Opera leads Uttoxeter charge
Opera Mundi heads the weights for the John Smith’s Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter on Saturday.
The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding will be bidding to bounce back from a disappointing show in the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster, but must do so under the burden of 11st 12lb.
Nigel Twiston-Davies won the race with Baron Windrush 12 months ago and will be represented by Naunton Brook and Irish Raptor this term.
Caroline Bailey’s progressive Arnold Layne will carry 10st 11lb as he seeks a fifth success in his last six races.
Other notable declarations include The Dark Lord, Blue Splash, Le Briar Soul, Mcevoy and the Irish-trained trio of Sound Witness, Badgerlaw and Dante Hall.
