Grand National 2010 by Liverpool Post & Echo

40,307

MAIN

Friday, April 9, 2010

49p

TORRES LEADS EURO CHARGE

4 pages inside

2 SPORT

Friday, April 9, 2010

★★★★

2010 Grand National Pinstickers guide and ECHO Sport’s best tip for the big race

MADISON DU BERLAIS

TRICKY TRICKSTER (IRE) Trainer: Paul Nicholls

Trainer: David Pipe WON the totesport Bowl at Aintree last year, but connections opt for National now. Has it all to do off top weight, but jumps well and should get round, but maybe no more.

SHOT to favouritism after his narrow Aon Chase victory. But he ran a hugely disappointing race when last home in the Gold Cup. Passed over by Ruby Walsh for Big Fella Thanks.

MON MOME Trainer: Venetia Williams

CLOUDY LANE Trainer: Donald McCain Jnr

LAST year's winner by 12 lengths, showed his well-being when an excellent third in the Gold Cup. Sure to go well and could be placed, but bigger weight makes the repeat tough.

BLACK APALACHI (IRE) Trainer: Dessie Hughes

SIXTH when joint favourite two years ago and fell at the 15th when going well last year. Generally a sound jumper and given a clear round could play a hand in the finish.

DREAM ALLIANCE Trainer: Philip Hobbs

WINNER of the Becher Chase in 2008, he was going well in last year's race when coming down at Becher's second time around. Excellent second in Bobbyjo Chase hints at form.

FAIRYTALE winner of the Welsh National for small-time connections. Disappointed when pulled up at Haydock last time, and needs soft ground to be at his best.

JOE LIVELY (IRE) Trainer: Colin Tizzard

NOZIC (FR) Trainer: Paul Nicholls

NOW an 11-year-old and seemingly on the downgrade. Beaten a long way at Cheltenham last time. And despite decent form in the past, little to recommend him now.

VIC VENTURI (IRE)

RIDDEN by last year’s winning jockey Liam Treadwell. He was 12th to Irish Raptor over the National fences last year, and a well-beaten ninth in Welsh National. A real outsider.

MY WILL (FR)

Trainer: Dessie Hughes MADE it back-to-back wins for Hughes in the Becher Chase in November. Comes here in form after he beat Black Apalachi at Fairyhouse last time. Big weight may anchor him.

Trainer: Paul Nicholls THIRD in last year’s National under Ruby Walsh. Walsh has deserted him and comes into the race after finishing seventh in the Gold Cup. No reason why he can’t get round again.

COMPLY OR DIE (IRE) Trainer: David Pipe

PABLO DU CHARMIL (FR) Trainer: David Pipe

WINNER two years ago and gallant runner-up last year from a bigger weight. Sure to get round, but is now a year older and carrying a bit more. Top 10 finish, but unlikely to win.

DON'T PUSH IT (IRE)

Trainer: Jonjo O'Neill WON a handicap chase at Aintree 12 months ago and is generally consistent. Pulled up over hurdles at Cheltenham last time. Big weight could be his downfall.

MADE IN TAIPAN (IRE) Trainer: Tom Mullins (IRE)

ONE of the David Pipe team, but has only ever won over two miles. Stamina and class doubts make it hard to see him as anything other than an also ran.

BACKSTAGE (FR) Trainer: Gordon Elliott (IRE)

WON an extended 3m chase Ffos Las in December and has been trained for Aintree since. Could easily go well for Grand National-winning trainer Gordon Elliott.

BALLYHOLLAND (IRE)

THIRD in the Grade One Novices Chase at Aintree last year and he has a high level of form. Second in Navan Grade Three contest puts him in with a chance but has stamina doubts.

Trainer: Colin McBratney (IRE) ARGUABLY the Irish dark horse. Landed the Galway Plate last summer and has had his campaign geared around Aintree. Could run a big race for little-known Irish trainer.

