Confirmed runners and riders for Saturday's Grand Sefton at Aintree

Last year's Boylesports Grand Sefton Handicap Chase (2.40) runner-up Percussion will take on 12 rivals when he bids to go one better under Adam Wedge at Aintree on Saturday. 

The Laura Morgan-trained market leader, who was two lengths behind Gesskille 12 months ago, will seek a first success in two and a half years when he contests the first race over the Grand National fences this season. 

Four runners were absent at Thursday's declaration stage including Arizona Cardinal, who landed the Topham last season for Stuart Edmunds. The eight-year-old was a10-1 shot for Saturday's contest but will miss the race alongside Eldorado Allen, Shantreusse and Persian Time. 

Last year's winning trainers Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero and jockey Henry Brooke will be represented by Gaboriot, who unseated in the Foxhunters' on his sole start over the fences. Grand National runner Latenightpass and Topham contenders Richmond Lake and Frero Banbou were also declared. 

Three-time winner Paul Nicholls will be represented by Outlaw Peter, the ride of Freddie Gingell, while Sure Touch aims for a five-timer under Sean Bowen after landing the Summer Plate in June. 

Champion jockey Harry Cobden will be in action at Wincanton, where he will partner Insurrection in the Grade 2 Boodles Rising Stars Novices' Chase (2.23). 

The seven-year-old, who was second on his chase debut last month, faces four runners headed by smart prospect Handstands, winner of three of his four starts under rules. 

Ten runners were declared for the feature 63rd Badger Beer Handicap Chase (3.30), the smallest field since 2016, with 7-1 shot Copperhead and 8-1 shot Blackjack Magic the most notable absentees. 

Lord Accord and The Changing Man are vying for favouritism ahead of the Nicholls-trained Mofasa. 

The track also stages the Grade 2 BetMGM Elite Hurdle (2.55) where just four runners will feature including hot favourite and last year's winner Rubaud for Nicholls and Cobden. The Harry Derham-trained Brentford Hope, Irish raider Aspire Tower and outsider Forever William complete the line up. 

The Flat racing feature on Saturday is at Doncaster, with two Listed contests and the concluding Virgin Bet November Handicap (3.45). Jimmy Quinn, the oldest jockey in the British weighing room, is set to bow out with a ride on bottomweight Dark Moon Rising for Kevin Ryan. 

Grand Sefton runners and riders

Authorized Art Caoilin Quinn
Latenightpass Gina Andrews
Outlaw Peter Freddie Gingell
Sure Touch Sean Bowen
Richmond Lake Theo Gillard 
Harper's Brook Kielan Woods
Idalko Bihoue Sam Twiston-Davies
Frero Banbou Charlie Deutsch
Percussion Adam Wedge 
Gaboriot Henry Brooke
Vintage Conor O'Farrell
King Turgeon Jack Tudor 
Galon De Vauzelle Simon Torrens

Read more:

'Hopefully he's still on an upward curve' - Olly Murphy out to continue red-hot form with Sure Touch in Aintree's Grand Sefton 

How are the markets shaping up for the big handicaps at Cheltenham's November meeting? 

Bryony Frost back in Britain for ride in Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on Friday - while Grade 1 winner set to make chasing debut on undercard 

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