Voy Por Ustedes to bounce back

VOY POR USTEDES can put his recent Cheltenham blemish behind him by winning Aintree’s John Smith’s Melling Chase for the second year in a row.

Superb in defeating champion two-miler Master Minded in this race 12 months ago, Alan King’s chasing star was not his reliable self at the recent Cheltenham Festival in which he made crucial mistakes in the Ryanair Chase before finishing second to Imperial Commander.

Back at the scene of arguably his most impressive triumph, Voy Por Ustedes can bounce back to form, although Tidal Bay could give him lots to think about if he has progressed from his running-on fourth in the Ryanair.

American Trilogy, winner of the County Hurdle at Cheltenham, will take all the beating if able to repeat that performance in the opening novices’ hurdle.

Red Moloney is another interesting one in this race, but I like the look of the progressive Silk Hall, who receives weight from all the fancied horses and is highly regarded by the Alan King team.

The John Smith’s Topham Chase over the Grand National fences should be a cracker and if Finger Onthe Pulse is given the green light to run, he will carry my support.

In his absence, gallant mare Ping Pong Sivola and improving novice Sa Suffit could fight out the finish.

Captain Americo, a progressive performer from the Andrew Turnell stable, should give his backers an each-way shout in the totepool Handicap Hurdle, while the concluding mares’ bumper looks booked for the John Kiely stable via Candy Creek or Liss Na Tintri, both of whom are highly regarded.

Shining Gale, back in form after a mid-season lull, could be the answer to the Mildmay Novices’ Chase.