Grand National Festival: Blaklion can roar to Mildmay success
David Metcalf | April 7, 2016
Blaklion can tame Midlmay rivals
Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies has his team in terrific form, and Blaklion can provide him with another big race success in the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree (14.50).
The gelding had done nothing but progress throughout the season, winning three of his six starts.
In the last of those, Blaklion put in a tremendous performance to land the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
After being held-up in touch, the seven-year-old got denied a clear run three from home before making ground to throw down a challenge at the last.
Willing attitude a big plus
Blaklion then dug really deep on the run-in to gamely beat Shaneshill by 1/2 a length.
It was a terrific display of guts, and one which marked Blaklion out as a horse that you want on your side.
The son of Kay Tara is also a solid jumper, looks the type who should have even more to offer, and goes particularly well for young up and coming jockey Ryan Hatch.
Un Temps Pour Tout feared after Cheltenham success
Un Temps Pour Tout bounced back to form when landing a gamble at the Cheltenham Festival and looks a big player if turning up in the same form.
The David Pipe trained gelding was a top class hurdler who has always been held in the highest regard.
After failing to live up to expectations in his first four starts over fences this season, the seven-year-old showed what he is made of when beating Holywell in the 23-runner Ultima Handicap Chase last month.
Un Temps Pour Tout travelled and jumped well at the head of affairs before surging clear after the last to register a comfortable seven length success.
It was an excellent display for a novice in what is traditionally a very strong and ultra-competitive handicap, and one which suggested the son of Robin Des Champs would be capable of winning plenty more big races over the larger obstacles.
Related
For more Grand National Festival race tips and previews, check out our Aintree page.
Coral’s top tip: Blaklion is a really tough and progressive novice and rates a solid bet to follow-up his Cheltenham Festival success.
