The fields for day two of Aintree‘s Grand National meeting have now been declared. Among the feature races of the whole week is the Grade 1 Melling Chase, in which seven horses will compete.
There was a surprising absentee as Jonbon was not declared for a race he has won twice. Nicky Henderson’s star would have been seeking a hat-trick, but was not among the final field.
However, his Ryanair Chase conqueror Heart Wood was declared by Henry De Bromhead. The eight-year-old made light work of that middle distance contest and, in the absence of Fact To File, has made himself the figurehead of this division.
His chief danger could be the distance-dropping Grey Dawning. Dan Skelton’s charge was second in the Bowl here last year, as well as a gallant fourth in the Gold Cup last month. It remains to be seen if that race has left a mark.
A Grade 1 runner-up as a novice last season, Gidleigh Park skipped Cheltenham to run here. Champion Chase third L’Eau du Sud is also in the reckoning upped in trip.
Sober Glory seeks Supreme boost
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle runner-up Sober Glory will aim to go one better than at Cheltenham. Philip Hobbs & Johnson White’s runner made a mistake at the last which may have cost him glory at the Festival.
He is joined in the Grade 1 Top Novices’ Hurdle by Baron Noir, who was fourth in the Cheltenham opener. A field of six has been declared with just one Irish runner, the raiding Starting Fifteen for Eric McNamara.
Big field in staying Sefton
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle hero Johnny’s Jury will bid for a memorable double in the Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle. Jamie Snowden’s charge came from the clouds to storm up the Cheltenham Hill. He will also seek to be the Snowden yard’s second straight winner of this race after Julius Des Pictons’ shock success 12 months ago.
No Drama This End will aim for redemption after disappointing as favourite for the Turners Novices’ Hurdle last month. However, Paul Nicholls’ stable jockey Harry Cobden is jocked up aboard Talk To The Man, the yard’s other runner. Sam Twiston-Davies takes over on the grey.
The four-timer seeking Dalston Lad has been declared by Dan Skelton, while Zeus Power was third in the Turners for Joseph O’Brien.
Eight go in Mildmay Novices’ Chase
Paul Nicholls won this race 12 months ago and Regent’s Stroll will seek to repeat the feat of Caldwell Potter. He is stepping up in trip for the first time here.
His rivals include Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase runner-up Salver, a faller at the last in that race in Wendigo and Willie Mullins’ Gold Dancer, second in the novices’ handicap at Cheltenham off top-weight.
Full field for Topham over National fences
Lastly, a full field of 30 will contest the Topham Handicap Chase over the Grand National fences.
Last year’s winner Gentleman De Mee is back for Willie Mullins. He usually peaks at this time of year, while Cheltenham’s Grand Annual winner Madara could complete a spring double for the Skeltons.
Il Est Francais comes across from France to take top weight, while Ile Atlantique and Boombawn are other interesting runners for the Mullins and Skelton tams respectively.