NICHE MARKET (IRE) Trainer: Bob Buckler

BEAT THE BOYS (IRE) Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies

WON the Irish Grand National last year and that has been one of the best guides for Aintree. Will stay and is a sound jumper. He looks one of the more likely candidates.

PULLED UP three times this term, but won the other two starts including November’s Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle. On that he’ll win or fail to get round. Expect the latter.

PREISTS LEAP (IRE)

Trainer: Tom O'Leary (IRE) Finished 14th in last year’s National at odds of 100-1. Nothing in his five starts since then suggest he will fare any better this time despite carrying less weight now.

CAN’T BUY TIME (IRE) Trainer: Jonjo O'Neill

FELL at the 18th fence in last year’s National. Generally consistent and won at Cheltenham over Christmas and was sixth to Big Fella Thanks last time. Could go well.

SNOWY MORNING (IRE) Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE)

THIRD two years ago and ninth last year. Clearly likes Aintree and has been consistent this season. Finished eighth in the Hennessy and not out of the first three since. Will go well.

BIG FELLA T Trainer: Paul N

HAS been favour at Newbury in Fe partnered by two winner Ruby Wa and sure to get e this time

RACING REPORTER CHRIS WRIGHT GIVES HIS PREDIC

STATEOF PLAYALL THEWAY I T may have become almost impossible to win the John Smith’s Grand National more than once. But having had a taste of the unique Aintree marathon is a vital ingredient to success. That’s why last year’s fourth home, State Of Play, looks to hold a massive chance of becoming the first Welsh-trained winner in more than a century. In the last decade only Aintree heroes Numbersixvalverde and Comply Or Die had not jumped the big National obstacles previously. While Amberleigh House, Hedgehunter, Silver Birch and Mon Mome had all run with great credit in the previous season’s National before their career-defining successes. So almost since State Of Play crossed the line 25 lengths behind Mon Mome, trainer Evan Williams has been plotting a return for his 10-year-old. And he ticks all the right boxes for a potential National winner. He is the right age at 10, has a perfect weight of 10st 10lb and has proved his ability to navigate the daunting Aintree fences. He has also shown he can win the biggest staying chases on the calendar. State Of Play took the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in 2006 and landed the Charlie Hall Chase a year later – two

Another Williams set for Aintree glory

races that put an emphasis on jumping and staying. Just what you need to win a National. And although most National heroes have had a busy campaign, State Of Play’s one run this season is a positive for him. Williams’ charge needs to fresh to be seen at his best. He’s won on his seasonal return twice and was second on the other. He also scored over

Aintree

2010

Aintree’s Mildmay fences back in 2007 after a five-month break. So the fact he hasn’t been seen since pulling up behind Denman in the Hennessy back in November is not a concern. He is fresh, well and at the top of his game according to his Everton-supporting trainer. Mon Mome, who was trained on the border of Wales in Hereford, was the first

French-bred winner in 100 years. State Of Play can write a new chapter in National history to become the first Welsh-trained National hero in 105 tomorrow afternoon. One of the chief dangers to the selection will be last year’s winner. Venetia Williams’ 10-year-old won by 12 lengths and bids to become the first horse to win a second Grand National since Red Rum in 1973 and 1974. A typically shrewd campaign brings him back to Aintree in great nick. Following pleasing runs in Haydock’s two big chases, the Peter Marsh and Blue Square Gold Cup, Mon Mome put up one of his best performances when a staying-on third behind Imperial Commander in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Only the extra burden of carrying 11st7lb and the weight of history are negatives for a horse who jumps superbly and stays all day. He is sure to be in shake-up, but it will be much tougher for him to re-write Aintree history again after his 100-1 shock win. Irish raiders are always to be feared at Aintree.

W f

1st 2n 3rd 4th B

Ratings out of 10

THANKS

Nicholls rite since his win February and o-time National alsh. Sixth last year even closer

CTION

Wrighty’s forecast

t State of Play nd Mon Mome d Ballyholland Big Fella Thanks

CHARACTER BUILDING (IRE) Trainer: John Quinn

MISSED last year’s race through injury. Has been down the field on his two starts since over hurdles and at Cheltenham last month. Jumps and stays well but has his chance gone?

