Dunowen Point looks on a handy mark in the 3.15 at Aintree today and rates a decent punt at 7/1.
Donald McCain’s landed a couple of handicaps at the turn of the year before running a stormer when last seen in action over the National fences here in the Topham to finish fourth of 29 to Triolo D’alene off 138.
He attacked his fences with real gusty that day at the head of affairs, and after being headed at the last lost second at the elbow before weakening close to the finish to be beaten 8 3/4 lengths.
The winner, to whom he was conceding 6lb, has since gone on to land this year’s Hennessy in great style and is now officially rated 156, and that makes the form look strong in the context of this contest.
The selection now gets into this off the same mark of 138 and given the subsequent exploits of the winner that makes him look ahead of the assessor if progressing again this season.
There is absolutely no reason why the seven-year-old should not improve further, and the fcat that he has not run for 246 days is not a worry as he scored last Decmber after 454 days on the sidelines.
The fact he has form over these unqiue fences is also a major plus and with Jason Maguire in the saddle he looks the one they all have to beat.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts each-way Dunowen Point (7/1 sportingbet)