There are no fewer than three significant Grand National trials around the country this Saturday and anyone who wants to make sense of the Aintree race next month should be tuning in. Perhaps the most important is Doncaster’s Grimthorpe Chase, in which The Last Samuri (3.45) has excellent claims.
A useful novice for Donald McCain, he has maintained his progress since joining Kim Bailey for this winter and it was pleasing to see him finish so strongly at Kempton last time. Although it could be said that the form has not worked out brilliantly, he should have more to offer from 9lb higher.
Drop Out Joe is the other name that jumps off the page but he comes from a stable going much less strongly than when he was last seen in November. Sego Success should go well, while The Druids Nephew is respected, though this seems more like a Grand National prep-run for him than a target in itself.
1.45 Newbury: The way Rock Gone finished into second at Plumpton rather caught the eye. That was his return to action after more than a year off and he will be dangerous if it has put any sort of edge on his fitness.
2.00 Doncaster: Heavy going at Sandown was too much for Pearls Legend in early January but he has been otherwise consistent and is the most reliable option.
2.15 Newbury: Restless Harry has yet to show anything like his best form since joining Henry Oliver but he comes here off a break, with an eye-catching jockey booking and half a stone lower in the weights than he was in November. He bolted up the last time he ran here, two years ago.
2.35 Doncaster: Having been beaten only by a massive improver at Ascot last time, Fingertips gets to run off the same mark here with the David Pipe yard really hitting its stride.
2.50 Newbury: Few jumpers can be so well handicapped as Saint Charles, last seen running second behind Thistlecrack a year ago. The first and third from that race are now rated more than 20lb above Saint Charles, who should win if fit for this belated reappearance.
3.10 Doncaster: Yes I Did holds the strongest form claims, especially since her main rival, The Organist, is unproven at this distance.
3.25 Newbury: Like many of his stablemates, Little Jon is often sent to run at Cheltenham, his local track, which may not bring out the best in him. His form figures over fences at other tracks are 1141, including a win in a more valuable contest here in November.