Tomorrow, Aintree Racecourse, 4.15pm (live on BBC1)

STATE OF PLAY

Trainer: Evan Williams FOURTH last year and with less weight looks like he can go close again. Jumps, stays and despite having only one run – pulled up in November – has always run well after a long break.

ELLERSLIE GEORGE (IRE) Trainer: Nick Mitchell

FINISHED eighth in the Becher Chase two years ago and started this term in good form. Has to put a disappointing run at Newbury last time behind him. Hard to see doing that.

ON THIS YEAR’S AINTREE SHOWPIECE last summer, one of the lesser known trainers in Ireland Colin McBratney has geared his campaign around a tilt at the Aintree marathon. He was sent over hurdles to protect his handicap mark and landed a novice event at Naas in January. He was down the field on his return to fences in a Grade Two contest Leopardstown last time, but that should have put him spot on for his trip to Aintree. That was in testing conditions and the better ground on Merseyside could see him in a better light. There is no reason why he can’t go close to landing another National for the Irish. Big Fella Thanks is sure to go off a warm favourite and you can see why. He was sixth as a novice chaser 12 months ago. And moved to the head of the market with victory at Newbury in February.

BALLYFITZ Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies

HISTORY REPEAT: Can Mon Mome win again?

Six of the last 11 winners have hailed from the Emerald Isle and among their leading players are the last two winners of the totesport Becher Chase Black Apalachi and Vic Venturi for Dessie Hughes. Both clearly go well

over the big Aintree obstacles and are dangers. But they are carrying big weights and a few lower down from Ireland may get closer to victory. Arbor Supreme is interesting from the Willie Mullins’ stable who won with Hedgehunter in 2005, but it is Ballyholland that may be the dark horse. A winner of the Galway Plate

He has a handy weight of 10st12lb, is a year older and stronger and has two-time National winner Ruby Walsh on board. The fear, though, is he doesn’t truly stay the 4m4f and may not have enough energy left to outpoint his rivals on the run-in. Donald McCain has always been convinced Cloudy Lane can win a National. He was sixth in 2008 and came down when going well last year. He has been a credit to connections, winning several good prizes at Cheltenham, Haydock and Doncaster in recent seasons. He is something of a forgotten horse having stated favourite two years ago. With a clear round he could run a big race a much longer odds this time. With several bookmakers paying out on the first five home, Cloudy Lane could be the one to make them cough up.

PIRAYA (FR) Trainer: David Pipe

RAN excellent Aintree trials when fifth and fourth in the Welsh National and the Gold Cup at Haydock, then 13th over hurdles at Cheltenham but at his best on soft ground.

OWNED by Liverpool-born Terry Neill who is desperate to win a National. Won a handicap chase at Kempton, but disappointed in the Racing Post Chase. Lacks experience for this.

CONNA CASTLE (IRE) Trainer: Jimmy Mangan (IRE)

THE PACKAGE Trainer: David Pipe

DONE most of his running over shorter distances, but classy enough to finish placed in Graded company on several occasions. Stamina a huge doubt, but could get round.

RAN a wonderful National trial when second to Chief Dan George in the William Hill Trophy at Cheltenham last month. But as a seven-year-old may be a bit too young this time.

ERIC'S CHARM (FR) Trainer: Oliver Sherwood

HELLO BUD (IRE) Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies

VETERAN at 12, but retains zest for the game with wins at Sandown and Newbury. Fell in the Topham Chase in 2008 back but could defy his advancing years and go well.

SCOTTISH Grand National winner last season and ran well over the Aintree fences to finish fifth in the Becher. Generally disappointing since but better ground might help.

