Neil Morrice previews the first race on day 1 of the Randox Health Grand National racing festival at Aintree – the Grade 1 Devenish Manifesto Novices’ Chase. Get his preview and predicted finish for the race below, and get your bets on with Hollywoodbets.
Devenish Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
14:45 – Race 1 – 2M 3F 200Y (3980m)
A fascinating opener to the Aintree Festival with a field oozing quality in which LA BAGUE AU ROI, the only mare in the race, set to head the Hollywoodbets market.
Warren Greatrex’s eight-year-old has notched an unbeaten four race winning sequence this season , is a safe and economical jumper and stays the distance.
GLEN FORSA dismantled the field on his second of three wins in novice chases at Kempton on Boxing Day before making a hack out of KALASHNIKOV at Sandown. However the former was hindered by a slower start than ideal before departing at the fourth fence in the Arkle, a race in which Kalashnikov also failed to complete.
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| Glen Forsa leading the string in front |
BAGS GROOVE has shown an affinity for these Mildmay course fences and after having his winning streak halted on Boxing Day, bounced back to smoothly account for Castafiore on a return visit to Kempton.
MENGLI KHAN is reported to be at the top of his game by Gordon Elliott and is the only Irish-trained runner, while SPIRITOFTHEGAMES reverts to novice company after placing in the Brown Advisory Plate at Cheltenham.
GLEN FORSA was unfortunate to get behind in the Arkle and will be ridden more assertively here. When getting into a rhythm in his jumping he’s a joy to behold, and as this course will also play to his strengths he is the one to beat
Predicted Finish
2 – 6 – 3 – 4 – 1
1st – GLEN FORSA (2) – (Nap)
2nd – La Bague Au Roi (6)
3rd – Mengli Khan (3)
4th – Kalashnikov (4)
5th – Bags Groove (1)
Bet on the Manifesto Novices’ Chase now with Hollywoodbets by clicking here!
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Devenish Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
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