{"id":1168,"date":"2026-04-08T15:43:12","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T15:43:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/?p=1168"},"modified":"2026-04-08T15:43:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T15:43:12","slug":"grand-national-tips-newsboys-race-by-race-guide-to-day-one-of-the-aintree-festival-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/?p=1168","title":{"rendered":"Grand National tips: Newsboy&#8217;s race by race guide to day one of the Aintree Festival"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">1.40 <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">MASTER ACCOUNTS<\/strong> fared best of the quintet who contested the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham last month, and is taken to do so once again. De Charnie, who collected at 50-1 on the opening race of Gold Cup Day, is absent but his immediate pursuers &#8211; Maestro Conti, <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Minella Study<\/strong> and <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Selma De Vary<\/strong> &#8211; are in attendance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">A length and a half behind the winner, Maestro Conti nailed Minella Study by a short head for second with Selma De Vary, hemmed in by the runner-up approaching the final obstacle, a length and three-quarters away in third. <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Wolf Rayet<\/strong> completed in eighth, while <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Indian River<\/strong> finished 10th.<\/p>\n<p><span data-testid=\"readmore\" class=\"ReadMore_readmore-prefix__xS44r __className_4f362a\">READ MORE<!-- -->: <span class=\"ReadMore_readmore-link__eF9pN\">Patrick Mullins deserts last year\u2019s Grand National winner to ride third-place horse<\/span><\/span><span data-testid=\"readmore\" class=\"ReadMore_readmore-prefix__xS44r __className_4f362a\">READ MORE<!-- -->: <span class=\"ReadMore_readmore-link__eF9pN\">Grand National 2026: Willie Mullins&#8217; right-hand man picks the one horse he would ride<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Prior to that defeat, French native Maestro Conti had scored at Moulins in his homeland before a nine-and-a-half-length winning debut for Dan and Harry Skelton at Kempton Park over Christmas.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Maestro Conti had then set himself up for the National Hunt Festival with a two-length beating of One Horse Town in a Grade 2 test for juveniles on Cheltenham\u2019s Trials Day card in January.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The chestnut travelled strongly in the Triumph before rolling up his sleeves when asked for an effort, and those twin attributes will stand him in good stead here. Minella Study and Selma De Vary are the obvious candidates for the podium, ahead of <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Eat Everything<\/strong> and <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Winston Junior<\/strong> .<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">NEWSBOY&#8217;S 1-2-3: 1 MAESTRO CONTI, 2 MINELLA STUDY, 3 SELMA DE VARY<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-36837618\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36837618\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Henry de Bromhead and jockey Darragh O'Keeffe: tipped to defeat Lulamba\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36837618.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_Punchestown-Races-Wednesday-October-15th.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36837618.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/1_Punchestown-Races-Wednesday-October-15th.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36837618.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/1_Punchestown-Races-Wednesday-October-15th.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36837618.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_Punchestown-Races-Wednesday-October-15th.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Henry de Bromhead and jockey Darragh O'Keeffe: tipped to defeat Lulamba\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Henry de Bromhead and jockey Darragh O&#8217;Keeffe: tipped to defeat Lulamba<cite aria-label=\"Image: PA\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: PA)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">2.20 <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">COCKTAIL DIVIN<\/strong> will be more effective back at two and a half miles and is expected to give hot favourite <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Cooking<\/strong> plenty to think about.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">A few eyebrows were raised when Henry de Bromhead opted to send the six-year-old for the Grade 1 Brown Advisory Novices\u2019 Chase at Cheltenham in preference to the Jack Richards Novices\u2019 Handicap Chase, for which he had been a leading fancy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">In the event, the three-mile, one-furlong trip stretched Darragh O\u2019Keeffe\u2019s mount, who tracked the pace before fading on the climb to the finishing post to finish sixth behind Kitzbuhel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">On his previous start, Koktail Divin had run out the impressive winner of a two-and-a-half-mile beginners\u2019 chase at Leopardstown over Christmas, making all the running to slam Kiss Will by 21 lengths.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">He has plenty more to offer at this intermediate distance and, if O\u2019Keeffe opts to go forward, will take some pegging back.