Coole Cody can mix it with big boys in Stayers Hurdle says Blake

Do not ignore Coole Cody in Saturday's Ryanair Stayers Hurdle at Aintree. That was the message from trainer Michael Blake, who talked up the chances of the best horse he has trained mixing it with the big guns on Grand National day.

Owned by Wayne Clifford, Coole Cody is unbeaten in his last three starts, but has been absent since an authoritative victory at Cheltenham's November meeting. However, his trainer reported him to be primed for battle.

"We definitely plan to run," said Blake, who is based not far from Bath in Wiltshire.

"He came back after Cheltenham with an injury, a bad overreach, which has taken time, but he's fresh and well. We've deliberately kept him fresh and probably could have run him two or three weeks ago.

"He's had a racecourse gallop and he's as good as we can get him."

Watch Coole Cody's last win

Coole Cody will be a first top-level runner for Blake, who added: "I think he deserves a chance at the big time. He's not been seriously challenged. It's a big step up in grade, but I think the stayers' division is open and we intend to take our chance.

"If no-one else makes it, we'll make sure there's a good gallop. Sam Spinner's in there, but we'll ride him like we've always ridden him, prominently and confidently and see where we go.

Coole Cody: winning at Wincanton in MarchCredit: Alan Crowhurst

"One thing I would say is, touch wood, he's a brilliant jumper. The softer the ground the better, but he'll go on anything."

Blake hopes a positive show from his stable star in the £180,000 Grade 1, live on ITV and the race which immediately precedes the Grand National, can put his yard in the spotlight.

Stayers' Hurdle entries

He said: "He'd be the best horse I've trained and cost only £5,200, so he was a bargain-basement horse.

"Of course I'm excited. We're a small yard and have only ten horses so to go to a big meeting with an outside chance is fantastic for us, and owner Wayne Clifford, who puts so much into the game."

Coole Cody's three wins this season have come in a tongue-tie and he is 25-1 with William Hill, Skybet and BoyleSports to make it four on the spin.

"I'll be amazed if he doesn't run well," said the former point-to-point operator, who has yet to finalise riding plans.

"He'll outrun his odds and is in super form – better than he was before Cheltenham. I think he'll be better stepped up in trip and since he's had the tongue-tie on nothing has really challenged him, so we don't know how good he is.

"I'm not worried about the trip as he's a relentless galloper. In my eyes there are no negatives. We're only on this life once, so we'll have a go."

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