14:30 Aintree: Master Of The Hall to bounce back from Festival
Published:One poor jump seemingly cost Master Of The Hall at least a place finish in the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, but he can be supported to make amends in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase.
Eight of the last nine winners of the race arrived at Aintree on the back of a run at the Cheltenham Festival and three of this year’s field all competed in the RSA Chase.
Wayward Prince finished third after staying on dourly up the run-in to overtake those slowing down ahead, while it is hard to properly assess The Giant Bolster as he fell relatively early on.
Unreliable jumping has been a feature of The Giant Bolster’s recent racecourse appearances and although clearly talented if he puts in a safe round at 8/1, he may be best opposed.
Like Master Of The Hall, who is 4/1, Wayward Prince fits many of the key trends of recent Mildmay Novices’ Chase winners, with 27 of the last 29 winners having won at least two chase starts and 18 of the last 20 having previously won over three miles.
Stamina is an essential ingredient at Aintree as the race tends to be run at a fast pace and Wayward Prince will certainly be staying on.
However, he does seem to be under pressure early than most in his races and therefore may find one or two too good at 11/4.
Master Of The Hall had won three of his last four starts before Cheltenham and was in a good position tracking the leaders until making a serious mistake.
His biggest challenge could come from Colm Murphy’s Quito De La Roque at 7/2, who has been performing well in Ireland this season.
But the horse did not run at Cheltenham and it remains to be seen how well he will take to running on good ground.
A £20 stake on Master Of The Hall winning the Mildmay Novices’ Hurdle would return £80. New customers can sign up here to take advantage of free bets totalling up to £60.
