Aintree Sunday Preview - 24/10/21

Bootlegger marked his return last time out with a decent 3rd placed effort at this class 3 level at Wetherby, on good ground, over todays distance (24f), off the back of a 5 month break, behind Flight Deck (130) and Teescomponent Lad (131).

The son of Kayf Tara was one of the last off the bridle that day, travelling smoothly from the rear before just tiring slightly on the uphill run to the line.

He's expected to now strip fitter with that run under his belt and has actually been dropped a further pound in the handicap to a mark of 126.

Tristan Davidson has hit a nice bit of form of late with an impressive 71% of his horses running to form; he teams up with Kevin Brogan who's a strong selection in this conditional jockeys sphere.

Big River ran some respectable races at Grade 3 level just last year, over distances ranging from 23.5f-27.5f, however was subsequently stepped up to 4 mile distances over which he was to lesser effect.

Aintree can be very testing for a horse, its a long way from the home turn to the line meaning you need a horse with stamina; it's also a positive that Big River has plenty in the tank to compete over the longer trips, despite his lesser form.

It's now though, a big plus to see him returned to the 25f distance, and on the back of 189 day break, he is expected to relish the good ground conditions which he boasts 40% strike rate upon.

Interestingly, Big River has been given a wind operation during that time off the track; connections have clearly felt that they can still get plenty more wins out of this runner and its a positive signal for a now 11yo competitor.

Progeny of Big River's sire, Milan, actually boast a 30% strike rate first time back after a wind operation and if stripping fit, Big River has real potential to run a big race here.

Itchy Feet was the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase winner back in February 2020 and subsequently held his form to a high level last season without quite getting his head in front.

He finished a solid 3rd place in this race last year upon soft ground also ran a big race to finish 3rd in the Grade 1 Marsh Chase over C&D on his final run of last season; he re-opposes race rival Nuts Well, who beat him by 1.25 lengths, now 6lb better off.

The son of Cima De Triomphe is 3-6 on good ground, placing in 5 of those races, so looks sure to appreciate the better ground.

The cheekpieces are on to sharpen up his jumping and trainer Olly Murphy boasts a 26% strike rate with his runner sporting this specific type of headgear first time out.

Murphy is in great form of late and Itchy Feet looks to hold a great chance here at opposing the favourite Allmankind who has to give plenty weight away to all his rivals here.

Lounge Lizard appears an interesting proposition on hurdles debut for trainer Henry Daly, who boasts a 27% strike rate (3-15) and 54% place rate (6 - 11) at Aintree across the last 5 years; he is also 17% over this C&D across his career.

This son of Kayf Tara cost £52,000 as a yearling however saw his price increase to £65,000 as a 3yo.

He was encouraging on debut in a bumper last season, finishing a mere 1.25 lengths runner up behind 2/9 Paul Nicholls favourite Mr Glass, despite running green throughout the contest and hanging left on the run in to the line.

Daly has a smart record in maiden hurdles and boasts a tidy 19% strike rate with his break returners in October (150+ days).

Tom O'Brien is a solid booking in the saddle, and Lounge Lizard may just have the potential to outrun big odds here

Riggs looks like the one they all need to beat in the 16:10, setting the standard on form thanks to finishing runner-up in a Grade 3 on his penultimate start.

He was sent off a well backed 4/7 favourite dropping back down into a hot class 4 novice and was travelling best of all upon the good ground when falling 2 out.

He's since been off the track for 206 days however is now expected to return rejuvenated and ready to continue progressions at an attainable level.

Dan and Harry Skelton boast a 20% strike rate when teaming up over hurdles at Aintree and that statistic increases to 22% over C&D; strong chance in a competitive looking affair.

Corach Rambler made an encouraging chase debut last time out at Perth for Lucinda Russell, over an inadequate 2m 4f trip.

He jumped awkwardly at times, to be expected on chase debut on the back of a 6 month break, however began to find a rhythm and stayed on well into 3rd behind some well regarded types in Minella Trump (135) and Pay The Piper (140).

The return to 3m 1f looks sure to suit, and whilst untried on good ground, his progeny statistics suggest he should relish the conditions.

He's entitled to have come on from his comeback run and should strip fitter than his rivals here with that run under his belt.

With most of these having something to prove, he rates a solid pick at an each way price.