A quality field of 13 will go to post on Saturday for the £150,000 bet365 Midlands Grand National which will be run over 4m2f at Uttoxeter Racecourse including Inis Oirr and Iron Bridge.
The Lucinda Russell-trained Inis Oirr gained a first success over fences in magnificent style last time out as he landed the Edinburgh National by 21-lengths. He will look to become the first 7yo to win this race since Synchronised in 2010.
The aforementioned Synchronised is one of two horses to have won this contest for Jonjo O’Neill who will rely on the consistent Iron Bridge this year. The 8yo has experience in long-distance staying handicap chases after finishing placed in both the Welsh National and Grand National Trial the last twice.
Classic Chase hero My Silver Lining followed up that career-best victory with a solid effort when runner-up in the Grand National Trial (just ahead of Iron Bridge) at Haydock. The 8yo Mare has finished first or second on each of her previous six starts.
The bet365 Midlands Grand National is one of very few races Willie Mullins is yet to win but that could change this year. The Master of Closutton has declared Mr Incredible who will likely be using this as a prep race before the Aintree Grand National. He is yet to score in four starts since switching to the Mullins yard.
12yo veteran and former Midlands National winner Truckers Lodge could make history in becoming the only horse to have ever won more than one renewal of this contest.
First-time cheekpieces looked to have revitalised Ask Me Early who was back in the winners enclosure for the first time in over two years at Exeter when last seen. The 10yo grey also has winning course form to his name.
Farceur Du Large is unbeaten in two starts since joining Jamie Snowden from Noel Meade. The Turgeon gelding has never gone beyond 3m before but is on a sharp upward curve at present and should not be ruled out.
Latest bet365 Midlands National odds: Inis Oirr 11/2f, Iron Bridge 6/1, Mr Incredible 7/1, My Silver Lining 7/1, Autonomous Cloud 8/1, Guetapan Collonges 10/1, BAR 14/1
The going is currently described as Heavy with the bet365 Midlands Grand National set to take place at 3:00pm.
About Uttoxeter Racecourse
Uttoxeter Racecourse is firmly established as one of the leading National Hunt tracks in the Midlands, offering quality racing, as well as fun events throughout the year. Set in 110 acres of Staffordshire countryside, located between Stoke-on-Trent and Derby, the racecourse is also available for private hire.
For further information please contact:
Sam Cone, Arena Racing Company on 07920 404296 or SCone@arenaracingcompany.co.uk
Hugo Barran, JSC Communications on 07786 913215 or hugo@jsccomms.co.uk
