bledge

9/12 aged 8+. 4/12 winners fav. 5/12 top 3 in betting. 2/12 won LTO. 8/12 ran within 30 days. Won 2024 Irish National on heavy. That was off 140. 2 runs over hurdles, then finished 0.75L 2nd of 151 to subsequent Grand National winner Nick Rockett on soft ground. Was giving the winner 3 lbs there. Never travelled in the National. Hasn't had conditions to suit since and as a result drops back down to 151. Pulled up in the Welsh National last time off top weight on ground described as GS; however, times were good or better and can be written off. Heavy sure to suit, and the 8/1 around looks generous.

6/11 winning favs, 9/11 top 3 in the betting. 9/11 won LTO. Announced himself as a Triumph contender when easily winning by 9.5L at Kempton despite giving 5 lbs away. Not strong form, but this was elected as the target post-race. Is probably just a decent horse. Minella Yoga biggest danger after beating Act of Innocence last time out; however, was in receipt of over a stone there and it's hard to know how strong that line is yet anyway.

Probably a bit unlucky last time on the return run in a strong race. Didn't jump great and didn't look to be going amazingly well at any point. Did well to finish so close there, and the 2nd has won a nice race since. This was mentioned as the target post race. CD winner who they'd spoken about aiming at the Ryanair this season. Whether he'll end up there or in one of the handicaps remains to be seen, but I would be confident of a good run there too. Booster Bob comes in as a big danger here, likely still having a fair bit in hand after a ridiculously easy win LTO on seasonal debut. Bound to improve for that, but will also improve for the step up to 3m.

6/11 winning favs. 7/11 aged 4??"6. 9/11 rated 156+ and Henderson has won 4 of the last 11. Clearly everyone's had different opinions about The New Lion's run in the Fighting Fifth. However, to my eye he proved hard work through the whole race and certainly wasn't winning hands and heels, let alone easily when falling. The eventual winner of that race, Golden Ace, was beaten easily by 6L by Sir Gino on his first run in a year and after illness. Gino's clearly quite special and impossible to oppose with any confidence.

Can't really understand the price here, having beaten Strong Leader twice this season already. Also had Doddiethegreat. I think he's still being underestimated at 11/2 for the stayers and will likely shorten a little bit if he is to win here. Should be odds on. Already won on soft this season and isn't really any holes to pick as far as I can see.