Race Overview:
This Grade 1 kicks off the Grand National Festival in style with a cracking renewal featuring high-class novice chasers. Nine line up over 2m 3f 200y, with a decent pace expected and no shortage of talent. Several bring Cheltenham Festival form, and the going is currently Good to Soft (Good in places).


—

Strongest Contender: IMPAIRE ET PASSE

Back at the scene of his Aintree Hurdle win, and likely to benefit from this return to 2½m after being outpaced in the Scalp Chase last time. A proven Grade 1 performer with a high cruising speed, he’s got smart chase form already, and Timeform gives him a 166+ with the “+” suggesting more to come. First-time headgear signals intent, and his turn of foot could be lethal here if he settles.

> Timeform Note: “Can get back on the up returned to this track following break. Rallying third to Ballyburn was still a smart effort.”




—

Main Dangers:

1. JANGO BAIE (TFR 172)
Arkle winner who stayed on powerfully at Cheltenham to beat Only By Night. Proven Grade 1 class, and while he looked outpaced there, this step back up to 2½m is tailor-made. Serious player.

> Timeform Note: “Will benefit from a return to 2½m+. Strong-finishing Arkle win marks him as a major danger.”



2. GIDLEIGH PARK (TFR 168p)
Looked a high-class prospect when bossing the Lightning Novices’ at Windsor, jumping beautifully and showing good tactical speed. Has a “p” for potential — he’s unexposed and improving. The Fry yard is red-hot, and the pace setup suits.

> Timeform Note: “Clearly not short of speed. Likely to progress further over fences.”



3. CROKE PARK (TFR 167)
Tough, front-running Elliott chaser who pushed Ballyburn for a long way last time. Already a dual Grade 1 winner, he’s solid, consistent, and stays strongly. Might test others’ stamina if he controls it from the front.

> Timeform Note: “Strong, lengthy type with bold jumping style. Has taken big steps forward over fences.”




—

Notable Outsiders with Claims:

RUBAUD (TFR 161): Quirky but talented. Won the Pendil last time beating Boombawn, can hang tough if he gets his rhythm. Will need more again though.

THE KALOOKI KID (TFR 151): Improving handicapper, nice profile but a big step up in class here.



—

Race Setup & Pace Hint:

The Pace Forecast is “Even,” but prominent racers tend to do well in this race. Gidleigh Park could get a good setup in front — especially if Croke Park and Rubaud don’t overdo it. Impaire Et Passe will need to travel kindly early to avoid being left flat-footed again.


—

Verdict:

Impaire Et Passe is a classy animal with the strongest profile, and a return to Aintree could spark a bounce back. Jango Baie rates a huge threat with the step up in trip ideal, while Gidleigh Park is the dark horse with a big future. Croke Park won’t make it easy for anyone if he controls the fractions.

> 1st – Impaire Et Passe
2nd – Jango Baie
3rd – Gidleigh Park
Best of the rest – Croke Park