KING JOHNS CASTLE (IRE) Trainer: Arthur Moore (IRE)

PALYPSO DE CREEK (FR) Trainer: Charlie Longsdon

FINISHED second to Comply Or Die in the 2008 National, but injury kept him off the track for a year. Has never quite replicated that form since his return and unlikely to do so now.

RAN well to finish second to Silver By Nature in Blue Square Gold Cup at Haydock. Stays well and looks sure give a go well. But at seven this may come a year or two early for him.

OLLIE MAGERN Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies

FLINTOFF (USA) Trainer: Venetia Williams

FELL in last year’s National and despite doing connections proud over the years, with wins at Grade One and Two level, at the age of 12 it is hard to see him doing any better this time.

PULLED up on his only start this term in the Welsh National. But if he could replicate his Midlands National second last year and third in the Scottish in 2008 would have a chance.

ARBOR SUPREME (IRE) Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE)

ABBEYBRANEY (IRE) Trainer: Howard Johnson

TOP TIP: State of Play is Chris Wright’s most likely winner of this year’s National

SPORT 3

Friday, April 9, 2010

★★★★

WON over 3m6f at Punchestown in 2008, beating Black Apalachi. Has only won once since, but ran well to be second at Leopardstown last time. Could go well.

HAS only had four starts in more than two years since joining Howard Johnson. Won at Hexham in November but pulled up in the four-miler at Cheltenham. Outsider.

MALJIMAR (IRE) Trainer: Nick Williams

CERIUM (FR) - RESERVE Trainer: Paul Murphy

MISSED the cut in last year’s National. Has run well this year including when third to Grade Champetre in the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham in November. Could go well.

FIFTH last year under Formby jockey Keith Mercer, and despite a low weight hard to see him improving on that now partnered by Davy Russell. But he should get round again.

IRISH RAPTOR (IRE)

SILVER BIRCH (IRE)RESERVE Trainer: Gordon Elliott (IRE)

Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies HAS run over the National fences five times, completing four. His win in last year’s Topham Chase mark him down as a likely candidate. But there are doubts about his stamina.

MR POINTMENT (IRE) Trainer: Paul Murphy

WON the Becher Chase in 2007 when trained by Paul Nicholls, but pulled up in that season’s National. Has had problems and was a distant 10th in the Gold Cup. Best days behind him.

WON the National in 2007, but because of injury couldn’t defend his crown. Into the veteran stage now at 13.

ROYAL ROSA (FR) RESERVE Trainer: Howard Johnson

TOOK to the Aintree fences well in November and could go well at big odds, but first has to get in to the race.

4 SPORT

Friday, April 9, 2010

★★★★

2010 JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL Declared runners & riders SMITH'S GRAND NATIONAL HANDICAP CHASE (GRADE 3) 4.15 JOHN 4m 4f. 6yo plus Penalty value £521,052 40 Runners 1

