Turf Talk: Bristol De Mai might bite back at Aintree after mid-season wind operation

Bristol De Mai can show the benefit of a mid-season break by downing Might Bite in the Betfair Bowl at Aintree on Thursday.
Bristol De Mai, ridden by Daryl Jacob on the way to winning the Betfair Steeple Chase at Haydock in November. PIC: Clint Hughes/PA WireBristol De Mai, ridden by Daryl Jacob on the way to winning the Betfair Steeple Chase at Haydock in November. PIC: Clint Hughes/PA Wire
Bristol De Mai, ridden by Daryl Jacob on the way to winning the Betfair Steeple Chase at Haydock in November. PIC: Clint Hughes/PA Wire

This race has a history of throwing up the odd shock and while Nigel Twiston-Davies’ grey winning would not be a huge surprise, he does have plenty of ground to make up on Nicky Henderson’s Gold Cup runner-up from the King George.

However, following his subsequent defeat behind Definitly Red in the Cotswold Chase, Twiston-Davies decided he would be better off skipping the Gold Cup and the Betfair Chase winner underwent a small wind operation.

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There appeared to be no excuses at Kempton when Might Bite burned Bristol De Mai off on the second circuit, but if he was struggling with his breathing that would go some way to explaining it.

Robbie Power with Supasundae at Jessica Harrington's Commonstown Stables in Moone, Ireland. PIC: Niall Carson/PA WireRobbie Power with Supasundae at Jessica Harrington's Commonstown Stables in Moone, Ireland. PIC: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Robbie Power with Supasundae at Jessica Harrington's Commonstown Stables in Moone, Ireland. PIC: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Of course, Might Bite has to prove he is over his battle royal with Native River in the Gold Cup and with the ground set to be soft again, he might just have the sting taken out of him.

With Buveur D’Air out of the way, Supasundae appears to face a pretty straightforward task in the Betway Aintree Hurdle.

Winner of the Irish Champion Hurdle and second to Penhill in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, this two-and-a-half-mile trip should arguably be his optimum.

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His main rivals, The New One and L’Ami Serge, were a long way behind at Cheltenham and My Tent or Yours is not the same horse on soft ground. The others all have plenty to find on the figures so Supasundae will have to run a long way below par to be turned over.

Robbie Power with Supasundae at Jessica Harrington's Commonstown Stables in Moone, Ireland. PIC: Niall Carson/PA WireRobbie Power with Supasundae at Jessica Harrington's Commonstown Stables in Moone, Ireland. PIC: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Robbie Power with Supasundae at Jessica Harrington's Commonstown Stables in Moone, Ireland. PIC: Niall Carson/PA Wire

The Big Buck’s Celebration Manifesto Novices’ Chase can go the way of Dan Skelton’s mare Rene’s Girl, who has been aiming at this for some time and the 7lb sex allowance puts her right in the mix.

Gary Moore’s Et Moi Alors had a big reputation before his debut and had the race in the bag at Ascot only to fall late on.

Surprisingly he was turned over next time, but the winner that day, Notre Ami, won again earlier this week, so Moore’s runner may represent value in the Doom Bar Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle.

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The fast pace and flat track should suit Bouvreuil perfectly in the Red Rum Handicap Chase.

Lady Prancealot looked a surefire winner of the future when narrowly touched off on her debut last week.

David Evans does well with his juveniles and this one appears to have been found the ideal opportunity to get off the mark in the Bet Placepot At totesport.com Fillies’ Novice Auction Stakes at Chelsmford.

She really knuckled down well and looks to have a great attitude for the game.

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Kevin Ryan’s Commander Han looked a nice prospect when bolting up last time out and can follow up over a furlong further in the Bet Quadpot At totesport.com Novice Stakes.

Duke Of Bronte needs to prove he is as good on the all-weather but his run behind Time To Study last season looks top notch form in the Bet Trifecta At totesport.com Handicap.

At Southwell, Crosse Fire should give another good account in the totetrifecta Handicap.

TURF TALK TIPS

AINTREE: 1.45 Rene’s Girl, 2.20 Et Moi Alors, 2.50 BRISTOL DE MAI (NAP), 3.25 Supasundae (next best), 4.05 Balnaslow, 4.40 Bouvreuil, 5.15 Duhallow Gesture.

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CHELMSFORD: 5.45 Lady Prancealot, 6.15 Fieldsman, 6.45 Commander Han, 7.15 Duke Of Bronte, 7.45 Zac Brown, 8.15 Raffle King, 8.45 River Glades.

SOUTHWELL: 1.55 Gleaming Sun, 2.30 Raaqyah, 3.00 Hollander, 3.35 Crosse Fire, 4.15 Lady Joanna Vassa, 4.50 Sunhill Lad, 5.25 Robbian.

TAUNTON: 2.10 Sneaking Budge, 2.40 Blu Cavalier, 3.15 Luckime, 3.55 Give Him Time, 4.30 Capitaine, 5.05 Fly West, 5.35 Mechelen.