Strongest Contender: PUTURHANDSTOGETHER (TFR 157p)

Joseph O’Brien’s Fred Winter hero absolutely bolted up at Cheltenham, tanking through the race and forging six lengths clear. The way he travelled and quickened under pressure suggests he’s got a serious engine, and his “p” rating from Timeform highlights he’s not done improving.

> Timeform Comment:
“Very hard not to be impressed… Routed a competitive Fred Winter field… Open to further improvement.”



The strong gallop and hold-up bias at Aintree could play perfectly to his late charge — don’t panic if he’s dropped out early.


—

Main Dangers:

1. LIVE CONTI (TFR 143P)
Unbeaten French import who’s done everything right since arriving with Dan Skelton. Looked a class above at Wetherby and could take a big step forward. The pedigree (half to classy stayers) screams stamina and scope.

> Timeform Note: “Remains open to plenty of improvement. Hard held latest.”



2. FILIBUSTERING (TFR 136P)
Was electric at Kelso on debut — slick jumping, strong gallop, effortless win. Could be anything. Light on experience, but if he settles off this pace, he’s dangerous.

> Timeform Note: “Jumped impeccably… sure to go on to better things.”



3. NATURALLY NIMBLE (TFR 154P)
Joseph O’Brien’s second string is a smart, strong-travelling type. Fourth in a Grade 2 last time but hampered at a key point. He’ll enjoy this stronger setup and has solid back form in Ireland.


—

Pace & Setup Insight:

Forecast: Strong pace
This is going to be run at a good clip — a handful of keen front-runners like Mambonumberfive, Filibustering, and Gibbs Island will ensure it doesn’t turn into a crawl. That plays into the hands of closers like Puturhandstogether and Naturally Nimble.

> Timeform Pace Hint:
“Hold-up horses favoured… should work to the advantage of Puturhandstogether at the expense of Murcia.”




—

Not Without a Shout:

MAMBONUMBERFIVE (TFR 148): Won the Adonis, has talent, but can be free-going.

MURCIA (TFR 156): Mullins filly, listed winner in France, decent in Fred Winter but needs more.

WENDROCK (TFR 152): Shaped very well in 6th behind Puturhandstogether at Cheltenham. Sneaky place chance.



—

Verdict:

It’s hard to get away from Puturhandstogether, whose Fred Winter demolition job looks rock solid. He ticks every box — form, sectionals, pace setup, improvement angle — and should handle the Grade 1 rise.

> 1st – PUTURHANDSTOGETHER
2nd – LIVE CONTI
3rd – NATURALLY NIMBLE
Best Outsider – WENDROCK