Sean Bowen Saturday rides blog: 'He should have a massive chance'

The first race of the season over the National fences, and Sure Touch looks a lovely ride to have. He has done nothing but improve for Olly Murphy, starting off with a rating of 105 over hurdles, and now he's rated 143 over fences. The handicapper will get hold of him at some point, but he wasn't stopping when winning the Summer Plate last time, he goes well fresh, and Olly has had this in mind for him for some time.

As I say it is over the Grand National fences, he wouldn't be the biggest horse but you don't have to be to go well over these fences. Mac Tottie, for example wasn't a big horse but enjoyed plenty of success over these fences, so that doesn't bother me. You don't know how they will take to them until they try but I am very much looking forward to this. We’re lucky it hasn’t got too soft yet, and if he hasn't reached the ceiling of his improvement, he goes here with a live chance. 

Deploy To Spy has won his last two, so is off top weight here, which won’t make life easy. Two miles is almost on the sharp side for him, but he’s won his races over that trip so there’s no need yet to step him up. He could be vulnerable giving weight away here but hopefully he hasn't stopped improving. 

I end the day on another for Rebecca Curtis. Cedar Creek has just had the one run, at Exeter, where he ran well for a long time. He’s a son of Frankel so beautifully bred, although this wouldn’t have been the original plan when he was born! In 3-y-o Bumpers like this at this stage of the season you just don't know how good some of these horses will be, but my fellow should improve for his run. 

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