Aintree Friday

After a good start yesterday with Clarcam things went to pot very quickly, and my luck was summed up with the fall of Marinero at the final fence in the last race when having every chance. Hopefully today's selections enjoy better fortune.

Race 1

The horse that makes most appeal to me in this race is Jenny Candlish's Party Rock. This fella went on  a winning spree in 2013, before going into the doldrums. However, he returned to form in this race last year, falling when having every chance at the 2nd last. He ran off a mark of 135 that day, and with Ring's claim can race off 3lb lower this year. At the current price of 33/1 it could be worth having a small e/w interest. His best form has come at Aintree too.

Selection: Party Rock e/w 33/1

Race 2

Cyrus Darius is a horse held in high regard by his shrewd handler Malcom Jefferson and he takes a big step up in class today after dotting up in two novice events. His dam is related to the classy flat performer Smokey Oakey, and I was very taken with the manner of his victories in those hurdles. I think he can take the step up in class in his stride and run a big race today at the rewarding odds of 12/1.

Selection: Cyrus Darius  12/1 ew

Race 3

Rawnaq did this blogger proud with an outstanding display at Cheltenham where a last fence blunder possibly cost him the race. I will be supporting him again today. His trainer thinks the world of him and hopefully he runs in to a place at least for the small Meath operator. He has to improve, no doubt, but he is lightly raced over fences and I think there could be more to come.

Selection: Rawnaq 18/1 e/w

Race 4

Champagne Fever a confident selection here, assuming he is fully ready to go. I can see him jumping this lot into submission and running out a comfortable winner. With doubts about so many of his rivals I think the 7/2 currently available is superb value.

Selection: Champagne Fever 7/2 (nap)

Race 5

A battle charge where the winner looks difficult to find. One that could outrun his odds is Rathlin at 28/1. I wouldn't be re-mortgaging the house to lump on though. In a race like this anything can happen!

Selection: Rathlin e/w 28/1

Race 6

I think Ordo Ab Chao can run well here. Wasn't disgraced at Cheltenham, just seemed to get outpaced over 2m5f. The step up to 3 miles should be ideal, and the current price of 10/1 loooks worth snapping up.

Selection: Ordo Ab Chao 10/1 e/w

Race 7

No strong opinion here. Just watch and enjoy!