Whether it be "the race of the day" or a small prize round the gaffs, we will attempt to use our knowledge of the formbook to highlight the fancied horses participating each day and their characteristics and requirements. Hopefully this 'second opinion' provides you with a winner or two each day, or even reinforces your own view on a particular fancy of yours ... it may even convince you to back some of those horses which we feel are the "ones to fear", or have decent eachway claims. whichever is the case, we hope the information is of use to you.

GRAND NATIONAL MEETING
Rarely has this three-day meeting been so eagerly looked forward to by racing fans in Britain, starved of quality racing because of a fixture list ravaged by an abysmal winter and the foot and mouth epidemic. It is being unfairly called the mini Cheltenham Festival, a replacement for those who couldn't race in April. It is far more than that, one of the better jump meetings of the season, and hopefully it will pass without any serious controversy

SELECTIONS - For each race, I have given you who, in my view, are the likeliest winners, as well as horses who could run well at eachway odds.  [R#ecommended]  horses have, in our view, the best chances of success each day. Any horses from our 'Horses To Follow' list are shown at the foot of each race's analysis. POSTING TIMES FOR SELECTIONS__ Selections for Monday - Friday should be available after 9:30pm the previous evening, however on Saturday and Sunday due to other commitments won't be posted until after 8:30am those respective mornings unless otherwise stated. Hopefully this helps

Friday 6 April 2001 ....  "THE 4 HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE" struck again !!!  ..... Thats four for them at the meeting ..... Who will they be going after tomorrow?.... .

GRAND NATIONAL MEETING ~ DAY THREE
Saturday 7th April
1.45 Cordon Bleu Handicap Hurdle 2m 110yds Penalty £26000.00 5yo plus 
Runner[s] from our 'Horses to Follow' feature__ Cardiff Arms, & Boro Sovereign,
"THE ROOK"_ St Pirran, Batswing, Ibal, Rooster Booster, Cardiff Arms, Hit And Run, Docklands Limo, Supreme Fortune, Boro Sovereign, Fondmort (FR), and Copeland are the runners who appeal in the opener. Ilico Ii's win yesterday will make ST Pirran popular here, however I'm not sure whether he'll act on this surface. Ibal, and Rooster Booster, should go well again after bold bids in the Imperial Cup. Ibal the easy winner that day must go well again here off of 10-1. He , as well as Boro Sovereign, and Fondmort (FR), make most appeal . Boro Sovereign, who caught the eye on his seasonal reappearance at Huntingdon , is a hopeful choice 
"1st Choice" _ Boro Sovereign, (e/w)
"Alternative"_ Fondmort (FR)

2.20 Martell Maghull Novices' Chase 2m Penalty £43500.00 5yo plus 
Runner[s] from our 'Horses to Follow' feature__ Inn Antique (FR ), Tonoco & Ballinclay King 
"THE ROOK" _ Seven line up for the second. I really like Inn Antique so impressive at Kempton before an unexpected fall at Wincanton, Tonoco, so promising a few seasons back, and returning to form with vengeance; and Whitenzo, in great form in France before two easy wins on this side of the water. If he handles the conditions I do think Inn Antique (FR ), is a great prospect, and is marginally preferred to Tonoco 
"1st Choice" _ Inn Antique (FR)
"(e/w) Alternative"_ 

2.55 Martell Aintree Hurdle 2m 4f Penalty £69600.00 4yo plus 
Runner[s] from our 'Horses to Follow' feature__ Best Mate, 
"THE ROOK" _ Best Mate, has looked like the class act we all hoped he would over fences. This is a tough assignment with the likes of Mister Banjo, Landing Light, Bounce Back, Hors La Loi Iii, Barton, and Teaatral, in opposition, however it becomes desperate ground, he may have too much pace for these. a word for Bounce Back who will be a lot straighter than when meeting Teeatral in the Agfa Hurdle. He should give eachway thieves plenty to should about
"1st Choice" _Best Mate,  [R#ecommended] 
"(e/w) Alternative"_ Bounce Back

3.45 Martell Grand National Chase (Showcase Handicap) 4m 4f Penalty £290000.00 6yo plus 
SEE OPPOSITE

4.35 Martell Reserve Novices' Hunters' Chase 3m 1f Penalty £10481.25 5yo plus 
Runner[s] from our 'Horses to Follow' feature__ Quarterstaff, 
"THE ROOK" _ Here Comes Henry, (an impressive winner at Stratford); Gildrom, (a runaway winner at Huntingdon) Kildorragh, (who defeated Gunner Welburn at Fontwell), Secret Streams, (a brave winner at Sandown) and Quarterstaff, (promising in point to points last season) appeal in the fifth. . Gildrom looks the one to be on, if he handles the ground
"1st Choice" _ Gildrom
"(e/w) Alternative"_ Kildorragh,

