A total of 22 horses have been entered for the Jenningsbet Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter Racecourse this Saturday. The feature race of the season at the Staffordshire track will be run over the marathon trip of 4m2f, with an increased prize fund of £160,000.
The Premier Handicap has attracted some classy entries, notably the emphatic Eider Chase winner Knockanore for trainer Ryan Potter who has been raised 10lbs for that 16-length demolition job.
The consistent Apple Away has found one too good on each of her previous three starts but those efforts have still came in good quality races. This will be her first start over a trip as extreme as this if Lucinda Russell declares the 8yo mare
Arguably the most fascinating entry is the unbeaten Nick Gifford chaser Aworkinprogress. Owned by JP McManus who won this race with Time To Get up in 2021, the 6yo has improved 25lbs since being sent over the larger obstacles back in October.
Hat-trick seeking Mr Vango could add further quality to the lineup this weekend. Sara Bradstock’s stable star posted another career-best to land the Peter Marsh Chase by 3 lengths at Haydock in January and could still be on an upward curve.
Another horse chasing a trio of victories is the Venetia Williams-trained Tanganyika, though a 7yo has not won this race since Synchronisedback in 2010.
The race could have further strength in depth if Val Dancer is declared by Mel Rowley. Her Welsh National scorer would have work to do to reverse form with Apple Away after he finished almost 10 lengths behind the mare at Haydock last time.
The Irish are no strangers to success in this contest having won it with the likes of Screaming Colours (2022) and Goonyella (2015) in the last 10 years, and could be represented courtesy of Gordon Elliott’s Fortunedefortunata and Where It All Began.
Gates open at 11:30am and the action gets underway at 1:50pm with the seven-race card drawing to a close at 5:20pm.
As always it is set to be a great day of quality racing with an electric atmosphere with the added bonus of an ultimate post-race party to look forward to also.
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