The pick of the prices on Day 1 at Aintree....

Wednesday, 10th April 2024

The pick of the prices on Day 1 at Aintree….

When I think of Aintree I think of the emerald strip that is the home straight….

…. bathed in spring sunshine so strong it might be midsummer….

Not this week though….

…. at least not yet….

With 40mm of rain falling on the track since 3rd April….

…. and more rain forecast to fall today….

…. the ground at Aintree is set to be unseasonably testing this weekend….

Of course, that won’t suit every horse going to post….

…. but it will suit Irish-raider WHISKEYWEALTH at the general 9s to 10s in tomorrow’s afternoon’s Red Rum Handicap Chase at 4.40….

He turns out in something close to the form of his life….

…. with his trainer capitalising on a favourable hurdle mark at Naas in February….

…. followed-up by a win and a career best performance the time after when back over fences at Listed level at Gowran Park….

…. with progressive Mount Frisco the only one to get close that day….

He’s up another 8lbs for that win tomorrow – to a British mark of 136….

…. and it gets harder again – of course….

But I think this horse is still improving….

…. he’s in fine fettle….

…. and on his preferred ground….

…. he can give a good account of himself at a double-figure price….

• Finally….

That’s all for today….

I’ll be back tomorrow….

…. with my thoughts on the action on Day 2 at Aintree….

Meantime – Contact me direct at nick.pullen@oxonpress.co.uk  

And remember – win, lose or draw – enjoy the racing….

Stay tuned….

Against the Crowd