The big betting race at Aintree today is the John Smith’s over the National fences (3.40pm) and two that appeal at decent odds are Always Waining and Nikola.
The former is trained by Peter Bowen and is a real course specialist who comes to life over the unique fences.
The 11-year-old finished fourth in this back in 2009 and has gone on to win the last two renewals.
He is only 5lb higher than when beating Mon Parrain by four lengths 12 months ago, and that contest looks stronger than today’s.
The gelding has clearly been trained all season with this race in mind and looks sure to go well in his hat-trick attempt with conditions clearly in his favour.
It’s hard to see him not being involved at the business end of affairs, and at 12/1 he looks solid each-way value.
Nikola is not the easiest to catch right, and has looked a bit untrustworthy on occasions.
However Nigel Twiston-Davies’ charge does have some decent form in the book and clearly likes this track.
The 11-year-old has run three times over the national fences, finishing second to Frankie Figg in the Grand Sefton back in 2010 and winning the Veterans Chase in October 2011.
Although he ran poorly when last seen in action her in the latest running of the Grand Sefton, he has run well since when third to Faasel at Doncaster and off bottom-weight there is every chance that a return to this track will spark him back to life.
If it does then he is certainly weighted to play a leading role, and at 33/1 he looks overpriced and worth an each-way play.
Daily Sport recommended bets:
3pts each-way Always Waining (12/1 Boylesports, Hills – BOG 1/4 odds, 1,2,3,4)
2pts each-way Nikola (33/1 Stan James, 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4,5)
