Classy topweight gives interesting look to above-average Midlands National

3.35 Uttoxeter
Marston’s 61 Deep Midlands Grand National (Listed) (Class 1) | 4m2f | 5yo+ | ITV4/SKY

Not since 2014 and Harry Topper has a horse with a rating as high as De Rasher Counter run in the Midlands National. His presence rather frames the race.

De Rasher Counter won on this card 12 months ago and gets basically a free 3lb off his back through Ben Jones's claim. However, giving 10lb and more to a Midlands National field is a big ask, even for a Ladbrokes Trophy winner.

It looks an unusually competitive running of the race, which can often be a chance for more exposed sorts to get their opportunity in a big handicap.

The early favourite is Christmas In April, who has won three times this season since being fitted with cheekpieces, including the Sussex and Devon Nationals. He now steps up to arguably the biggest regional National of all and certainly will not fail for stamina.

While the Midlands National is strong, it would generally not be as well contested as the Welsh Grand National and Truckers Lodge, who was second in that race (Prime Venture fourth), runs here off 2lb higher. There is no doubt that Chepstow was his main aim for the season, though he has been freshened up since so there is no reason to expect a hangover 11 weeks on.

Arguably the most interesting two runners in the race are a couple of novices who promise to relish a thorough test of stamina. The more obvious one is Dominateur, who has been shaping like a four-miler since he first set foot over fences. He was outpaced as much as anything when well beaten in the Towton last time. Previous handicap form means he is not handicapped out of it, even off 144.

De Rasher Counter: won on this card last yearCredit: Edward Whitaker

Captain Drake is the other. He too comes off a fairly disappointing run, he looked to be on the back foot when unseating at Ascot last time. Before that, he found tons for pressure at Exeter on New Year's Day. He repelled The Kings Writ and Western Climate, who have done their bit for the form since. Sean Bowen is off, which would normally be a bad thing, but the promising Bryan Carver's 5lb claim is fair compensation.

Naturally, this is a race that tends to wind up slowly and plenty are likely to be in the front rank for all there is no avowed front-runner. The rule of thumb is that if your selection is still on the bit early on the final circuit, you are in business.

Race analysis by Keith Melrose

What they say

Emma Lavelle, trainer of De Rasher Counter
He’s been flying at home and seems in great order. He won there last year under 11st 12lb so carrying a big weight on heavy ground won’t be an issue.

Oliver Sherwood, trainer of Dominateur
He’s been very progressive and I was very pleased with his win at Chepstow over Christmas. The ground was probably a bit too good for him up the home-straight at Wetherby last time. He really wants it softer and he's always looked a nice staying sort.

Rebecca Curtis, trainer of Joe Farrell and Financial Outcome
Joe Farrell is in amazing form. He'd maybe like the ground to be a bit better but he has a nice weight and will hopefully run very well. Financial Outcome is out of the handicap but he'll love the ground and stays all day, so we thought we'd take a chance.

Truckers Lodge (left): raised 2lb for his second in the Welsh NationalCredit: Harry Trump / Getty Images

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Truckers Lodge
He ran very well at Chepstow in the Welsh National. This sort of test suits him.

Harry Fry, trainer of Captain Drake
He’ll relish conditions and has a nice racing weight. We’re taking a useful 5lb off with Bryan Carver’s allowance and, with a completion, I’m hopeful he'll be there or thereabouts.

Colin Tizzard, trainer of Christmas In April
He's got better and better as we have upped him in trip so I’m hopeful there could be more to come at 4m2f. We’ve got the champion jockey on board and I think he’s got a good chance.

Evan Williams, trainer of Prime Venture
He needs to improve some 5lb to 7lb to win it. Hopefully the first-time blinkers can do the trick.

Fergal O’Brien, trainer of Petite Power
His form looks rock-solid. I hope he can maintain it. Liam [Harrison] can do the weight.

Sam Allwood, trainer of Sheneededtherun
She has won her last four races and we thought we’d give it a go off bottom weight. We don’t know if she’ll stay this far, but she’ll have half a chance if she does.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Very First Time
I’ve been delighted with him. It’s a bit disappointing that we’re 4lb out of the handicap, but he goes there in great form.

Reporting by Richard Birch

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