Stick With Samuri To Swing Again

His price has halved during the week but last year’s Grand National runner-up can go in again to win the Grimthorpe Handicap Chase for a second time.

Samuri To Swing Again
Kim Bailey’s The Last Samuri is 12lbs higher than last year when he beat The Druids Nephew by 10-lengths and although without a win since, this year’s renewal can see the nine-year-old go back to winning ways.

The field has cut up a fair bit although it looks like Definitly Red will go off favourite and he’s in receipt of 12lbs from the selection.

However, The Last Samuri is naturally being aimed back at Aintree for a tilt at the Grand National and the impression is that he will have come on for both his outings before the turn of the year and be primed to go to Aintree in good form after this 3m2f contest.

Last time out at Aintree he almost conceded over a stone to beat Vieux Lion Rouge…

…and although this is his first outing since early December, stick with The Last Samuri to oblige.

Course and Distance Hat-trick
Heavy ground at Navan and three miles. If Kilford could request his ideal conditions, history would suggest that is them.

Although looking out of his depth in recent races,

Kilford can prove that there’s life in him yet by taking the Veterans Chase at the Meath track.

The Irish Veterans Chase division certainly isn’t over-subscribed but Texas Jack brings a bit of class to the contest. But he will have to give away a stone to the selection and whether the depths of heavy ground will suit Texas Jack remains to be seen.

At 7/1, Kilford is running off a mark just 2lbs higher than he was when winning a valuable Grade C chase here a year ago by nine and a half lengths and hopefully his first return to Navan since can light a spark in him again.

Recommended Bets:
The Last Samuri (9/2) – 3.35 Doncaster
Kilford (10/3) – 5.05 Navan

*Prices correct at time of publication.