Mouse Morris is a shrewd operator and he would rarely bring them over if they haven't got a chance so it's interesting to see he brings over WHATSNOTOKNOW again after finishing 8th in the Pertemps at Cheltenham. Again, the ground wouldn't have been ideal that day as a quick look through his form will tell you he is better on a sounder surface. He ran respectably enough that day to suggest he can make his presence felt again here at a big price.
The Mersey Novices Hurdle looks a hot event this year and any number could win this. NORTH LODGE is a horse that has impressed me this season and I think he is better than what he showed last time out at Kelso. Like most of Alan King's stable I expect him to be better on a sounder surface and in a race where Adrian Heskin can ride a proper race on him. He stays well and listening to connections earlier in the week, they are expecting a big run and they wouldn't be the type to tilt at windmills.
The big one itself is a lottery more so than ever this year in my opinion and I won't be expecting to make a profit from the race. I'll probably chuck 3 darts at the race though and top of the list will be SNOW LEOPARDESS who seems to act so well around here. BURROWS SAINT again is a horse who jumps these fences well and I'm hoping he stays a little better now that he is a year older. RUN WILD FRED will gallop all day and if taking to the fences I think he has sound each way chance.
Aintree 1.45 – Whatsnotoknow
Aintree 2.25 – North Lodge
Aintree 5.15 – Snow Leopardess / Burrows Saint / Run Wild Fred