5:15 Martell Weatherbys Champion Standard National Hunt Flat Race Class A Grade 2m £20000.00 4yo plus 
Runner[s] from our 'Horses to Follow' feature__ Jameson, 
"THE ROOK"_ The Last race of the Meeting; The Bajan Bandit, In Contrast, Irish Hussar, Redde, Posh Pearl, Sea Drifting, Kaizen, Best Of The Girls, The Villager, Jameson, and Punchy, have some sort of chance. The Bajan Bandit, will be popular after his easy win at Chepstow in December. This arguably is harder, and a lack of a recent run may be just against him. I like Irish hussar who will handle the surface and showed that he had a future when winning easily at Sandown on his debut. 
"1st Choice" _Irish Hussar
"(e/w) Alternative"_ Posh Pearl,
"LONGSHOT!!"_ Punchy

GRAND NATIONAL MEETING ~ DAY TWO
Friday 6th April
2:00 Heidsieck Diamant Bleu Novices' Handicap Chase Class C 
Runner[s] from our 'Horses to Follow' feature__ Enrique, (GER), Errand Boy, Red Striker, Rodock (FR), & Sawa-Id 
"THE ROOK" _ After watching the horses drudge through the softening ground, it is clear that stamina, and a liking of the ground is essential. In the opener Enrique, Red Striker, Frenchman's Creek, Bright November, Errand Boy, Exit To Wave, Hannigan's Lodger, Hunt Hill, Rodock, and Sawa-Id all look to have claims. A strong pace is guaranteed; with Frenchman's Creek, Bright November, Hannigan's Lodger, and Hunt Hill all wanting to force the pace. There is a good chance that these all could beat themselves by taken each other on, so I'd be looking for one of the come-from-behind 'poachers' to come and steal the prize. I think one of the horses featured in our 'Horses to Follow' section will prevail, and I'll take recent Huntingdon winner Red Striker to score from Frenchmen's Creek (able but with bags of temperament, not the heartiest of battlers), and Rodock (FR). The last named could give him plenty to do if he showed the form of his first win at Warwick, which was probably a top class effort, He was very disappointing , even though he won last time at Lingfield, and you'd want him to have more of a cut at his obstacles here 
"No.1 Choice" _ Red Striker
"(e/w) Alternative" _ Rodock (FR)

2:35 Martell Mersey Novices' Hurdle Class A Grade 2 
"THE ROOK" _Cornish Gale, Royal Auclair (FR), Montalcino, Run For Paddy, Janus Du Cochet (FR), Razer Blade, and Rostropovich, are the selected runners from those listed in the second. Royal Auclair, stands out here. He has improved steadily since being beating top class juvenile Jair du Cochet (FR) at Auteuil in October. He has posted three easy wins, an whilst you can argue the substance on the form doesn't amount to much. I hope he will make good use of the weight concession he gets from Run For Paddy, and Montalcino. After Bilboa (FR)'s easy win here yesterday Janus Du Cochet (FR), who was a creditable second that 'machine' on his last start in March, looks a sound eachway alternative 
"No.1 Choice" _ Royal Auclair (FR)
"(e/w) Alternative" _ Janus Du Cochet (FR)

3:10 Martell Melling Chase Class A Grade 1 
Runner[s] from our 'Horses to Follow' feature__ Cenkos (FR), Fadalko (FR), Satchmo, & Tiutchev 
"THE ROOK" _ Nine line up for this Grade 1 event. It is probably is worth overlooking Edredon Bleu, and last year's winner Direct Route, who may not even start if it gets really soft. They may run creditably but it is hard to be confident about their chances. Tiutchev, Flagship Uberalles, Fadalko, Lady Cricket, Cenkos, Satchmo, and Eskleybrook have the opportunity for honours. Tiutchev; winner of the Mitsubishi Shogun Chase at Ascot last time was being primed for the Queen Mother Chase at Cheltenham, and will be near cherry ripe for this, I prefer him to Flagship Uberailles who comes here off of the back of an injury sustained when coming second to Function Dream at Newbury... a good effort under the circumstances, but not really an ideal preparation for this event. The jokers of the pack are probably Lady Cricket, and Satchmo. The ground has come right for Lady Cricket, and she goes well fresh. Satchmo has really improved out of all recognition, much as many who watched him in Hunter chases, and point to points thought/hoped he would. The ground may be a little soft for him, but this big gelding will make his presence felt. I'd go with him for the eachway alternative 
"No.1 Choice" _ Tiutchev
"(e/w) Alternative" _ Satchmo 

