Turf Talk: Anibale Fly needs a little luck around Aintree admits trainer Tony Martin
trainer Tony Martin believes luck will be a crucial factor in determining how Anibale Fly performs in Saturday's Randox Health Grand National at Aintree.
Third behind Native River and Might Bite in the last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, the JP McManus-owned eight-year-old is officially 9lb well-in for the world’s most famous steeplechase and disputes favouritism with several bookmakers.
Martin said: “We think he’s fresh and well and I think he’s come out of Cheltenham good.
“Fingers crossed he’ll run a good one and get a bit of luck. No matter what you have in hand, you just hope he avoids bad luck and if he gets his own little bit of luck, he could run a really good race.”
Anibale Fly is third in the weights with 11st 7lb, but Martin is unconcerned by the burden. He added: “He’s a big, strong horse and he carried more weight in Leopardstown when he won at Christmas (Paddy Power Chase).
“Weight shouldn’t be a problem. It’s all about luck. If he gets good luck and avoids bad luck, that’s what we need.”
SOBOT’S SELECTIONS
AINTREE: 1.45 Storm Home, 2.20 Global Citizen (treble), 2.50 Terrefort, 3.25 MIN (NAP), 4.05 Art Mauresque, 4.40 Santini, 5.15 Danny Kirwan.
SEDGEFIELD: 2.00 Pc Dixon, 2.30 Massini’s Lady, 3.05 Snougar, 3.40 Frankie Ballou, 4.15 Rio Quinto, 4.50 Hepburn, 5.20 Birch Bank.
KEMPTON: 5.45 Beloved Knight, 6.15 Samharry (nb), 6.45 Puds, 7.15 Initiative, 7.45 Central City, 8.15 Casima, 8.45 Ubla.