Hobbs seeks more Aintree glory

Supreme Prince carries the hopes of the Philip Hobbs team in the bonusprint.com Old Roan Chase at Aintree on Sunday following the success of the ill-fated Farmer Jack in the corresponding race 12 months ago.

The eight-year-old has eight rivals in the limited handicap over two and a half miles in the first race in the second season of the British Horseracing Board Order of Merit series.

“We’re hopeful of a big run. I think he’s improving, he has a good racing weight (10st 13lb) and the flat track will suit him, ” said Hobbs’ assistant Alex Elliott.

Henrietta Knight is also happy with the 10st 7lb that Impek, who runs in the Best Mate colours of owner Jim Lewis, will carry.

“It’s nice for him to carry less weight in a race like this,” she said.

“He’s very well and he has run well at Aintree before. He was third as a novice and fifth in last season’s Topham.”

Le Roi Miguel is lumped with top weight of 11st 10lb and Robert Thornton’s mount is one of two runners owned by Andy Stewart and trained by Paul Nicholls. Stable jockey Ruby Walsh will get the leg up on My Will.

Like the Ditcheat trainer, Ferdy Murphy is double-handed with Europa and Supreme Developer but both his horses are out of the handicap by 6lb and 8lb respectively.

“It’s a case of getting races into them. They are out of the handicap but by only a few pounds so it’s not too bad,” said the West Witton trainer.

“Europa ran well at Wetherby the other day but he had a good blow. He needs a couple of races to get him to his peak. The Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham next month is his target.

“Supreme Developer has not run since the Festival back in March but he doesn’t take much getting ready.

“I hope they don’t get too much rain at Aintree. It’s a wonderful track and the team do a grand job.”

Martin Pipe has a leading contender in Seebald, owned by soccer stars Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman, with Valley Henry and Alam completing the line-up.