3:45 John Hughes Trophy Chase Showcase Handicap Class B 
Runner[s] from our 'Horses to Follow' feature_ Red Ark, Catfish Keith, & Extra Jack 
"THE ROOK" _Thirty line up for the second race over the National fences. Plenty of them have claims Bindaree, Flying Instructor, Red Ark, Tremallt, Goguenard (FR), Gower-Slave, Storm Damage, The Outback Way, Arlequin De Sou (FR), Iris Bleu (FR), Catfish Keith, Extra Jack (FR), Pennybridge, Superior Risk, Galapiat Du Mesnil (FR), Montroe, Imperial De Thaix (FR), Major Sponsor, Mouse Bird, Delaware (FR) Nosam, and Royal Predica, all deserve some level of scrutiny;

5 AGAINST THE FIELD

• Red Ark _honest come from behind chaser
• Bindaree _ has a touch of class, and could go well if he gets round
• Iris Bleu (FR)_ Showed very good form in France, but this 5 year old hasn't quite yet transferred that here, though he may be taking a while to acclimatise, and ran much better last time out
• Goguenard (FR) _useful handicapper in France, and should adapt to these fence, and
• Imperial De Thaix (FR), plenty of weight for a 5 year old, but deserves it. Ignore his last effort and he has decent claims in an open event 

This is a tough one to call, however Iris Bleu will carry my hopes. 
"No.1 Choice" _ Iris Bleu (FR) (e/w) 
"Alternative" _ Red Ark
"LONG*SHOT!!"_ Imperial De Thaix (FR), 

4:20 Martell Sefton Novices' Hurdle Class A Grade 1 
Runner[s] from our 'Horses to Follow' feature__ Skippers Cleuch, Hindiana, Garruth, & Stromness, 
"THE ROOK" _ This is a test of my sentiments; Skippers Cleuch, and Hindiana, .... two top class recruits, both of who are destined for the top ... add the progressive ex flat gelding Historic, Valley Henry, once touted as virtually unbeatable by connections, but who suffered a shock defeat at Warwick last time out; Garruth, and Stromness, and you have a titanic battle in prospect. Back to Skippers Cleuch, and Hindiana, I don't want either to lose, however I have to go with the proven class of Hindiana (after all he is a Graded winner in France), over the potential of Skippers Cleuch... I'll be hoping they both come home safely and whatever happen tomorrow; start your list of horses to follow, and put their names at the top of the list. 
"No.1 Choice" _ Hindiana
"(e/w) Alternative" _ Stromness, improved for stepping up in trip last time out, (2m4f) and might do so again over this 3mile trip

4:50 Heidsieck Monopole Mildmay Novices' Chase Class A Grade 2 
Runner[s] from our 'Horses to Follow' feature__ Shotgun Willy, Hati Roy, 
"THE ROOK" _Eight line up for this Novice chase, but frankly only Bacchanal and Shotgun Willy make any appeal. Picking between the pair is not easy, but whilst I was impressed with Shotgun Willy when he beat yesterday's easy winner First Gold at Newbury last time out, Bacchanal has done everything asked of him in the manner of a really decent novice and just gets the nod
"No.1 Choice" _ Bacchanal
"(e/w) Alternative" _ Somemanforoneman, 

5:25 Oddbins Handicap Hurdle Class B 
Runner[s] from our 'Horses to Follow' feature__ Solo Mio, Seixo Branco, Golden Goal (GER), Ask The Natives, Brother Joe (NZ), and Prokofliev (USA) 
"THE ROOK" _ The final race of Day Two. Punters will no doubt be working out their National bets. I'd join them !!! ..Thats my advice in a complex affair. Seixo Branco, Solo Mio, Hulysse Royal, Polar Prospect, Doctor Goddard, Red Guard, Prokofiev, Serenus, Ask The Natives, Aspirant Dancer, Brother Joe, Golden Goal (GER), and Kates Charm, all have claims. My horses to follow list is churning out the winners at present and I can see one of Seixo Branco, Golden Goal (GER), Ask The Natives, and Prokofliev (USA) taking the prize... I'll go with Seixo Branco 
"No.1 Choice" _ Seixo Branco
"(e/w) Alternative" _ Prokofliev (USA
"LONG*SHOT!!"_ Golden Goal (GER)

