28th-Feb-2015

We have backed Soll for the Grand National – so it would be good if he could run well or win today – and a lot of the reasons for backing him for the National hold true today.

Formerly with Willie Mullins, he was a progressive staying handicap chaser for Jo Hughes two seasons ago, he finished seventh in the Grand National as an eight-year-old and he reached a peak rating of 139. He wasn’t as effective last season, he was a bit disappointing at Sandown on Imperial Cup day last March, but you can easily forgive him his run in the Topham Chase as the trip was simply far too sharp for him.

Switched to David Pipe’s, he put up his best performance for some time when he won a good three-mile handicap chase at Exeter last time. He needed every yard of that three-mile trip to get the better of Rebel Rebellion, but Rebel Rebellion is an improved horse. It was a good performance.

The handicapper raised him 9lb for that run, but that just brings him back up to a mark of 139. The extra two and a half furlongs today will be in his favour, and Newbury should suit him well, a flat, left-handed galloping track. He could be a significantly improved horse since he joined David Pipe, and it is interesting that the trainer replaces his cheekpieces with blinkers. He will not get a penalty for the National if he wins today, so, while the run may bring him on again, it is not just a stepping stone to Aintree.

SOLL WON (ADV 6/1, SP 11/2)