15:25 Aintree – Great Endeavour to gain revenge
Published:Everything went wrong for Great Endeavour at Cheltenham, but he can get the better of Bensalem and Reve De Sivola on this occasion when the threesome lock horns again at Aintree.
The trio all took part in the Stewart Family Spinal Research Handicap Chase, with Bensalem getting the better of Carole’s Legacy in a tight finish and Reve De Sivola back in third.
Bensalem is 4/1 in the Aintree odds to land the spoils again, but this Cheltenham victory is sure to have taken its toll.
Meanwhile, he opposes both of his rivals on worse terms at the weights, which could easily lead to a reversal in placings.
Reve De Sivola, who is an 8/1 shot, finished 11 lengths behind Bensalem at Cheltenham, but it remains to be seen if he can get his revenge in receipt of a further 8lb.
Great Endeavour heads to Aintree 9lb better off in relation to Cheltenham and can certainly secure victory at odds of 7/2.
David Pipe’s horse likes to run up with the pace, but a terrible start at Cheltenham left him fighting hard to get back on terms, which would have wore down his energy reserves.
Great Endeavour did finally get into contention and looked to have found a fine jumping rhythm until unseating Timmy Murphy late on when still in with a chance.
Eight of the last 14 winners of the John Smith’s Handicap Chase had run at the Cheltenham Festival during the same season, while horses that prefer to race prominently tend to have a good record.
Trainer Philip Hobbs is worth following in the Handicap Chase and he saddles Tarablaze, who certainly has each-way credentials at 8/1.
Tarablaze was disappointing when run over hurdles at Cheltenham, but has quickly bounced back since when winning a novice chase at Bangor.
A £20 stake on Tarablaze winning the John Smith’s Handicap Hurdle would return £160. New customers can sign up here.
