The Last Samuri well-backed to complete Grimthorpe Chase double
Published:
Expect to see Grand National pointers and plenty of thrilling action when a number of Aintree hopefuls line-up at Doncaster for this weekend’s Grimthorpe Chase.
Last year’s hero, The Last Samuri, is back to defend his crown and he’s been well-supported in the market ahead of this double bid.
However, is the Town Moor top-weight worth taking on?
The Brian Ellison-trained Definitly Red is another well-backed entrant and certainly has claims.
He might have unseated his rider three out in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock but the eight-year-old looked progressive enough when taking the spoils in a Grade 3 contest prior to that run.
We’ve made the son of Definite Article the 7/2 favourite to land another big win at Donny but a closer examination of trends might well put you off.
Favourites have just two wins and three places in the Grimthorpe since 2005 while horses carrying 1-12 or less have won eight of the last 10 renewals.
Those statistics rule out the aforementioned pair and bring in a number of other interesting players.
Looking Well was second in this season’s Sky Bet Chase and should return to this track in good heart.
Elsewhere, Yala Enki will aim to reverse his Wetherby form with Definitly Red while carrying 10-12.
However, a big-priced runner worth a second look is Paul Nicholls’ PRESENT MAN.
The Ditcheat saddler’s charge landed the December Novices’ Chase at this track and if he can replicate that form he should be a threat once again.
Ladbrokes Latest Betting:
2017 Grimthorpe Chase
Definitly Red – 3/1
Looking Well – 5/1
The Last Samuri – 5/1
Present Man – 11/2
Sego Success – 7/1
Yala Enki – 7/1
10/1 bar
Click here for the latest Grimthorpe Chase odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
