which could be in his favour. He has won this race before but his defeat to Supasundae in this race in what was horrid ground resonates in my mind. He showed all his class and a good degree of grit that day to get so close when so much went against him. Lightly raced since, I hope he still has a few miles left on the clock and it will take a good one to get him off the bridle here.
The highest rated horse in this race is 5lb clear and currently 16/1. Crazy eh? SILVER STREAK adopted the completely wrong tactics at Cheltenham, in my view, and paid the price late on as he faded into 6th. With so much pace on I thought he would have fared much better had he been held on to in order to pick up the pieces late. I think that's how connections will ride him over this longer trip today and being such a tough horse I can see him hitting the frame at least.
Aintree 1.45 – Fusil Raffles
Aintree 3.25 – Buveur D'Air
- Silver Streak