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Conversely, Lulamba looks ripe for the step up in distance after a one-paced third, not helping his cause by breasting the second-last fence, behind Kargese &#8211; <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Jax Junior<\/strong> was 18 lengths back in fourth &#8211; in the two-mile Arkle Challenge Trophy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The market leader isn\u2019t passed over lightly, with <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Mambonumberfive<\/strong>who skipped Cheltenham after a defeat at Warwick in February, the choice for the bronze.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">NEWSBOY&#8217;S 1-2-3: 1 DIVINE COCKTAIL, 2 LULAMBA, 3 MAMBONUMBERFIVE<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-34589070\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"34589070\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.55\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Protektorat: fancied to win at Aintree \" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article34589070.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/3_GettyImages-2196805393.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article34589070.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/3_GettyImages-2196805393.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article34589070.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/3_GettyImages-2196805393.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article34589070.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/3_GettyImages-2196805393.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Protektorat: fancied to win at Aintree \" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Protektorat: fancied to win at Aintree <\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">2.55 <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">PROTECTORATE<\/strong> remains a force to be reckoned with, despite his advancing years, and is the value call against hotpot <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Eat Yes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Dan Skelton decided not to send his stable stalwart to Cheltenham for the Ryanair Chase, a race he won two years ago, and instead took in the Premier Chase over an extended two miles and seven furlongs at Kelso at the end of February.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The 11-year-old went off at 1-12 for the Listed test and those seeking to chisel out 8.33 per cent on their investment duly drew, but only after Harry Skelton and Protektorat had survived a howler at the penultimate fence to come home eight and a half lengths to the good of Minella Drama.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The \u00a335,236 on offer to the winner in the Scottish Borders put Protektorat on Millionaires\u2019 Row, adding to a \u00a385,849.50 booty for landing Windsor\u2019s Fleur de Lys Chase the previous month.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Today\u2019s three-mile, one-furlong trip should hold no fears &#8211; my selection won the Grade 2 Many Clouds Chase over course and distance by 25 lengths in December 2021 &#8211; and Protektorat arrives on Merseyside a fresh horse.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Jango Baie has finished a close fourth in Kempton Park\u2019s King George VI Chase and second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup since tackling three miles and beyond, has to be feared.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">He\u2019s also 11 and the outsider of the quintet but <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Pic D\u2019Orhy<\/strong> will put it up to <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Odd And Pass<\/strong> and <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Spillane\u2019s Tower<\/strong> for the final podium place.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">NEWSBOY\u2019S 1-2-3: 1 PROTEKTORAT, 2 JANGO BAIE, 3 PIC D\u2019ORHY<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-29711767\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"29711767\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Newsboy's tips last year's winner in the Foxhunters\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article29711767.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_GettyImages-1481922701.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article29711767.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/1_GettyImages-1481922701.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article29711767.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/1_GettyImages-1481922701.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article29711767.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_GettyImages-1481922701.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Newsboy's tips last year's winner in the Foxhunters\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Newsboy&#8217;s tips last year&#8217;s winner in the Foxhunters<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">3.30 <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">GRACCHUS DE BALME<\/strong> sprang a 22-1 shock in 2025 and shouldn\u2019t be underestimated in the defence of his crown.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Twelve months ago, most punters ignored Joe O\u2019Shea\u2019s 10-year-old as the result of a disappointing run &#8211; he was pulled up as the 5-4 favourite for a hunter chase at Leicester &#8211; on his previous outing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">But they were made to pay as Gracchus De Balme stormed home to account for Jet Plane by one length.