Course-specialist backed to give Fergal O'Brien a boost in Midlands National at Uttoxeter

Punters believe Fergal O'Brien can end a tough week on a high after supporting the trainer's Autonomous Cloud in Saturday's bet365 Midlands Grand National (3.00) at Uttoxeter.

Autonomous Cloud was pulled up in the Welsh Grand National last time, but the two-time course winner has been backed into 5-1 (from 15-2) with Paddy Power.

The eight-year-old had been a model of consistency before his Chepstow run, after which he was found to have bled, and has proven form on heavy ground. He is fitted with a tongue-tie as he tackles a trip beyond four miles for the first time.

Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield said: "Autonomous Cloud has been prepared for this target for some time by Fergal's team for Terry Warner and the McNeill family. The money speaks volumes with the horse only 5lb higher than when he won here in November and his last run can probably be ignored."

O'Brien suffered a testing time at Cheltenham this week following the death of Highland Hunter, while Crambo ran below expectation in the Stayers' Hurdle and the stable's big hope Dysart Enos was a non-runner due to being lame.

However, O'Brien, who won the Midlands National in 2017 with Chase The Spud, has his stable in good form generally, with five winners from his last 17 runners.

At the end of a huge betting week, the early markets have been relatively quiet, but in the Midlands National there has also been each-way support for Young Dev (9-1 from 10) and Ask Me Early (11-1 from 12). Favourite Iron Bridge is easy to back, with his price out to 5-1.

Market movers

Uttoxeter
1.50 One Eye On Vegas 3-1 (from 4)
2.25 White Rhino 11-2 (from 7)
3.00 Autonomous Cloud 5-1 (from 15-2), Young Dev 9-1 (from 10), Ask Me Early (11-1 from 12)
3.35 Val Dancer 4-1 (from 13-2)

Kempton
1.35 Beau Balko 9-4 (from 11-4)
2.10 Boombawn 6 (from 15-2)
2.45 Outlaw Peter 2-1 (from 5-2)

Updated at 11.15am

Uttoxeter ground going to be 'a real test'

Officials at Uttoxeter are not expecting the odd area of standing water on the track to pose any problems, although the heavy ground is going to make it "a real test".

With Thurles getting the go-ahead to race on Saturday morning, Uttoxeter was described as "perfectly raceable" despite 4-5mm of unexpected rain falling on Friday to take the total to 38mm in the last seven days.

Having completed his pre-racing walk of the track, clerk of the course Richard Fothergill said: "It's heavy and going to be a real test. There are some small areas of standing water – before the last fence on the back straight and the first fence in the home straight – but the runners will get through it."

"We got a little bit nervous yesterday when we had 4-5mm of rain that wasn't forecast at 3am, but we've not had any rain since 4pm yesterday. There are tiny bits of odd showers forecast, but I don't think it will amount to anything and most of the rain is forecast for after racing this evening."

Uttoxeter: ground is going to be "a real test" on Midlands National dayCredit: David Dew

The first hurdle will be omitted due to the standing water in the bypass area.   

Ireland's sole meeting of the day at Thurles was given the all clear on Saturday morning after the track overcame concerns over waterlogging.

The IHRB posted on X: "Following 1mm of rain overnight, @thurlesraces is fit for racing. The ground remains heavy with the possibility of 5mm (approx) of rain throughout today." 

Those heading to Kempton's afternoon jumps fixture are advised to leave extra time to travel due to a closure on the M25. 

The BHA posted on X: "A reminder that the M25 closure between junctions 10 and 11 means that diversions are in place. If you are racing @kemptonparkrace today, please plan accordingly & where possible leave extra travel time for your journey."

Updated at 12.30pm

Key non-runners

Uttoxeter
1.50 7 Word Has It
2.25 11 Loup De Maulde
3.00 9 Inis Oirr
3.35 1 Marsh Wren

Kempton
2.10 8 Classic Anthem
2.45 8 Our Jet

Updated at 12.30pm

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