Leicester Serves Up Grand National Spectacular
Saturday's card at Leicester delivers one of the season's standout days with seven races worth £1.7 million in total prize money. The good to soft going should suit most runners, though there are good patches on the hurdle track that could favour the speedier types over the shorter trips.
I've walked these fences more times than I care to remember, and Leicester's National course remains one of the fairest tests in the calendar. The ground has taken the recent rain well, and with no further precipitation forecast, conditions should remain consistent throughout the afternoon.
Grand National: I Am Maximus Sets the Standard
The £1 million Grand National (4:00) dominates proceedings with a field of 37 that's arguably stronger than we've seen in recent years. Willie Mullins holds a powerful hand with seven runners, but it's his topweight I Am Maximus who sets the standard on a mark of 168.
Last year's runner-up returns in cracking form and P. Townend knows this track like the back of his hand. The 10-year-old's course and distance form reads like a love letter to Leicester – he's never finished worse than third here in five attempts.
Banbridge represents serious each-way value at his current odds. J. J. Slevin takes the ride on this consistent 10-year-old who's proven at the trip and handles these conditions perfectly. His course record of 2-1-1 from four starts tells you everything about his affinity for Leicester.
Don't overlook Gerri Colombe either. Jack Kennedy has struck up a fine partnership with this 10-year-old, and that course winner's tag could prove crucial when the pace inevitably quickens from the second-last.
Liverpool Hurdle: Hiddenvalley Lake the Class Act
The Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle (3:05) brings together a stellar field over three miles, and Hiddenvalley Lake looks the one to beat. Henry de Bromhead's nine-year-old arrives here off the back of a scintillating performance at Cheltenham, and his rating of 158 puts him clear of most of these.
The good to soft ground plays right into his hands – he's unbeaten in four starts on similar conditions. Course and distance winners always demand respect in these marathon hurdle contests, and his Leicester form figures of 1-2 suggest he's found his ideal hunting ground.
Home By The Lee brings the highest rating at 161, but there are legitimate questions about whether this 11-year-old retains the enthusiasm of old. J. J. Slevin keeps the ride, which suggests connections remain confident.
Impose Toi represents the Henderson battalion and comes here fresh from a confidence-boosting win at Kempton. Nico de Boinville's mount has that crucial course and distance form in his favour.
Novice Championship Races Provide Quality
The Maghull Novices' Chase (12:45) kicks off proceedings in style, with Mighty Bandit and Salvator Mundi heading the betting. Both carry ratings of 152, but I lean towards Salvator Mundi's class edge. Willie Mullins doesn't send many over for these Leicester features without serious expectations.
James Bowen partners Mighty Bandit, and Warren Greatrex's charge has shown progressive form this season. The step up to this level represents a significant test, but his jumping has been exemplary.
In the Mersey Novices' Hurdle (1:55), Ballyfad looks a cut above. Gordon Elliott's five-year-old arrives here unbeaten over hurdles and his rating of 148 suggests there's more to come. The good ground won't inconvenience him, and Jack Kennedy rarely gets these big-race calls wrong.
Handicap Highlights and Value Plays
The William Hill Handicap Hurdle (1:20) presents a fascinating puzzle with 22 runners. Jeriko du Reponet heads the weights for Nicky Henderson, but it's hard to get away from Supremely West for Dan Skelton. Harry Skelton takes the ride on this progressive eight-year-old who's won his last two starts in convincing fashion.
The distance winner tag could prove crucial here, and Harbour Lake fits that bill perfectly. At 10 years old, he knows his job and Tom Bellamy's 5lb claim brings him right into contention.
The Freebooter Handicap Chase (2:30) over three miles looks wide open. Leave of Absence and Lookaway share top weight, but I'm drawn to Cruz Control for Tom Lacey. His course and distance form reads well, and Stan Sheppard has struck up an effective partnership with this nine-year-old.
Best Bets and Ones to Watch
My strongest fancy of the day is Hiddenvalley Lake in the Liverpool Hurdle. His class edge should tell over this marathon trip, and the ground conditions couldn't be more suitable.
For the Grand National, I Am Maximus sets a clear standard, but Banbridge offers excellent each-way value with his proven Leicester form.
In the novice races, Salvator Mundi and Ballyfad represent the Mullins and Elliott battalions respectively, and both arrive here with serious expectations.
The Leicester racecard promises a thrilling afternoon of top-class National Hunt racing. With consistent ground conditions and a competitive book of jockeys, we're set for a memorable day's sport.