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Many will do so again after he was pulled up in Cheltenham\u2019s Princess Royal Challenge Cup Hunters\u2019 Chase won by stablemate <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Barton Snow<\/strong> from 2024 Aintree Foxhunters\u2019 Chase hero <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Its On The Line<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">But a two-mile, five-furlong hunter chase over the Grand National fences attracts race specialists &#8211; four horses, including Katarino (2005 &#038; 2006) and On The Fringe (2015 &#038; 2016) this century, have emerged as multiple winners in the past 50 years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">And Gracchus De Balme, whose rider Pa King won the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup at Cheltenham on Angels Dawn three years ago, can add his name to the list. Cheltenham third <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Music Drive<\/strong> is also in the mix, along with <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Unexpected Party<\/strong> and <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Thunder Rock<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">NEWSBOY\u2019S 1-2-3: 1 GRACCHUS DE BALME, 2 ITS ON THE LINE, 3 UNEXPECTED PARTY<\/p>\n<aside class=\"Factbox_factbox-container__hSMOa\" id=\"factbox\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Entering Factbox content\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36978837\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"factbox\" data-testid=\"factbox\">\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs Factbox_heading-three__NXU52 __className_f9ba33\">FREE \u00a33 William Hill Shop Bets inside your Mirror every day of the Grand National Festival<\/h3>\n<div class=\"Factbox_content__xdMV8\">\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-36978796\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36978796\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.9\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36978796.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_Copy-of-WH-SOCIAL-Mirror3.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36978796.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/1_Copy-of-WH-SOCIAL-Mirror3.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36978796.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/1_Copy-of-WH-SOCIAL-Mirror3.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36978796.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_Copy-of-WH-SOCIAL-Mirror3.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Don&#8217;t miss a FREE shop bet inside your favourite racing paper every day of the Grand National festival! Plus, get expert inside from our top tipsters with pullouts every day from Thursday April 9- Saturday April 11, 2026 covering the runners, riders, and everything you need to make this iconic festival the biggest ever. Find out more here.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Bet 18+ only. Terms and conditions apply. See paper for details.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">4.05 <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">ALEXEI <\/strong>is the choice to cap a stellar campaign with a maiden Grade 1 success.<!-- -->Starting off with a second in Chepstow\u2019s \u2018Welsh Champion\u2019 Handicap Hurdle in October,<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Brendan Powell\u2019s partner went one better with a three-length beating of Indemnity in a similar event at Ascot the following month. And Joe Tizzard\u2019s six-year-old defied a 7lb rise in the weights to thump Helnwein by six lengths in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham 15 days later.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The winning run came to an end back at Ascot five days before Christmas but Alexei was back in business in the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton in February, to set up a tilt at the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham last month.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Lossiemouth ran out the emphatic winner of the Tuesday feature, with <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Brighterdaysahead<\/strong> second, <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">The New Lion<\/strong> half a length back in third, Alexei beaten a further two and a half lengths in fourth, with a neck to fifth-placed <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Golden Ace<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">That doesn\u2019t tell the whole story, however &#8211; Alexei would have made the podium but for a bad mistake at the final flight &#8211; and he still has more to offer. Brighterdaysahead and The New Lion are obvious dangers, while <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Potters Charm<\/strong> is a Grade 1 winner here and also merits a second look.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">NEWSBOY\u2019S 1-2-3: 1 ALEXEI, 2 THE NEW LION, 3 POTTERS CHARM<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-35000886\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"35000886\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Fergal O'Brien: trains Newboy's selection\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article35000886.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/2_JS254571827.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article35000886.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/2_JS254571827.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article35000886.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/2_JS254571827.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article35000886.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/2_JS254571827.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Fergal O'Brien: trains Newboy's selection\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Fergal O&#8217;Brien: trains Newboy&#8217;s selection<cite aria-label=\"Image: Alan Crowhurst\/Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Alan Crowhurst\/Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">4.40 <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">RYAN\u2019S ROCKET<\/strong> features on an attractive handicap mark and receives the vote to get his career back on track.