17.45 Aintree: Minty looks tasty for in-form Henderson

A wide open bumper to bring this year’s Aintree action to a close, and the tentative vote goes to Bringithomeminty.

The Nicky Henderson trained gelding shaped with plenty of promise on his racecourse debut last April when a not knocked about fourth of nine to Carningli in a bumper at Ffos Las, and duly stepped up on that effort when winning impressively on his seasonal reappearance at Kempton.

He traveled really strongly in the latter, and after being held-up in mid disvion made smooth headway to take up the running at the furlog marker before being pushed clear to win easily by eight lengths.

It was an effort which marked the son of Presenting out as as smart prospect with a big engine, and given that was his first run for 308 days he is entitled to come on significantly for it.

He represents powerful connections who do well in these races, and looks a horse to keep on the right side.
Others worth considering are Our Kaempfer and Celtic Agent.

The former outclassed his rivals when winning a bumper at Worcester by seven lengths on his debut for Charlie Longsdon and then ran a very solid race when finishing third to Red Sherlock in a listed contest at Cheltenham.

He disappointed last time out in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival, but this is easier and he is capable of bouncing back and making his presence felt in the hands of Aidan Coleman.

Celtic Agent is trained in the north by Phil Kirby and looked an exciting prospect when winning by 12 lengths at Southwell last month.

He showed a good turn of foot to shoot clear four from home and stayed on strongly in the manner of an above average type.

That was his first run for 504 days and he looks sure to come on a bundle for it.
He also has the services in the saddle of the useful Adam Nichol who takes another 5lb off his back, and his chances should not be underestimated.