Sam Twiston-Davies’ William Hill Blog: Have a dabble on Dibble at Aintree

First on Saturday, I ride Cuthbert Dibble (1.20pm). He ran a cracking race at Cheltenham, stayed really well and put up a very brave performance. We’re hoping now that going to Aintree will suit him and he can have his turn in front, but he has had a good season, so whatever he does, win, lose or draw, we’ll look forward to jumping fences with him next season.

After that, there’s Kilbeg King in the 3m1f handicap chase (2.30pm). He ran a really solid race at Cheltenham in the National Hunt Chase, he stays well and has a good attitude. He jumps well, although, with experience, he’ll get a little bit sharper. Whatever he does on Saturday, he’ll be a dangerous novice for next season.

Then, last of all, I ride Matata in the Maghull (5.00pm), the same race where Dad runs Master Chewy. Matata ran a very bold race at Cheltenham, jumping and travelling with loads of enthusiasm. I’m hoping that, this time around, the flatter track of Aintree will suit him, as he’s never been the strongest of finishers, so I hope that the nature of Aintree will play to his strengths.

The Grand National

For the big race, I think it’s very interesting that Mark Walsh has chosen to ride Limerick Lace. He would know which of the JP McManus horses was the best to ride here!

But, being from this side of the Irish Sea, it would be lovely for Lucinda Russell team if Corach Rambler won again. I thought he put up a really good run at Cheltenham, and – as we know – the National trip and fences suit him well.

It’s a wide-open National, and you can make cases for a lot of them, as you always can! But those two are the ones I’m holding out the most hope for.