Aintree Tip – Topham Chase Tip 8 April 16

A maximum field of 30 runners look certain to go to post for Friday’s Crabbie’s Topham Chase at Aintree. Last year’s runner-up Fairy Rath needs four horses to drop out at the final declaration stage to be guaranteed a run but the ten-year-old will be most unfortunate not to make the cut. The 20-1 generally available rates a fair each-way bet to go one better than 12 months ago, especially as a number of bookmakers are likely to be paying out on 5 places.

The Accordion gelding will be racing off the same mark (131) as when going down by ten lengths to Rajdhani Express last year where, in the hands of Tom Cannon, the horse took to the unique fences like a duck to water. A trait which is invaluable at the home of the world’s most famous steeplechase. Trainer Nick Gifford, son of Josh who was responsible for the emotional victory of Aldaniti and cancer-suffering pilot Bob Champion in the 1981 National, is sure to have had a repeat bid in mind for some time and the decision can be rewarded on Friday afternoon.

Fairy Rath has taken time to hit top form this season but finally got his head in front on his penultimate start at Sandown in February. He is surely better than a below-par effort recorded most recently at Kempton when eventually being pulled up after making much of the running. While there are numerous potential dangers the most significant could turn out to be another course specialist in the shape of Bennys Mist.

Topham Chase Tip

1 Point each-way Fairy Rath 20-1 William Hill