244

463

501

U-02

030

23P

2-00

219

529

4P2

21P

644

13 0-69 14

757

15 6-4F 16

117

138

1PP

0F0

223

016

2U1

23 44-P 24 1-00 25

187

011

980

45U

540

467

7U2

253

312

019

4U5

36 20-0 37

420

B87

39 52-P

MADISON DU BERLAIS (42) (P;C)(P) D Pipe 9-11-10 ....T Scudamore MON MOME (22) (CD) Miss V Williams 10-11-7..........................A Coleman VIC VENTURI (49) (P;C)(P) D T Hughes (IRE) 10-11-6 ................P W Flood BLACK APALACHI (49) (P;C)(P) D T Hughes (IRE) 11-11-6...D O'Regan JOE LIVELY (25) C L Tizzard 11-11-6..............................................J Tizzard DON'T PUSH IT (23) (C) Jonjo O'Neill 10-11-5 .........................A P McCoy COMPLY OR DIE (25) (B;CD)(B) D Pipe 11-11-5.....................T J Murphy TRICKY TRICKSTER (22) P Nicholls 7-11-4......................B J Geraghty NICHE MARKET (25) R Buckler 9-11-4.......................................H Skelton MADE IN TAIPAN (14) Thomas Mullins (IRE) 8-11-4.............N P Madden DREAM ALLIANCE (49)(P) P Hobbs 9-11-3 ...........................T J O'Brien CLOUDY LANE (35) D McCain Jnr 10-11-3.................................J Maguire NOZIC (103)(T) P Nicholls 9-11-3 ...................................................L Treadwell MY WILL (22) P Nicholls 10-11-2 .................................................N Scholfield PABLO DU CHARMIL (70)(T) D Pipe 9-11-2 ...............................D Cook BALLYHOLLAND (41) C McBratney (IRE) 9-11-0.............A J McNamara BACKSTAGE (14) G Elliott (IRE) 8-11-0 .......................................D Condon BEAT THE BOYS (25) N Twiston-Davies 9-11-0.........................B Hughes PREISTS LEAP (25)(B) T G O'Leary (IRE) 10-11-0....................P T Enright SNOWY MORNING (41) W P Mullins (IRE) 10-10-13...............D J Casey CAN'T BUY TIME (35) Jonjo O'Neill 8-10-13 .........................R McLernon BIG FELLA THANKS (35) P Nicholls 8-10-12..............................R Walsh STATE OF PLAY (133) (C) E Williams 10-10-11.........................P Moloney CHARACTER BUILDING (25) J J Quinn 10-10-11.....Miss N Carberry ELLERSLIE GEORGE (35)(P) N Mitchell 10-10-10 .................C Williams ERIC'S CHARM (35) O Sherwood 12-10-9 ..........................W Hutchinson KING JOHNS CASTLE (27) A L T Moore (IRE) 11-10-9........P Carberry CONNA CASTLE (43) J J Mangan (IRE) 11-10-9 ................S W Flanagan BALLYFITZ (23) N Twiston-Davies 10-10-9 ..................................D England OLLIE MAGERN (25) N Twiston-Davies 12-10-9 ..........................T Molloy ARBOR SUPREME (41) W P Mullins (IRE) 8-10-8 ............Paul Townend MALJIMAR (120) N Williams 10-10-8 ...............................................D Jacob THE PACKAGE (25) (BF) D Pipe 7-10-7 .............................................G Lee PIRAYA (42)(T) D Pipe 7-10-7 ............................................................J Farrelly IRISH RAPTOR (126) (C) N Twiston-Davies 11-10-7..................P Brennan MR POINTMENT (22) (C) Paul Murphy 11-10-7..........................K Whelan PALYPSO DE CREEK (23) C Longsdon 7-10-6 ........................T Siddall HELLO BUD (23)(T) N Twiston-Davies 12-10-6 ..........Mr S Twiston-Davies FLINTOFF (103)(B) Miss V Williams 9-10-5 ......................................A Tinkler ABBEYBRANEY (24) J H Johnson 9-10-5.................................K Renwick

160 155 162 161 159 161 131 150 156 159 154 159 161 165 -151 154 158 145 154 158 163 -136 152 164 151 159 162 153 160 162 166 158 146 58 158 162 --

31P

151

R20 SILVER BIRCH (25) (P,T;CD)(P,T) G Elliott (IRE) 13-10-5 ......R M Power (Res 1) 131

42 05-8 CERIUM (22) (C) Paul Murphy 9-10-5......................................................... (Res 2) 140 43

3P5 ROYAL ROSA (80) J H Johnson 11-10-5 .....................................R Mania (Res 3) 151

62F KNOWHERE (25) (B;C)(B) N Twiston-Davies 12-10-4 ..............B Harding (Res 4) 163

