Races
AINTREE PREVIEW | Friday’s racing
A seven-race card at Aintree kicks off the weekend on Friday evening
Jumps racing returns to Aintree for the first time since the Grand National meeting, with seven races scheduled at the Merseyside track on Friday evening.
The action kicks off at 5.20, with the card concluding at 8.35.
The Class 2 Cleanevent Handicap Steeple Chase holds several interesting entries, including Nicky Henderson’s Versatility who grabbed the headlines at Kempton on his last outing.
The seven-year-old was four lengths clear of his rivals as he tackled the last fence, looking assured of victory as he touched 1.01 on the Betfair Exchange.
But he stumbled in the run-in and unseated his rider in the run-in, handing victory to Psychedelic Rock.
The gelding will be hoping to put that mistake behind here and he faces a tough field which includes veterans Minellacelebration, Sir Ivan and Potters Legend.
Pertemps Final contender No Comment will be aiming to bounce back to form at Aintree, as Phillip Hobbs’ servant holds an entry in the 2m4f Handicap Hurdle.
Fergal O’Brien’s consistent sort Courtandbould makes his return after a six-month break, while Proschema will be hoping to follow up his Cheltenham success at the April Meeting with another victory here.
Militarian is stepped back down in class after his Grade 1 appearance in the Betway Bowl last month, as he heads a nine-strong field in the Class 3 2m4f Handicap Chase.
Andrew Martin’s runner finished the last of four in the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase on his last outing and the veteran could bounce back to winning ways here.
Captain Tom Cat makes his debut over fences for Dr Richard Newland, while Jonjo O’Neill’s Maypole Class returns after being pulled up in the Grade 3 Paddy Power Plate at the Cheltenham Festival.
Kimmis will be looking to show further progress under Henderson in the 2m4f maiden hurdle, while O’Brien’s Onagatheringstorm heads a field of four in the 3m½f Novices’ Hurdle.
David Pipe’s Panic Attack will be aiming to revive her past form with success in the 2m4f Mares’ Handicap Hurdle, while intriguing Point winner Foxinthebox makes his rules debut for Olly Murphy in the Class 3 Bumper.
