JP McManus sets his sights on another Midlands Grand National as attention turns to one of the year’s biggest stamina tests
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The Midlands Grand National is now only 68 yards shorter than the Grand National, which remains the longest race run under rules in Britain, just. Throw in the tendency for deep ground at Uttoxeter, more so than Aintree, and it becomes arguable this race is the greatest stamina test in the calendar.
We should talk about the ground. This time last year there was controversy around this card, as a going description of good to soft turned out to have no basis in reality, which was emphasised by famous mudlark Mr Vango winning the feature.
The GoingStick reading that day was 5.1, and to give a crumb of credit to officials it did rain after that was taken. There was also an inspection called at a meeting in November due to some flooding on the track.
The GoingStick reading that day was 4.7. On Friday it was 3.4, with areas of standing water, yet it was still being called soft. It looks as though punters are having their leg pulled again.
Rock My Way: topweight at UttoxeterCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)
Bets should certainly be placed on the assumption of deep ground. That does not rule out any of the market principals. In fact, you could easily argue the softer the better for Aworkinprogress (4-5 on heavy) and Git Maker, while favourite J’Arrive De L’Est had loads of form in France on ground described as heavy.
One of the few who may be disadvantaged by really testing ground is topweight Rock My Way. He has won on soft ground and been second on heavy, but has generally run away from the mud. Something else to note is that, off a mark of 138, he is the lowest-rated topweight this century.
The implication of that statistic is that we may not need such a classy winner as is often the case. Horses like Neo King and De Legislator, who might be regarded as not being good enough to win most years, need not be struck off the shortlist.
Maybe spend a bit more time down the market in this year’s race. There’s a personal temptation to look at Alcedo, who has form in deep ground.
He is from a yard that is finding its feet again and has some attractive bits of form against Grand Geste and Docpickedme earlier in the season. He has everything going for him besides assured stamina. That is, admittedly, of the utmost importance in a Midlands National.
Analysis by Keith Melrose
Going update
The ground was described officially as soft on Friday, with a reported small chance of a light shower on Saturday afternoon.
JP could be celebrating again
Celebrations do not always finish with the end of the Cheltenham Festival for JP McManus, who hopes once again to round off the week by landing the Jenningsbet Midlands Grand National.
Three times previously the champion owner has gone on from Prestbury Park to triumph at Uttoxeter, with Laura’s Beau, Synchronised and then Time To Get Up.
And the 19.8mm of rain that fell overnight into Friday has encouraged Nick Gifford to hope that Surrey National winner Aworkinprogress can add to McManus’s Cheltenham haul.
JP McManus: looking to add to fine week at CheltenhamCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)
“I couldn’t be happier with him at home,” said the trainer. “He’s in great form and I’m looking forward to it now they’ve had the rain.
“This is by far his biggest test, but he jumps well, he’s got course form and there’s nothing to indicate he won’t stay the trip.”
Aworkinprogress was winning for the sixth time in seven chases at Lingfield and Gifford does not know how good he might be.
“It will be exciting to see if we’ve got a genuine long-distance staying chaser,” he said.
“He doesn’t show an awful lot at home, so every time we run him we wonder whether it will be the end of his run. But he just keeps finding a bit more. Sooner or later he’s going to get beaten, but we’re enjoying the ride at the moment.
“It’s not a classic renewal, there’s no Mr Vango at the top of the weights. If he’s ever going to win one of these races, you’d say he’s got a great chance in this one.”
What they say
Emmet Mullins, trainer of J’Arrive De L’Est
The rain has arrived just in time. All being well, it could be a nice first run for Martin [Gowing, owner] and with a bit of luck we might scoop a big prize.
Joe Tizzard, trainer of Rock My Way
We’ve come here rather than run him in the Ultima on the first day of the festival; it does mean he has to carry top weight, which isn’t easy over four miles-plus, but if he gets into a rhythm early on, he’s capable of carrying it as he’s a big, strong type.
Barry Connell, trainer of My Immortal
I think the profile of the race is made for him. We had this in mind after he won the Grand National Trial at Punchestown. He needs soft ground and he was a different horse when he got it that day. There’d be a question mark over whether he’ll stay. But he kind of hit a flat spot turning in at Punchestown and then sprinted away from the back of the last, so I’m hopeful he’ll run a big race.
Paul Nicholls, trainer of Isaac Des Obeaux
I’ve had this race in mind for a long while. He’s got a chance, but on the evidence of what we’ve seen he’s handicapped to his limit so he needs everything to go right. The track and the trip will suit him.
Jamie Snowden, trainer Git Maker
He’s finally got the rain he’s wanted. He’s been crying out for it ever since he was second in the Kim Muir a couple of years ago. He’s off a nice mark but needs every yard of this trip.
Chester Williams, trainer of Jupiter Allen
He’s in good order and he’s always threatened to be of this grade and be suited by these sorts of races. He couldn’t have been any more impressive at Wincanton last time. The marathon trip is the question.
Reporting by David Carr
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