Can Gesskille make amends after twice finishing second over the National fences?

bet365 Handicap Chase | 3m | 4yo+ | ITV4/Sky

Gesskille looks the most progressive horse in the line-up and will be a big danger if he can transfer his form over the Grand National fences to this track.

He finished second in the Grand Sefton on his seasonal reappearance, beaten just a nose, and improved on that when filling the same position behind Ashtown Lad in the Becher Chase last time.

That was a big career best on Racing Post Ratings, but he will need another one as he has gone up 4lb for finishing runner-up again.

Alex Hales: saddles former winner BoldmereCredit: David Carr

Alex Hales saddles Boldmere, who makes his debut for the yard. Runners having their first start for Hales, after leaving another stable, are just 1-35 since the turn of the decade and that suggests Boldmere might need more time to adjust to the new regime.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Oliver Greenall, trainer of Gesskille
It's almost a month since his last run and he's in good form. The track and the ground will suit him, it was a bit soft for him at Aintree last time but he still ran a hell of a race.

Jonjo O'Neill, trainer of Coeur Serein
He ran a nice race at Chepstow last time and if he runs the same race he'll be there with a chance. He wouldn't want the ground too heavy but it won't get like that up there.

Alex Hales, trainer of Boldmere
Caroline Bailey kindly suggested the owners send Boldmere to us. He lost his form a bit and has taken quite a long time to come to hand so it would just be nice to see a good run from him.

Alan King, trainer of Senior Citizen
Conditions should help him on his first run over three miles since his hurdling days. We've put a pair of cheekpieces on to try to sharpen him a little bit.
Reporting by David Carr

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