Harry Cobden’s Planet Sport Bet blog: Noble Yeats my best chance yet for Grand National glory

13:20 (Aintree) Monmiral

I start National day aboard Monmiral. To be honest, I was completely and utterly surprised by his win at Cheltenham! I suppose he was a Graded horse as a juvenile, so he was given a chance by the handicapper.

Since then, I think the handicapper has been fair with him. The worry would be whether he’s fit and well enough to do a Cheltenham-Aintree double, which is very hard to do.

If he’s come out of the Pertemps in good form, he’ll take a bit of beating.

 

 

13:55 (Aintree) Caldwell Potter

Next up is Caldwell Potter in the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle. He was an expensive purchase from Ireland where his form was good, and he won’t mind the softer surface. 

He’s schooled well and done everything nicely at home. He wouldn’t blow you away on the gallops, but he seems very straightforward and we’re very lucky to have him. It makes no difference to me what he cost – it wasn’t my money!

 

16:00 (Aintree) Noble Yeats

I’m delighted to be riding Noble Yeats in the Grand National and he’s a great spare ride to pick up.

I spoke to trainer Emmet Mullins yesterday and he says he’s in good form. He’s got lots of weight but he’s a class horse.

If he can reproduce his best form, I’ll be thrilled. He can race a little lazily, but he seems to warm to the National fences which he knows well.

I haven’t had a great deal of success in the race so it’s nice to ride a horse who will properly stay and hopefully jump round well.

If I could choose any other horse to be on in the race it’d be Limerick Lace, but I can’t wait to ride my lad.

 

17:00 (Aintree) Libberty Hunter

After the National I partner Libberty Hunter in the Maghull Novices’ Chase on his first step into Grade 1 company.

It looks a competitive race, but his run at Cheltenham was very good.

Although he had a hard race there, he might just improve for that experience. Evan Williams, the trainer, loves him and I’m looking forward to riding him.

 

17:35 (Aintree) Sorceleur

To finish the day, I ride Sorceleur in the bumper. He’s a lovely youngster, is only a four-year-old and is improving all the time. 

While he was keen in patches last time out, I was delighted with that run, and I think he’s a very good horse.

Whatever he does on Saturday, he’ll improve next season when jumping over hurdles.

 

READ MORE: Saturday ITV racing tips: Best bets for Grand National day at Aintree on April 13