Harry Cobden’s Planet Sport blog: Golden Son the reason I’m going to Aintree on Saturday

Harry Cobden
8 December 2023

Planet Sport Bet ambassador Harry Cobden has seven rides at Aintree on Saturday, December 9, including the feature Becher Chase (1405). Here he gives us his insight into each of his mounts.

11:10 (Aintree) Honey Jack

First up is Honey Jack and I’d expect he’s got it all to do here. It will be a case of getting some experience into him and learning a bit more about him.

11:45 (Aintree) Golden Son

Golden Son is definitely my best ride of the day. It’s the main reason I’m heading up to Aintree as we think a lot of this horse and he should be bang there. He ran great on his first start for the yard at Warwick and that should bring him into this race perfectly.

I’m convinced he’s a stayer as he seems a really straightforward ride who will just keep plugging on at a good, even gallop.

When we bought him, he was one of the highest rated juveniles in France and he was just about to get back on the lorry to France to run in a £250,000 race but he did a little touch of a leg during his final piece of work meaning he’s had a bit of time off.

That probably hasn’t done him any harm and he’s one we’re excited about this season.

12:20 (Aintree) Moonlight Artist

I don’t know too much about Moonlight Artist, but he’s got a very light weight in this race and comes into it after a good win last time. Joe Tizzard wouldn’t be taking him up to Aintree for no reason, so hopefully he can go well.

13:30 (Aintree) War Lord

War Lord looks to have solid claims. I thought he ran really well at Exeter in the Haldon Gold Cup and the handicapper looks to be giving him a chance again now.

A mark of 144 looks within his capabilities and the fact this is his second run after a wind op is a big positive as I always feel they improve massively after their first.

I saw Joe in the week and he said he was in good form, so I’d be hopeful he has a good chance in this.

14:05 (Aintree) The Big Breakaway

I then ride The Big Breakaway in the Becher. We all know he has huge amounts of ability it just depends if he’s on a going day.

He was a bit disappointing at Wincanton on his seasonal reappearance and Joe has put the cheeckpieces back on him again which will hopefully help. Coko Beach keeps the weights down and he’s a good ride to pick up.

14:40 (Aintree) Liari

Liari is up next. He won his only start at Wincanton although I did think he’d be a bit more impressive.

Looking at this horse visually at home, I thought he’d improve hugely from his seasonal debut to now. He seems to have got stronger and seems in really good form. I wouldn’t be surprised if we went close because he’s not short of ability.

15:15 (Aintree) Sonigino

Sonigino has been a brilliant horse for the yard and ran another cracker in the Greatwood last time.

He’s been Mr Consistent for so long and while it won’t be easy off top-weight, we know he rarely runs a bad race. I rode him out on Thursday morning and he was in great form, so I’m excited to get on him again.