Harry Cobden’s Planet Sport Bet blog: I wouldn’t swap Pic D’Orhy in Melling Chase at Aintree

14:20 (Aintree) Inthewaterside

I kick off day two of the Grand National meeting with Inthewaterside in the two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle.

He’s a horse with lots of ability but he’s done something wrong every time he’s gone to the races so far. He’s been too keen, got too warm in the parade ring beforehand, and he’s been quite a difficult horse to ride. I hope he’s starting to settle down a bit now.

He’s got a serious engine and if everything goes smoothly, he’d have a huge chance off a featherweight. The softer the ground, the better for him. I hope this race can make a man of him.

 

15:30 (Aintree) Pic D’Orhy

Next up is Pic D’Orhy in the Melling Chase. He’s a fantastic horse and is in really good form.

Paul (Nicholls) deliberately didn’t send him to Cheltenham and has trained him for this race. He’s as fresh as a daisy.

We know he acts around Aintree and he’s probably my best chance on Friday. He’d prefer a sounder surface, but we want to take our chance even if the ground is heavy.

Jonbon is probably the class horse in the race and is the one I’m slightly worried about. However, he is on a recovery mission and I wouldn’t swap him for Pic D’Orhy.

16:05 (Aintree) Kandoo Kid

My third and final ride on the day is Kandoo Kid in the Topham. I’ve won the race twice on Ultragold and if Kandoo Kid jumps as well as him we’ll be alright.

I think the Topham track and trip will suit him. The National fences should be right up is street too.

He’s had an away day schooling over the National-type fences, so fingers crossed his jumping won’t be an issue.

I used to think he didn’t want soft ground, but he handled heavy going at Newbury on his last start and I think he’ll be alright.