2009: Mon Mome 9 11 0, L Treadwell 100-1 (Miss V Williams), 40 ran. ECHO BETTING: 7-1 Big Fella Thanks, 10-1 Mon Mome, 10-1 Arbor Supreme, 12-1 Black Apalachi, 12-1 Tricky Trickster, 12-1 Snowy Morning, 12-1 The Package, 14-1 Vic Venturi, 14-1 Niche Market, 14-1 State of Play, 16-1 Comply Or Die, 16-1 Don't Push It, 16-1 Backstage, 16-1 Can't Buy Time, 16-1 Character Building, 25-1 Dream Alliance, 25-1 Ballyholland, 25-1 Maljimar, 25-1 Irish Raptor, 25-1 Hello Bud, 33-1 Madison Du Berlais, 33-1 Cloudy Lane, 33-1 My Will, 33-1 Ellerslie George, 33-1 Ballyfitz, 33-1 Eric's Charm, 33-1 King Johns Castle, 33-1 Palypso De Creek, 50-1 Joe Lively, 50-1 Nozic, 50-1 Beat The Boys, 50-1 Piraya, 50-1 Abbeybraney, 50-1 Cerium, 50-1 Flintoff, 50-1 Royal Rosa, 50-1 Silver Birch, 50-1 Knowhere, 66-1 Made In Taipan, 66-1 Pablo Du Charmil, 66-1 Preists Leap, 66-1 Conna Castle, 661 Ollie Magern, 66-1 Mr Pointment

