COR BLIMEY! WHAT A CRACKING CLIMAX

Ben Morgan looks to Cheltenham stars Slade Steel and Corach Rambler to star on Aintree's biggest day

- Ben Morgan

BRIDLE ROAD HANDICAP HURDLE

WEST BALBOA was a winning tip for this column in this race last year and I’m backing her to double up. This season she was supposed to progress through the ranks into a Graded mare but it hasn’t quite gone to plan for one reason or another.

Connections are pretty shrewd and I’m sure their Plan ‘B’ would involve bringing her back for this race which she would have an obvious chance. She won last year off 135 and is likely to be a few pound higher this year but she won last year with plenty in hand and I’m confident she can go close again this year.

Monmiral stole the Pertemps off Kyntara late on at Cheltenham but I’m not sure either will turn up here for one reason or another. White Rhino was absent from Cheltenham but was fancied to go close and he could continue on his upward curve here if turning up.

The Jonjo O’Neill pair Springwell Bay and Judicial Law would both come into the reckoning and I think both will appreciate the better ground.

Anna Bunina ran a great race in the Pertemps given the ground would have been far from ideal and I fancy her to give the selection most to think about. John McConnell’s mare is a classy type who has given connections plenty to shout about in recent seasons. I think this is her last year in training so I’m sure they will want to have one more big day before she retires.

Goshowposh completes my shortlist as I think he is an improving type ahead of the handicapper. The better ground will be a big plus for Philip Hobbs’ charge and he could feature in this before going novice chasing next season.

1) West Balboa

2) Anna Bunina

3) Goshhowposh