Can go-to Irish claimer land another big handicap on first ride for De Bromhead?

4.40 Aintree
Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (Grade 3) | 2m | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

Jordan Gainford was the go-to claimer for Irish trainers in handicaps at the Cheltenham Festival and he took his big chance when landing the Paddy Power Plate on The Shunter.

Gainford had six rides at the festival and, as well as his winner, he also partnered The Bosses Oscar to be second in the Pertemps and steered Petit Mouchoir to the same position in the County Hurdle. His six mounts beat 68 per cent of their rivals, so he is evidently value for his 7lb claim.

Rachael Blackmore is the latest to move aside for Gainford as he takes the ride on her regular partner Moon Over Germany. It will be the first time he has ridden for Henry de Bromhead.

Moon Over Germany ran away with this race two years ago off a 12lb lower mark but Gainford’s claim means, in effect, he will race off just 5lb higher. A repeat looks possible.

Dan Skelton had 13 runners at the Cheltenham Festival without a winner, but his representatives beat an average of 66 per cent of their rivals and he had two seconds.

Skelton deserves a change of luck at a big festival like this and he runs Destrier, who was third in the Grade 1 Maghull Novices’ Chase over course and distance a couple of years ago.

Destrier was rated 151 at his peak but runs off 136 here and title chasing Harry Skelton has ridden 34 winners since the start of March. That’s eight more than the next best in that time.

Frero Banbou was impressive when winning at Sandown last time but Venetia Williams-trained runners are often at their best on testing ground and the yard’s representatives usually struggle at Aintree, which regularly provides better going.

Williams has had just eight winners from 182 runners (four per cent) at Aintree in the month of April. One of the scorers was 100-1 Grand National winner Mon Mome in 2009, though.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Getaway Trump
Two miles in a quickly-run race on decent ground suits him, so he's got a lot in his favour. He's got plenty weight but he's a decent horse and, if it all happens for him, he could run well.

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Moon Over Germany and Jan Maat
Moon Over Germany won this race a couple of seasons ago, so we said we’d come back and give it another go. Jan Maat will enjoy the ground and hopefully he can enjoy it around there as well.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Zanza and Dostal Phil
Zanza was very unlucky at Cheltenham as he was nearly brought down. He's been in good form since and hopefully should have a decent chance. Dostal Phil has had his three runs over fences and is therefore one of the least experienced in the field, but is hopefully going the right way.

Chris Gordon, trainer of On The Slopes
I was pleased with his run at Cheltenham and he's come out of the race really well. I think the track will suit him slightly better as the hill at Cheltenham just catches him out at the end.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Destrier
He finished third in a Grade 1 here a couple of years ago and he's not been able to win since but he's off a more reasonable mark. I've had this in mind for him since the turn of the year.

Getaway Trump: carries top weight for trainer Paul NichollsCredit: Edward Whitaker

Sue Smith, trainer of Joke Dancer
He won at Wetherby last time and has had a good bit of time off. He's well in himself, has done plenty of schooling and doesn't mind good ground.

Rebecca Menzies, trainer of Sao
I couldn't have planned his prep any better as he's had a nice break since winning at Wetherby. He's fit and well and although the ground is a bit of an unknown, I think he'll go on it.

Venetia Williams, trainer of Frero Banbou
It's a fiercely-competitive race, as you'd expect, but he deserves to take his chance. He won on similar ground at Sandown last time, but this is a lot more competitive.

Sam Thomas, trainer of Grey Diamond
He's progressed with every run and we wouldn't be overly hard on him at home, so he's improved with fitness as well. If he can progress from his last run, we'd be optimistic of a good run in what looks a good race.
Reporting by Andrew Dietz

Vote of confidence for Trump

Topweight and forecast favourite Getaway Trump is often seen running against just a handful of rivals, but this bigger line-up should hold no fears as three of his seven victories have come in double-figure fields.

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