Parfois To Perform In Midlands National

Attention turns to Uttoxeter today where the Midlands National is the big betting heat of this Saturday afternoon.

Three Irish raiders make the trip across to try and boost a reasonable record in the race for Irish trainers and claims could be made the trio. However, the marathon that is 4m2f could well play to the strength of a Cheltenham runner-up.

Parfois To Perform
Ms Parfois went down in a thrilling finish to Rathvinden in the National Hunt Chase last season and despite being near the top of the weights in the Midlands National, she is far more likely to relish this test of stamina than most of her rivals.

There is a difference between being slow and wanting a trip as long as this but Ms Parfois is certainly not inconvenienced by going extreme distances and has a bit of class to go with it.

After finishing second in the four miler last year the mare went to Aintree where she finished second in a Grade One over 3m1f.

The eight-year-old had her first run of the season in Newbury when finishing sixth behind Sizing Tennessee and beaten a long way. That was her maiden outing for this campaign though and she can be sure to come on for this run.

Cases could be made for the three Irish runners. Raz De Maree is a 14-year-old but as enthusiastic as ever according to trainer Gavin Cromwell. Conor Orr takes a valuable 5lbs off.

Kilkishen ran well in the Eider Chase at Newcastle and should appreciate the extra couple of furlongs.

Gordon Elliott teaming up with Davy Russell is always worth sitting up and taking notice of for a big race like this and I’ve followed Folsom Blue everywhere for the last few years…

but just go against him today in favour of Ms Parfois.

Baie To Get Back To Winning Ways
Up at Down Royal today Gordon Elliott is well represented with three runners in the feature race but American Grand National winner Jury Duty, Grade 1 winner Don Poli and the Troytown winner Mala Beach may have to settle for minor honours behind the Ross O’Sullivan-trained Baie Des Iles.

The admirable grey mare was a Grade 2 winner in France last season and is likely to be targeted back there later in the year with a tilt at the Aintree Grand National also likely to be on her agenda.

A poor overnight forecast should leave the ground fairly testing at Down Royal today and that will suit the mare better than most runners on the card, let alone in this race. Last time out at Naas she ran a blinder to finish second to Pravalaguna over just two miles and the 3m2f today at Down Royal would look ideal

Ross O’Sullivan’s stable star should be able to getting back to winning ways here before going on to bigger things later in the season.

It looks a good bit of placing from the Kildare handler.

Recommended Bets:
Ms Parfois (8/1) – 3.35 Uttoxeter
Baie Des Iles (3/1) – 4.50 Down Royal

*Prices correct at time of publication.