Talking Horses: Iwilldoit can live up to name in Midlands Grand National

N ext month’s Grand National was a natural target for Iwilldoit after his impressive success in the Classic Chase at Warwick in January, but Sam Thomas could not get a sixth run over fences into his talented but injury-prone chaser to qualify him for Aintree and will hope to make do with Saturday’s Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter instead.

Iwilldoit would have been one of Britain’s leading contenders for Aintree, having taken the Welsh equivalent on just his fourth start over fences in December 2021. That was his second run back from a 226-day break, and he spent another year on the sidelines before his latest win at Warwick.

His impressive win there saw his mark rise to 155, within touching distance of regular Grade One performers, and though he will be giving at 10lb to 17 rivals on Saturday, Iwilldoit (3.00) travels and jumps like a horse who can continue to defy the handicapper.

Uttoxeter 1.15 Jamie Snowden was one of very few British trainers among the winners at the Festival and Up For Parol could contine the good work. He went off too hard under an inexperienced rider but has every chance on earlier form with Gavin Sheehan now taking the reins.

Kempton 1.30 Any News was a market drifter before his last race at Kempton but ran an excellent race in a first-time tongue strap and the cheekpieces that Neil Mulholland has added to the mix today could see him eke out the minor improvement required.

Uttoxeter 2.25 Collectors Item was touched off in a Grade Two at Haydock in February and an opening mark of 132 could well prove lenient as he sets out on his handicapping career.

Kempton 2.05 His stamina needs to be taken on trust, but Yorksea ran an eye-catching race in the Betfair Hurdle last time, finishing fourth