BBC1

BIG FELLA THANKS 8-1 In touch, headway to chase leaders 12th, tracked leader going well 4 out, led 3 out, hung left and idled flat, always just doing enough, won at Newbury 2m 4f hcp chs G3 (1) gs in Mar beating Pasco by 1 1/2l, 9 ran. MON MOME 50-1 Held up in touch, reminder 16th, outpaced 4 out, stayed on from next, rallied flat to take 3rd near finish, no chance with leading pair, 3rd of 11, 30l behind Imperial Commander at Cheltenham 3m 2f Grade 1 chs (1) gd in Mar. ARBOR SUPREME 12-1 Held up towards rear, progress 3 out, 7th before 2 out, 4th and headway approaching last, 2nd and stayed on well closing stages, 2nd of 16, 1 3/4l behind Stewarts House at Leopardstown 2m 5f Ext hcp ch sft in Feb. BLACK APALACHI 5-1 Chased leaders, 4th halfway, moderate 4th from 9 out, closed entering straight, ridden into 2nd 2 out, no impression leader, kept on same pace, 2nd of 8, 8l behind Vic Venturi at Fairyhouse 3m 1f chs Grd 2 sft in Feb. TRICKY TRICKSTER 12-1 Held up in touch, struggling 24th, soon lost touch, tailed off, 9th of 11, well behind Imperial Commander at Cheltenham 3m 2f Grade 1 chs (1) gd in Mar. SNOWY MORNING 5-1 Settled 3rd, lost place after mistake 6th, 7th and outpaced 2 out, 6th under pressure last, stayed on well closing stages, 3rd of 8, 3l behind Tranquil Sea at Leopardstown 2m 1f chs Grd 2 sft in Feb. THE PACKAGE 9-2fav Held up behind, headway on outside at bypassed 4 out, ridden approaching last, rallied to go 2nd flat, closed on winner towards finish, just held, 2nd of 24, hd behind Chief Dan George at Cheltenham 3m hcp chs G3 (1) gs in Mar. VIC VENTURI 3-1 Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, improved to 2nd 5 out, challenged 4 out, led entering straight, clear 2 out, kept on well, comfortably, won at Fairyhouse 3m 1f chs Grd 2 sft in Feb beating Black Apalachi by 8l, 8 ran. NICHE MARKET 20-1 In touch, led 14th, headed 3 out, soon ridden, weakened from next, 9th of 24, 15l behind Chief Dan George at Cheltenham 3m hcp chs G3 (1) gs in Mar. STATE OF PLAY 12-1 Mid-division, lost place 15th, tailed off when pulled up 17th, in a race won by Denman at Newbury 3m 2f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gs in Nov, 19 ran. COMPLY OR DIE 40-1 With leader, led 5th, headed 14th, driven and outpaced 3 out, soon weakened, 13th of 24, 42l behind Chief Dan George at Cheltenham 3m hcp chs G3 (1) gs in Mar. BACKSTAGE 10-1 Held up towards rear, headway to 6th 6 out, 5th 4 out, ridden in 6th and no extra before 3 out, weakened, 8th of 10, well behind Glencove Marina at Navan 2m 4f chs Grade 3 hvy in Mar. CAN'T BUY TIME 4-1 Held up in rear, steady headway 10th, weakened 4 out, 6th of 9, 29l behind Big Fella Thanks at Newbury 2m 4f hcp chs G3 (1) gs in Mar. CHARACTER BUILDING 12-1 Mid-division, mistake 10th, never dangerous, 12th of 24, 36l behind Chief Dan George at Cheltenham 3m hcp chs G3 (1) gs in Mar. DON'T PUSH IT 28-1 Always towards rear, tailed off when pulled up before last, in a race won by Buena Vista at Cheltenham 3m lstd hcp hdl (1) gs in Mar, 24 ran. DREAM ALLIANCE 9-1 Held up in mid-division, jumped right 12th, soon behind and pushed along next, pulled up before 15th, in a race won by Silver By Nature at Haydock 3m 4f hcp chs G3 (1) hvy in Feb, 14 ran. BALLYHOLLAND 8-1 Tracked leaders in 5th, close up after 2 out, soon ridden, 4th last, no extra, 7th of 8, 10l behind Tranquil Sea at Leopardstown 2m 1f chs Grd 2 sft in Feb. MALJIMAR 17-2 In rear, hit 27th, headway 3 out, effort when not fluent last, ridden and kept on flat, 3rd of 16, 3l behind Garde Champetre at Cheltenham 3m 7f hcp chs (2) sft in Dec. IRISH RAPTOR 12-1 Prominent, led 5th, headed 8th, led again 14th, headed 18th, under pressure 3 out, gradually weakened, 5th of 8, 28l behind Eric's Charm at Sandown 3m 5f hcp chs 0-150 (2) sft in Dec. HELLO BUD 16-1 Prominent, ridden 12th, not fluent 17th, soon weakened, 7th of 24, 29l behind BallaBriggs at Cheltenham 3m 1f Am hcp chs 0-140 (2) gs in Mar. MADISON DU BERLAIS 9-1 Prominent, led approaching 3rd, headed next, lost place 5 out, 4th of 13, 31l behind Razor Royale at Kempton 3m hcp chs G3 (1) sft in Feb. CLOUDY LANE 11-1 Chased leaders, ridden and no impression from after 4 out, 4th of 14, 14l behind Wogan at Doncaster 3m 2f hcp chs (2) gd in Mar. MY WILL 80-1 Held up behind, struggling 15th, never