Topham Handicap Case 2m 5f (Friday )

Whilst perhaps a little short of quality,this looks like being a fantastic spectacle.Bold jumping trailblazing Aintree specialists Frankie Figg,Always Waining and Dev are due to take each other on,and through into the mix other confirmed front runners such as Chasing Cars and Tchico Polos it suggests this is going to be run at a suicidal pace.

For that reason I'll probably be looking to back a "hold-up" horse,and the one that I'm interested in at an enormous price is Nikola.

I've no idea if he will make the cut,as currently he needs quite a few to come out,and if doing so,he is due to run from 7lb out of the handicap if top weight Tchico Polos runs.

However,if he does make the line-up,I feel he has a chance at a price.His November run over course and distance in the Grand Sefton behind Frankie Figg was an eye-catching effort.Creeping into contention over the last mile,nothing was travelling better until possibly being outstayed by the winner on the prevailant soft ground.

Granted better underfoot conditions,and given how difficult this race may be to win from the front this year,if he makes the cut I'll be having a speculative few quid on him,especially if the weights rise.