With Don Poli returning and former National winner One For Arthur in action, it looks a card to savour.
Race 1 – 11.55pm Betway Heed Your Hunch Novices' Hurdle (Novices' Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier)
An intriguing opener that gives racegoers another chance to see exciting novice ELDORADO ALLEN.
Colin Tizzard's four-year-old was a very impressive winner on debut at Sandown, beating a decent field, and looks a good thing under a penalty.
This is a much weaker race and his main danger is undoubtedly Cause Toujours. He was a good second in Listed company last time and will appreciate the drop in grade.
The Grand Visir was 100+ rated on the Flat and is very interesting making his debut for Ian Williams.
VERDICT – 1. Eldorado Allen 2. Cause Toujours 3. The Grand Visir
Race 2 – 12.25pm Betway Handicap Chase (Challenger Middle Distance Chase Series Qualifier)
A competitive little contest can go the way of A PLACE APART.
This has all the hallmarks of a plot job from Irish trainer Gavin Cromwell.
His raider won a competitive little contest at Kempton two starts ago and then had two runs over hurdles.
Back over the larger obstacles he is still very unexposed and he's the youngest in the field by a considerable margin.
Chef D'Equipe's form of his last run has been franked and he looks a worthy danger, while Lord Bryan can progress again to pick up third.
VERDICT – 1. A Place Apart 2. Chef D'Equipe 3. Lord Bryan
Race 3 – 1.00pm Merseyrail Handicap Hurdle (Class 2)
A field mostly full of horses on a recovery mission.
MIDNIGHT SHADOW was outclassed in the Greatwood last time but had previously run a cracker behind the improving Innocent Touch.
He can rediscover winning ways here at the expense of Jet Set, who was sent off favourite for her chasing debut last time out but fell at the first.
Notwhatiam can pick up third spot.
VERDICT – 1. Midnight Shadow 2. Jet Set 3. Notwhatiam
Race 4 – 1.30pm Becher Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (Class 1)
A cracking renewal can go the way of ULTRAGOLD, who loves the National fences.
He's got to prove he can get this trip but has form figures of 121 at the course and clearly loves the Mersey air.
He hasn't had many chances over this longer distance and should be ready to roll after a nice pipe-opener.
Blaklion bolted up in this race last year and has another big chance even off this 5lb higher mark, while Present Man is a very good jumper and a test like this could be right up his street.
VERDICT – 1. Ultragold 2. Blaklion 3. Present Man
Race 5 – 2.05pm Betway Many Clouds Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1)
Only four runners for this prestigious event but an interesting race all the same.
DEFINITLY RED demonstrated his well-being at Wetherby in the Charlie Hall and gets the vote considering this track and trip will be ideal.
Double Shuffle is a very smart horse but would possibly prefer slightly quicker ground.
He can get the better of One For Arthur for third spot, who is being trained for another tilt at the Grand National in April.
VERDICT – 1. Definitly Red 2. Double Shuffle 3. One For Arthur
Race 6 – 2.05pm Betway Fillies' Juvenile Hurdle (Listed)
A cracking fillies' contest which looks at the mercy of easy debut winner GIVING GLANCES.
She was a pretty smart horse on the Flat and looks equally adept over hurdles based on her first outing where she demolished an admittedly poor field at Hereford.
She couldn't have won that any easier though, and Alan King knows when he has a good juvenile.
Smiling Eliza is an interesting runner for Gordon Elliott, while don't discount Dance To Paris for the in-form Lucy Wadham.
VERDICT – 1. Giving Glances 2. Smiling Eliza 3. Dance To Paris
Race 7 – 3.15 Betway Grand Sefton Handicap Chase (Class 2)
The finale is the second race of the day run over the National fences.
CAPTAIN REDBEARD is a very intriguing runner for the Coltherds.
He's a very solid jumper in the main and will love the ground.
He can see off the progressive Forest des Aigles and Warriors Tale.
VERDICT – 1. Captain Redbeard 2. Forest des Aigles 3. Warriors Tale
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