6 winners for the Aintree Update

First of all, Ahead On The Flat was delivered from the printers on Friday afternoon and all orders will be posted on Monday. Thank you very much to those clients who have ordered, your continued support is greatly appreciated. The response has been tremendous - so much so, that we will only have a couple of hundred copies left in stock once the pre orders have been dispatched. If you haven't ordered, please head to the Publications section of the site.

While it was a successful three days for folllowers of the One Jump Ahead Aintree Update, the Grand National itself proved a major anti-climax. Taking nothing away from the winner I Am Maximus, who reclaimed his crown under a huge weight (11st 12lb) and a rating of 169 and therefore emulating Red Rum, but subscribers didn't have much to shout about. Long-term ante-post fancies, namely Monty's Star and Quai De Bourbon, failed to trouble the judge. In fairness, the former ran very well for a long way until his stamina appeared to give way approaching the second last. Unfortunately, the latter was done with by the second fence. In terms of the Update, last year's third Grangeclare West did even worse by starting slowly and then unseating Patrick Mullins at the first fence. Novice Oscars Brother was still on the bridle but towards the rear when having a disagreement with the Chair, while Captain Cody probably wasn't done with when parting company with Johnny Burke at the fourth last. Top 40 entry Jagwar, who was sporting cheekpieces for the first time, was travelling well when blundering at the nineteenth fence and depositing Mark Walsh into the turf. His performance summed up his season.

Thankfully, the Update had a good week otherwise with six winners - Jango Baie (Evens), Brighterdaysahead (advised @ 2/1). Nan's Choice (9/2), Will The Wise (9/1), Zeus Power (advised @ 8/1) and Bossman Jack (advised @ 7/2). In addition, Selma De Vary, Regent's Stroll, Ile Atlantique (advised @ 12/1) and Salvator Mundi all finished second. The highlight of the week was nominating the first and second in the Topham Chase on Friday - Will The Wise (9/1) and Ile Atantique (advised @ 12/1). Thank you very much to those clients who emailed afterwards. It was a great result. 

The most pleasing result of the three days was Top 40 entry Bossman Jack's win in the Grade 1 Mersey Novices' Hurdle on Saturday. Still immature and raw, Dan Skelton and his team have done a terrific job with the gelded son of Jack Hobbs (his sire's first Grade 1 winner). Found good opportunities at Ffos Las and Chepstow in January and February respectively, the six year old was set to be placed in the Turners Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham until making a mistake at the last. Beaten around four lengths in sixth, he more than made amends with a five and a half lengths victory over the weekend. Despite a few clumsy leaps, he ran out an authoritative winner and is a most exciting prospect for the future.

Even though the Grand National didn't go to plan, the OJA Updates have had a good season with the winners of the Paddy Power Gold, Welsh National, Cheltenham Gold Cup, BetMGM Cup, first and second in the Topham Chase, and two ante-post winners at 12/1 for the Cheltenham Festival (McCoys Contractors & Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase) all highlighted. Fingers crossed, we can finish on a high with the antepost selection in next weekend's Scottish Champion Hurdle.