19:55 Aintree

Friday 11 June 2021

All17:4518:1518:5019:2519:5520:0020:3021:00

Racing With Pride Handicap Chase

Off time: 19:56 | Winning time: 3m 56.57s

Thecraicisninety²³

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 130

20/1

Hurdles/chase winner in 2018 who went close over fences last year for Padraig Roche. Never figured on yard bow at Warwick in May but mark has eased and no surprise to see forcing tactics re-employed.

Form: 24/238-6

Duke Of Navan²⁰

Age: 13| Weight: 11-7| J: Danny McMenamin| T: N G Richards| OR: 125| D

9/2

Admirable veteran who picked up some more prize money when runner-up in 3-runner handicap at Stratford (17f) in May (Miss Amelia third). 2 lb lower now and fancied to give another good account.

Form: 2/3523-2

Ballyvic Boru³⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-5| J: B S Hughes| T: B Ellison| OR: 123| D

7/1

Resumed winning ways at Wetherby (15f) in October. Confined to just 2 starts since and likely he'll be much sharper for last month's Kelso return. Good showing anticipated back under Brian Hughes.

Form: 5/P313-7

Diva De Vassy^p³³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Theo Gillard⁽⁵⁾| T: J Candlish| OR: 122| D

22/1

Dual hurdle winner in France who struck at second attempt over fences for new yard at Huntingdon (19.8f) in November. Pulled up next start but another who may come on for last month's Ludlow return.

Form: 41/P1P-4

Jaboticaba⁵⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King| OR: 121| D

9/1

Fairly useful chaser who tasted success at Warwick (2m) in September. Mixed bag followed, let down by jumping at Ayr (16.5f) in April. Given break/eased in weights since and not discounted.

Form: 14PP34-

Court Royale³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 121| D

9/1

Hit the target twice over fences at up to 18f last year. Hasn't threatened more recently, proving to be a disappointment at Haydock (20.6f) in May. Return to quicker conditions rate more suitable now.

Form: P0323-5

Boagrius^t³⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: C Gethings| T: T R George| OR: 118| D

7/1

Dual chase scorer who essentially proved to be disappointing during a light 2020/21 campaign. Shaped better than bare result at Warwick recently (ridden too aggressively) and this should reveal more.

Form: P2/578-4

Miss Amelia²⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: Henry Brooke| T: M Walford| OR: 116| BF| D

4/1

In excellent form over fences this year, winning trio of handicaps at up to 17.3f. Far from disgraced when third of 3 at Stratford (17f) late last month and no surprise to see her go well again.

Form: 1122-U3

Solar Impulse^v1²⁸

Age: 11| Weight: 10-11| J: C J Todd⁽³⁾| T: Ian Williams| OR: 115| D

7/2

Has proved hard to catch right since scoring at Southwell last August, possibly flattered by finishing position when well held fourth over 19.9f here recently. Visor needs to have positive effect.

Form: 6P2P2-4

Forecasts

Solar Impulse (7/2), Miss Amelia (4/1), Duke Of Navan (9/2), Ballyvic Boru (7/1), Boagrius (7/1), Court Royale (9/1), Jaboticaba (9/1), Thecraicisninety (20/1), Diva De Vassy (22/1)

A competitive-looking handicap in which it may pay to side with BALLYVIC BORU. A winner from this mark at Wetherby in October, he shaped as if he'd come on for last month's reappearance effort at Kelso and, back under Brian Hughes, a good showing is expected. A short break may have helped Jaboticaba and he is feared, ahead of Solar Impulse and veteran Duke of Navan.