dangerous, 7th of 11, well behind Imperial Commander at Cheltenham 3m 2f Grade 1 chs (1) gd in Mar. ELLERSLIE GEORGE 9-1 Chased leader, led 5th, ridden and headed before 17th, weakened before 4 out, no chance when blundered next, 7th of 8, well behind Eric's Charm at Newbury 3m 2f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in Mar. BALLYFITZ 33-1 With leaders led 3rd to next, chased leaders, ridden 3 out, soon lost place and weakened, 13th of 24, 23l behind Buena Vista at Cheltenham 3m lstd hcp hdl (1) gs in Mar. ERIC'S CHARM 9-1 Led, mistake and headed 5th, chased leader, led before 17th, jumped right 4 out, strongly pressed and blundered 2 out, hard driven and joined flat, kept on gamely to assert final 150 yards, won at Newbury 3m 2f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in Mar beating Knowhere by 2 1/4l, 8 ran. KING JOHNS CASTLE 20-1 Held up in rear, slow 3rd, no impression from 3 out, kept on same pace, 11th of 14, 19l behind Vintage Oak at Navan 2m 7f hcp hdl in Mar. PALYPSO DE CREEK 18-1 Mid-division, driven and outpaced 2 out, soon weakened, 14th of 24, 23l behind Buena Vista at Cheltenham 3m lstd hcp hdl (1) gs in Mar. JOE LIVELY 33-1 Led to 5th, with leader, lost place after 14th, weakened 3 out, 14th of 24, 49l behind Chief Dan George at Cheltenham 3m hcp chs G3 (1) gs in Mar. NOZIC 18-1 Held up towards rear, mistake 3rd, middivision halfway, weakened before 4 out, 9th of 18, well behind Dream Alliance at Chepstow 3m 5f Grade 3 hcp chs (4yo+) (1) hvy in Dec. BEAT THE BOYS 50-1 Mid-division on outside, lost place 12th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Chief Dan George at Cheltenham 3m hcp chs G3 (1) gs in Mar, 24 ran. PIRAYA 14-1 Mid-division, headway halfway, soon chasing leaders, weakened 14th, 9th of 13, 48l behind Razor Royale at Kempton 3m hcp chs G3 (1) sft in Feb. ABBEYBRANEY 11-1 Mid-division on outside, mistake 17th, soon lost place, behind when pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Poker De Sivola at Cheltenham 4m am nov chs (2) gd in Mar, 18 ran. CERIUM 200-1 Always in rear, struggling from halfway, 8th of 11, well behind Imperial Commander at Cheltenham 3m 2f Grade 1 chs (1) gd in Mar. FLINTOFF 14-1 Soon held up towards rear, under pressure 13th, soon beaten, behind when pulled up 3 out, in a race won by Dream Alliance at Chepstow 3m 5f Grade 3 hcp chs (4yo+) (1) hvy in Dec, 18 ran. ROYAL ROSA 11-1 Held up, effort 5 out, outpaced next, soon no impression, 5th of 12, 11l behind Its Teescomponents at Newcastle 3m hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft in Jan. SILVER BIRCH 20-1 With leader, mistake 18th, lost place 25th, weakened 3 out, 15th of 16, well behind A New Story at Cheltenham 3m 7f hcp chs (2) gs in Mar. KNOWHERE 28-1 Mid-division when fell 7th, in a race won by Chief Dan George at Cheltenham 3m hcp chs G3 (1) gs in Mar, 24 ran. MADE IN TAIPAN 5-1 Settled behind leaders, 6th halfway, headway to 4th 4 out, improved to challenge 3 out, soon led, ridden and challenged before last, headed last, no extra run-in and kept on same pace, 2nd of 10, 8l behind Glencove Marina at Navan 2m 4f chs Grade 3 hvy in Mar. PABLO DU CHARMIL 9-1 In touch when fell 5th, in a race won by The Sawyer at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs G3 (1) sft in Jan, 12 ran. PREISTS LEAP 33-1 Always behind, weakened 3 out, 13th of 16, 37l behind A New Story at Cheltenham 3m 7f hcp chs (2) gs in Mar. CONNA CASTLE 7-1 Held up in rear, progress to go 4th 5 out, left 3rd next, 2nd after 3 out, in touch when jumped badly Echo Main Apr 09 10 49p ISSN:1751-6277 right 2 out, no extra when again jumped right and blundered and unseated rider last, in a race won by Let Yourself Go at Thurles 2m 2f chs sft in Feb, 7 ran. OLLIE MAGERN 80-1 Mid-division, outpaced 3 out, soon ridden, kept on under pressure, never on terms, 7th of 24, 13l behind Chief Dan George at Cheltenham 3m hcp chs G3 (1) gs in Mar. MR POINTMENT 250-1 Always behind, tailed off, 10th of 11, well behind Imperial Commander at Cheltenham 3m 2f Published by Trinity Mirror Merseyside, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Grade 1 chs (1) gd in Mar. Liverpool, L69 3EB, and printed by Trinity Mirror Printing Oldham Ltd,

ECHO FORM

Hollinwood Avenue, Oldham. Registered at The Post Office as a newspaper