GRAND NATIONAL MEETING ~ DAY ONE
Thursday 5th April
2.00 Barton & Guestier Handicap Hurdle 3m 110yds Penalty £26000.00 5yo plus 
Runner[s] from our 'Horses to Follow' feature__ Manx Magic [USA], Iris Royal [FR], and Prokofiev [USA] 
"THE ROOK" _ Only 4 of the eighteen runners who line up for the opening race of the Grand National Meeting, are in the Handicap proper due the presence of top class stayer Deano's Beeno. This either strong favours him, or is such a difficult task that he virtually worth ignoring for betting purposes. Deano's Beeno is an all -and-out galloper who grinds his rivals into submission. he likes to dominate in his races which he is going to find difficult to do, with Manx Magic [USA], Prokofiev [USA] and Springfield Scally all wanting to force the issue and with the likes of Wain Mountain, Heart of Avondale, Carlovent (FR) and Iris Royal who all like to come off of a strong pace. I think he's worth opposing, and I think Wain Mountain, a brave winner, at Haydock last time out, and Iris Royal, who should appreciate this betting ground after sinking without trace at Sandown last time out, are the horses to concentrate on. The latter, a half brother to that useful staying hurdler/novice chaser Gallant Moss, is still relatively unexposed, and gets the vote here 
"No.1 Choice" _ Iris Royal
"(e/w) Alternative" _ Prokofiev (USA) 

2.35 Martell Cup Chase (Showcase Race) 3m 1f Penalty £69600.00 5yo plus 
Runner[s] from our 'Horses to Follow' feature__ First Gold, & Young Spartacus 
"THE ROOK" _ This looks a good race on paper, 
See More Business - The likely favourite after trouncing a field at Cheltenham in January, he is a tenacious galloper, but he does need to dominate his races, and I can't imagine that he will offered victory, as easily as he was last time out
First Gold - Top class when on song, as he demonstrated when winning the King George, however clearly wasn't right when fishing second at Newbury to Shotgun Willy. The track should suit, and he must go well, however this is not a planned event, and Francois Doumen has been caught between two stools because of the foot & mouth restrictions. That may make no difference but he isn't going "110% here"
Legal Right - Very good handicapper who has progressed to the edge of this grade. Put in atop class effort when winning under 12-0 at Ascot on his only start this term. He should like the strong pace here, and can go close
Frantic Tan - The spoiler in the race. His natural pace during the race looks set to upset See More Business. He has sound claims in his own right though, winning the De Vere Gold Cup on the bridle over 3m4f last time out. Another who should go well 
Bellator - Has run consistently well all season, and posted a personal best effort when finishing 3rd to First Gold in the King George. Blotted his copybook, when planting himself at Ascot last time, but normally is well natured at the start... not without a chance
Lord Noelie, - Last season's Sun Alliance winner hasn't shown the same level of form, and hasn't really shown enough to consider him
Young Spartacus - Brave winner of the Racing Post Chase, needs to find a bit to win this, however the stable are in cracking form, and is entitled to close inspection for that reason alone

Two factors here;

* Will See More Business be allowed to dominate by his rivals, particularly Frantic Tan? I can't see that happening, so his chance is immediately diminished. They should at least though ensure that this is run at a true pace; and
* How straight is First Gold? Well he's unlikely to be as straight say as he was when winning the King George, but fit enough to do himself justice. He gets the decision over Legal Right, and Bellator 
"No.1 Choice" _ First Gold
"(e/w) Alternative" _ Bellator

3.10 Martell Red Rum Handicap Chase 2m Penalty £39000.00 5yo plus 
"THE ROOK" _ Jungli, Wahiba Sands, Fatehalkhair Exit To Wave, Eskleybrook, Desert Mountain, Ichi Beau, Damus (GER), and Wave Rock, all have claims in another race certain to be run at a strong pace. This should suit Desert Mountain who beat Get Real by 1 1/2lengths at Kempton last time out, Wahiba Sands, who finally appears to have got t he hang of this game if judged by his 22length success at Doncaster and Jungli who also scored at the same Doncaster meeting. Jungli is a model of consistency and gets the vote 
"No.1 Choice" _ Jungli   [R#ecommended] 
"(e/w) Alternative" _ Damus (GER) 