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">There\u2019s no denying that the Fergal O\u2019Brien-saddled eight-year-old comes with risks attached &#8211; he has unseated jockey Johnny Burke on two of his last four starts. But it\u2019s equally hard to get away from the feeling Ryan\u2019s Rocket is capable of netting a decent prize from his current British Horseracing Authority mark of 132.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The son of Jet Away and Burke pounced late to beat <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Javert Allen<\/strong> by two and a quarter lengths for a big-money two-mile handicap chase at Newbury in November.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sent off the 7-4 favourite for the Desert Orchid Handicap Chase at Kempton Park in December, my selection saw his challenge come to an end with a bad mistake five fences from home.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">But Ryan\u2019s Rocket, then competing from a rating of 135, was going easily at the time and looked set to play a hand in the finish as victory went to the upwardly mobile Thistle Ask. He didn\u2019t get home over two and a half miles back in Sunbury last time so coming back to the minimum trip is the right move.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Without Noise<\/strong> has peaked to land the last two runnings of this race and has to go on the short-list, in company with <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Highlands Legacy<\/strong>, <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Stencil<\/strong> and <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Little Thunder<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">NEWSBOY&#8217;S 1-2-3: 1 RYAN&#8217;S ROCKET, 2 NO SOUND, 3 LITTLE THUNDER<\/p>\n<aside class=\"Factbox_factbox-container__hSMOa\" id=\"factbox\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Entering Factbox content\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36951233\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"factbox\" data-testid=\"factbox\">\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs Factbox_heading-three__NXU52 __className_f9ba33\">Grand National 2026 Preview: 48-Page Guide with Tips, Runners &#038; Expert Analysis<\/h3>\n<div class=\"Factbox_content__xdMV8\">\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The 48-page guide to the 2026 Randox Grand National is packed with interviews, features, stats and all you need for the 178th running of the world&#8217;s greatest steeplechase &#8211; <a aria-label=\"click here to order your copy todayLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.regionalnewspapers.co.uk\/grand-national-preview-2026-5688-p.asp?utm_source=Grand+National+2026+-+All&amp;utm_medium=converse&amp;utm_campaign=Grand+National+2026&amp;utm_id=Grand+National+2026\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">click here to order your copy today<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-36951232\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36951232\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36951232.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GRAND-NATIONAL-NO-BRANDING-1.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36951232.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_GRAND-NATIONAL-NO-BRANDING-1.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36951232.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_GRAND-NATIONAL-NO-BRANDING-1.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36951232.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GRAND-NATIONAL-NO-BRANDING-1.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">5.15 <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">PRINCESS DAY<\/strong> has done everything right and merits her place at the head of the market. The grey daughter of Success Days made her first appearance in public in a Fairyhouse point-to-point in April of last year, scoring by three lengths.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Princess Day then went to the sales and changed hands for \u20ac170,000 before going into training with Jeremy Scott. That was money well spent on the evidence of her first two runs under Rules, beginning with a two-length score from The Lightmaker at Chepstow in December.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The five-year-old then went to Newbury at the end of February and accounted for seven mares in comfortable fashion, stretching four and three-quarter lengths clear of the re-opposing <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Fairy Park<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Lorcan Williams\u2019 mount gives the impression she has barely scratched beneath the surface and, with plenty of as-yet untapped potential to draw upon, Princess Day is fancied to take the step up to Grade 2 level in her stride and remain unbeaten.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Emerald Quest<\/strong> impressed in victory at Huntingdon on the back of a 570-day absence and has a bright future, as do <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Miss Ti&#8217;amzel<\/strong> and <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Martini Majesty<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">NEWSBOY&#8217;S 1-2-3: 1 PRINCESS DAY, 2 EMERALD QUEST, 3 TI&#8217;MAMZEL<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>1.40 MASTER ACCOUNTS fared best of the quintet who contested the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1169,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1168","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-football"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1168","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1168"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1168\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1169"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1168"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1168"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1168"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}