Aintree Festival Day 1 Double...

Aintree 14:00 – Inglis Drever
3m, Class 1 John Smith’s Hurdle – Good to Soft

Until The Analyst sees another horse, come out of the pack and trouble The Champion, The Drever will continue to carry our cash! Inglis Drever is my favourite horse in training, win, lose or draw he is high class and will eventually finish an illustrious career as the best staying hurdler of modern times. So why is he 11/8? Don’t ask questions… just get on!
3rd 13/8f

That's why he was 11/8! Not as effective around Aintree these days and will not run at the track again. Never really travelling like he did at cheltenham he came with a run 3 out but that flattened out. Possibly one more year to go with this fantastic horse, so lets enjoy him next year.

Taunton 14:55 – Menchikov
2m 7f, Class 4 Novices’ Chase – Good to Soft, Good in Places

The Paul Nicholls trained Leading Attraction is the 4/7 favourite in what looks a two horse race. However The Analyst was less than impressed by the geldings 11l win at Kempton, just 4 days ago. There are still plenty of question marks over his jumping and he is worth taking on today. Mick Fitzgerald is not at Aintree today and instead hops aboard the Nicky Henderson trained Mecnhikov. A decent 7th over 4 miles at the Cheltenham Festival (only beaten 14 ls) this represents a big drop in class over a trip and ground that are bound to suit.
WON 5/2

Fitzey knows best! With nothing up at Aintree for him, he bagged a double down south. Always travelling better than the Nicholls runner, Menchikov took the inside rail and jumped beautifully throughout and when the button was pressed quickened away nicely to score by 4l.

BHB Order Of Merit;

With Kauto Star reappearing in today’s Totesport Bowl Chase, Lough Derg will be up against it to regain the lead in the BHB Order of Merit. However William Frewen’s tough stayer is reportedly fine after a lack luster performance at the Festival and takes his chance on a track that’s sure to suit better. Regardless of what happens today one thing is for sure and that is that Kauto will not run again this year and The Derg will know exactly what he has to do to lift the title!! Good Luck to Connections!

The Analyst