Moonshine to dazzle rivals

RACING: BINGLEY trainer Sue Smith and jockey Ryan Mania teamed up to win last year’s Grand National with Auroras Encore – and tomorrow they have a big chance of staging an action replay with Mr Moonshine.

This horse was trading today at around 50-1, but he should not have been anything like that price.

Although he was pulled up in the race last season, his form this term has been on a completely

different level thanks to a revised training regime.

He has won twice and finished third over the Aintree fences in the Becher Chase. I expect him to outrun his odds and be involved at the finish.

Since the modification of the Aintree fences – now far more forgiving than before – there have been a number of shocks with 100-1, 66-1 and 33-1 winners in recent seasons.

Jumping ability isn’t quite so important as it used to be and that has increased the number of

potential winners dramatically.

So although the likes of Teaforthree, Monbeg Dude, Long Run and Tidal Bay have chances to reflect their shorter prices, they remain vulnerable to outsiders.

A couple of these which catch my eye are Rose Of The Moon at 50-1 and Wayward Prince at 66-1.

The former has already handled the fences in the Becher Chase, while Wayward Prince has bits of top-class form to his credit. He may often live up to his name with erratic displays, but is more than capable of making a bold bid if on a going day.



VERDICT



1, Mr Moonshine

2, Monbeg Dude

3, Long Run

4, Chance Du Roy



Best outsider:

Rose Of The Moon