Racing Tips: Nicholls the Cyrname to concentrate on in Aintree opener

PAUL Nicholls has been champion trainer 10 times, but even he would admit that it would take a miracle for him to win his 11th crown later this month.

A win in Saturdays Randox Health Grand National isnt even likely to be enough considering the strength of Nicky Hendersons squad.

However, Nicholls never gives up and he could get off to a flyer at this years meeting in the appropriately named Big Bucks Celebration Manifesto Novices Chase (1.45pm).

CYRNAME has had an impressive novice chase season, winning two Grade Two events at Kempton and going down by a neck to Terrefort in the Grade One Scilly Isles Novices Chase at Sandown in February.

His last performance in the Pendil Novices Chase was particularly good and he looks to hold strong claims of getting his trainer a first win in this race.

He has plenty of experience for a young chaser, enjoys soft ground and has no trouble with the intermediate 2m4f trip, so he looks a decent bet at 7/2.

If there is a concern, its whether hes slightly better going right- handed, but the track shouldnt really pose too many threats to this strong jumper.

Brain Power is the obvious danger having finished second to Footpad in last months Racing Post Arkle at Cheltenham.

Hes another whose best form has come on right-handed tracks in his career, but he should appreciate the return to a flatter track.

The worry is that he has a tendency to make mistakes and he cant afford to do that again here.

Fences dont seem to suit Finians Oscar and he looks worth opposing, along with Modus who was also well beaten in the JLT Novices Chase last month.

POINTERS

Cyrname 1.45pm Aintree

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