Side with Saint and Walden to land spoils at Aintree

FOLLOWING Storm Boelo delaying the return to Aintree a few weeks ago, we’re finally back racing over the birch in Liverpool.

There are two races on Saturday’s card that take the eye for an ante-post bet, starting with the two-and-a-half-mile handicap chase (3.35pm).

IMPERIAL SAINT has an affinity with the Mildmay course, with a record of three wins and a second-placed effort from five runs.

He commands respect based on that record alone but coupled with the fact that he tends to give his best earlier on in the season, and on better ground, means he must be of serious interest.

With talented young rider Callum Pritchard set to ride, he looks a rock-solid each-way bet at 6/1.

There could be more ante-post value to be had in the Pertemps Series Qualifier (2.55pm).

These are always intriguing betting heats, with the top four finishers qualifying for the final at the Cheltenham Festival, meaning runners can often have the big day in mind.

The fact there’s another qualifier at Newbury on Thursday, with several of these runners doubly declared, means you can whittle the field down significantly.

I respect Brookside La for the Skelton team, but he’s up markedly in class and does have it to prove so I can leave him alone at his current odds.

WALDEN, for Tom Lacey, was the one I came down on.

He’s only six but has won four of his last five starts and just looks a progressive type.

He handles decent ground, which looks the order of the day here.

In his case, a victory and the following handicap rise would likely guarantee his place in the final come March, so he must be of each-way interest at 9/1.

POINTERS                                       SATURDAY                       

Walden e/w                                    2.55pm                Aintree

Imperial Saint e/w                          3.35pm               Aintree