NON-RUNNER

from Aintree Racecard - Thursday 13th April

FACTS & STATS S

TIMEFORMVIEW Smart front-running hurdler/chaser who ran out a gutsy winner of lastseason's Grand Annual and comfortably his best effort since when third in this year's renewal, jumping boldly and keeping on. Comes here from same mark and he's certainly not out of things with a repeat. TFRHHHII BHA139

TIMEFORM last season's besteffort

10 THE LAST DAY (IRE) (29) 56/F1-5P CD 11 11-1

Br B g Oscar (IRE) - The Last Bank (IRE) Adam Wedge J

O Mr & Mrs William Rucker Evan Williams, Llancarfan T

B M. Conaghan Tote S

TIMEFORM VIEW Sparinglycampaignedforahorseofhisageandwellpreparedtolandthisraceinconvincingfashionfrom2lblowermark12monthsago Notinsame form either outing this term, pulled in Grand Annual last month. Hopes pinned on return to this venue having positive effect (2-2 over C&D). TFRHHHII BHA135

11 HASANKEY (IRE) (14) 6-26032 D

7 11-1

Br Gr g Mastercraftsman (IRE) - Haziyna (IRE) Lewis Dobb (7) J

O The Hanky Panky Partnership L J Morgan, Waltham On The Wolds T

B His Highness The Aga Khan’s Studs S.C. Postpack Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Made excellent strides over fences last season, winning 3 on the bounce prior to finishing sixth in Grand Annual at the Festival. Comes here in good order runner-up at Warwick (16.2f) 2 weeks ago but his mark does look about right. TFRHHHII BHA135

12 DEFAN (GB) (18) 10F-166 D 7 11-0

Br B g Kayf Tara - Flushtown Vale (IRE) Darragh O’Keeffe J

O Mr Niall O’Leary Henry de Bromhead, Ireland T

B Gingearmy

TIMEFORM VIEW Resumed progress on back of a break when successful at Ballinrobe (17f) last May. Below that level both starts since though, unable to land a blow (following 8 months off) when sixth in 7-runner Limerick handicap (19.5f) 18 days ago Others make greater appeal. TFRHHIII BHA134

13 DOUGLAS TALKING (IRE) (37) F1-5011 D 7 11-0

Br B g Dylan Thomas (IRE) - Look Who’s Talking Stephen Mulqueen J

O The Bristol Boys & Russell Lucinda Russell, Kinross T

B Brendan & Mary Fitzpatrick Ian Macleod & Co Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Front runner who resumed progress to run out an emphatic winner at Ayr after 4 months off (had undergone a breathing operation) and backed that up with easy success at Sandown last month (jumping superbly). Hit with another 10lb rise but unlikely he's finished improving yet.

14 HATCHER (IRE) (11) UF-PPF3 D 10 10-10

Br B g Doyen (IRE) - African Keys (IRE)

O Mr P. H. Betts

TFRHHHHI BHA134

Tristan Durrell (5) J

Dan Skelton, Alcester T

B Brian Griffin Hatcher Components Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Failed to complete first 3 starts this winter but stopped the slide following wind op/3 months off when third in 9-runner Ascot handicap (16.7f) 11 days ago Has tumbled in the weights but his task is to build on that now. TFRHHHII BHA130

DECLARED RUNNERS 14

2022: THE LAST DAY (IRE) 10 10 6 Adam Wedge 12-1 (Evan Williams) 16 ran Visor worn by No 11. Tongue Strap worn by No 1, 2, 3, 5, 13.

Stewards Note:

THIRD TIME LUCKI: Following its run on 15/3/2023 it was reported that the horse was hampered by a faller

Probable S.P’s: 7-2 Third Time Lucki (IRE), 5-1 Douglas Talking (IRE), 6-1 Pay The Piper (IRE), 8-1 Dancing On My Own (IRE), 10-1 Grey Diamond (FR), 12-1 The Last Day (IRE), 18-1 Before Midnight (GB), 20-1 Hatcher (IRE), 28-1 Mackenberg (GER), Hasankey (IRE), Defan (GB), Dads Lad (IRE), 25-1 Vado Forte (FR)

PLAY SMARTER

THIRD TIME LUCKI has bounced back to form in recent starts, successful at Sandown prior to faring best of those held up when fourth in last month’s Grand Annual at Cheltenham. He’s operating from a 1lb lower mark here, and a strong pace to aim at will play to his strengths so he could well be the answer. Progressive 7-y-o Douglas Talking and facile Haydock-scorer Grey Diamond head up the dangers, whilst last year’s winner The Last Day is another to keep an eye on.

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.THIRD TIME LUCKI (IRE) 2.DOUGLAS TALKING (IRE) 3.GREY DIAMOND (FR)