The 2021 running of the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter was one of the strongest renewals for many years and Time To Get Up, the winner, was expected to be a leading contender for next month’s Aintree National as a result.
As it turned out, the entry rules scuppered his chances, as he had not made six starts over fences by the time the weights were set. Jonjo O’Neill’s nine-year-old is qualified for the 2023 National now, however, after an eye-catching run at Haydock in February when he travelled like the best horse in the field for much of the race. He has been dropped 2lb since and will take some stopping in his bid for a repeat here.
Kempton Park 1.30 Certainly Red made a mistake at a vital stage over track and trip last time and could go close if he is a little more assured in his jumping here.
Uttoxeter 1.50 Serious Charges has won with something to spare on his first two starts over hurdles and sets out in handicaps on what could be a very generous mark.
Kempton Park 2.05 Siroco Jo made a solid start over fences at Wincanton last time and can build on that here from a 1lb lower mark.
Uttoxeter 2.25 The improving Fuji Flight brushed off a 7lb rise in the weights last time and can further improve Lucy Turner’s impressive 32% strike-rate for Venetia Williams this season.
Kempton Park 2.40 Press Your Luck was a decisive six-length winner from a 2lb lower mark at Wincanton last time and should go well again here under very similar conditions.
Fontwell Park 1.00 Notre Pari 1.35 Deeper Blue 2.11 Galtee Mountain 2.46 Broken Halo 3.21 One Last Glance 3.56 Rose Sea Has 4.31 Raddon Top
Uttoxeter 1.20 Del La Mar Rocket 1.50 Serious Charges 2.25 Fuji Flight 3.00 Boothill 3.35 Time To Get Up (nap) 4.10 Gaot 4.45 Coupdebol 5.18 Master Chewy
Kempton Park 1.30 Certainly Red 2.05 Siroco Jo 2.40 Press Your Luck 3.15 Manofthemountain (nb) 3.50 Signal Point 4.25 Latitude 5.00 Diamond Egg
Newcastle 1.58 Rock Legend 2.33 Six One Nine 3.10 Theatre Legend 3.43 Rafferty's Return 4.18 Rapid Raider 4.50 Idilico 5.25 Bray Dale
Wolverhampton 4.55 Boasty 5.30 Amalfi Salsa 6.00 Acrion 6.30 Tone The Barone 7.00 Nankeen 7.30 Amber Island 8.00 Zefferino 8.30 Calonne
Uttoxeter 3.00 The Betfair Hurdle form looks strong and Boothill, who has been dropped 3lb since finishing eight lengths behind Glory And Fortune at Newbury, should make the most of this easier opportunity.
Kempton Park 3.15 Manofthemountain has not jumped a fence in public since finishing just under six lengths behind the winner in the Paddy Power Gold Cup in November, but that looks like strong form in the context of this race and he has gone well fresh in the past.
