Grand National Festival: On The Fringe primed to retain Fox Hunters’ Chase crown
Published:
David Metcalf | April 5, 2016
On The Fringe a worthy Fox Hunters’ favourite
On The Fringe looks to hold outstanding claims of landing back-to-back successes in the Crabbie’s Fox Hunters’ Chase at Aintree (16:05) on the first day of the 2016 Grand National Festival.
The Enda Bolger trained 11-year-old has won 10 of his 19 starts over fences and, after landing the Foxhunters’ at the Cheltennham Festival 12 months ago, ran out the very easy 3 3/4 length winner of this.
On The Fringe jumped well and travelled strongly throughout in the hands of Nina Carberry, and only had to be shaken-up at The Elbow to quickly stretch clear and put the race to bed.
Best hunter chaser in training
This gelding was value for far more than the winning margin, and there is no reason why the runner-up Pacha Du Polder should reverse the placings.
On The Fringe also comes into the race having retained his Foxhunters’ crown at Cheltenham last month where he showed tremendous guts to rally strongly and beat Marito by a neck.
The son of Exit To Nowhere had many of his rivals in this in behind, and On The Fringe is currently the best hunter chaser in training.
He also has once again has the services in the saddle of crack amateur rider Carberry and, granted a clear round, On The Fringe is going to be very tough to beat.
Current Event the each-way value
Having finished an eye-catching fourth behind On The Fringe at Cheltenham, Current Event looks a big each-way player.
The Rose Loxton trained nine-year-old stayed on strongly to be nearest at the finish and beaten 2 1/4 lengths, having previously been beaten 40 lengths by the winner in the 2015 running of the race.
It was a much improved effort, and one which suggested there may be even better to come from the gelding.
Although Current Event got no further than the seventh when unseating in this race 12 months ago, he got badly hampered that day and is normal a sound jumper who comes into this year’s renewal in better form.
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Coral’s top tip: On The Fringe is a class act and can successfully retain his crown. Current Event looks decent each-way value.