3.45 Martell Fox Hunters' Chase 2m 5f 110yds Penalty £18850.00 6yo plus 
Runner[s] from our 'Horses to Follow' feature__ Fandango de Chassy (FR) 
"THE ROOK" _ Thirty runners line up for the first race over the National Fences at this meeting; Last year's winner Bells Life, Secret Bay, Mr Snowman, Balisteros, Gunner Welburn, and River Unshion, look the best of these, and if they get round, one of these looks the likeliest winner. Gunner Welburn may possibly find this on the sharp side, but he is a classy hunter on his day . He failed to concede 14lbs to Kildorragh at Fontwell over 3m 2f , but that may have been a decent effort, and he should staying on at the death. He is preferred to the progressive. Mr Snowman, and stablemate Secret Bay
"No.1 Choice" _ Gunner Welburn
"(e/w) Alternative" _ Fandango de Chassy (FR) 

4.20 Glenlivet Anniversary 4-y-o Novices' Hurdle 2m 110yds Penalty £58000.00 4yo only 
Runner[s] from our 'Focus on France feature__ Bilboa (FR) 
"THE ROOK" _This looks a cracker on paper; Bilboa (FR), Azertyuiop (FR), Under The Sand, Jocko Glasses, Pedro Pete, Deferlant (FR), and Warjan (FR) look the main protagonists. Azertyuiop (FR) may well go off favourite as arguably this horse has the best form, having lowered the colours of Hor La Loi III at Wincanton on his British debut. He had been the subject of glowing reports prior to that race, and clearly is a decent import. I'm sure he'll go well, but I do think Bilboa (FR) is a useful tool, and I would have selected here to win the Triumph Hurdle, as I do think that she was given too much to do to catch Jair du Cochet when they met at Chepstow in December, especially as I know that she had previously given him weight, and a sound beaten in France. She winged around Kempton after that, beating Janus Du Cochet by 3 1/2lengths, and should be ready for this assignment. She gets the vote .... narrowly. Of the others Under The Sand, who won impressively at Huntingdon on his hurdles debut; French import Warjan, who did likewise on his British debut at Market Rasen, and Deferlant look best of the rest. Warjan gets the eachway vote 
"No.1 Choice" _ Bilboa (FR) 
"(e/w) Alternative" _ Warjan (FR) 

4.50 Barton And Guestier Top Novices' Hurdle 2m 110yds Penalty £23200.00 4yo plus 
Runner[s] from our 'Horses to Follow' feature__ Captain Zinzan (NZ), Dark Shell, Iznogoud (FR), Impek (FR) Dark'n Sharp (GER) & Ilico II (FR) 
"THE ROOK" _ Eighteen line up for race six. On a personal level, it is nice to see so many horses selected in August as horses to note entered for a Grade 2 event like this. They have good claims as does Swan Knight (USA), Tysou, Reiziger, newcomer Old Marsh. I select four of these; Swan Knight (USA), and Dark Shell who fought out a great finish on their debut over hurdles at Wincanton 42 days ago. Both looked as though the race would do them good, and so it proved as Dark Shell has since come out and thrashed a field at Huntingdon... both are respected. I thought that Impek would have gone close in the Supreme Novices Hurdle had Cheltenham taken place, and this lovely individual is certain to run creditably, the same comments applied to Dark'n Sharp (GER), though in this case, I thought that this German import have a great chance in the Vincent O Brien County Hurdle. He's up to this, having carried top weight to an easy success in a Newcastle handicap on very soft ground. I think Dark Shell showed enough improvement to reverse form with Swan Knight (USA), and he gets the vote over Impek
"No.1 Choice" _ Dark Shell   [R#ecommended] 
"(e/w) Alternative" _Dark'n Sharp (GER),

5.20 Chivas Regal Handicap Chase 3m 1f Penalty £26000.00 5yo plus 
Runner[s] from our 'Horses to Follow' feature__ Kingsmark, Jolly Green Giant, Galant Moss (FR) Ad Hoc & Bouchasson (FR) 
"THE ROOK" _Another eighteen runners in the last. Jolly Green Giant, Paperising, Gingembre, Castle Sweep, Artic Camper, Kingsmark, Galant Moss, Prancing Blade, and Ad Hoc are selected against the field. Jolly Green Giant, is one of my current favourites at presnet, and he has done nothing but improve this term since winning at 20/1 at Chepstow in December. He is still unbeaten this term, and hacked round on his latest start at Warwick, and despite shouldering 11-12 this big brown gelding is the one to beat. He gets the call over Paperising, who won easily on his last start at Uttoxeter in February, and Ad Hoc, who may improve for the confidence builder he must have got having completed in a creditable 5th place in the Racing Post Chase 
"No.1 Choice" _ Jolly Green Giant,
"(e/w) Alternative" _ Ad Hoc

This page was updated - Monday December 24, 2001 09:45:47 AM