'I know the Tizzards are very happy with him' - Native River returns in hot race

2.40 Aintree
William Hill Many Clouds Chase (Grade 2) | 3m1f | 4yo+ | RTV/ITV4

The doubters were out to get Native River beaten in this race last year. He was coming off the back of a long absence, prior to which he posted two toiling efforts in the King George and Cheltenham Gold Cup, albeit both resulted in fair finishing positions as he plugged on when the stamina ebbed away from some of his rivals.

There was no reason to worry as first-time blinkers were fitted and he sluiced up by 33 lengths. Although the race completely fell apart – Black Corton didn't run to anything like his best and Might Bite unseated Nico de Boinville early – Native River achieved the highest Racing Post Rating (174) in this race's short history.

Colin Tizzard's lovable veteran, who is the equine equivalent of former champion 10,000m and marathon runner Haile Gebrselassie as he continues to defy age at the top level, was clearly revitalised by the change of headgear and followed that distinguished display with a third Denman Chase victory in February.

He looked to be a live Gold Cup player as a result, but just days later he was ruled out with a suspensory injury. Consequently, the doubters will be out in force once again as he meets a dangerous duo of younger rivals on his return to the fray. They may be right this time, but a repeat of last year's display should ensure a rousing finish – and what a story it would be if he came out on top.

Frodon wins last season's Silviniaco Conti Chase from Keeper Hill, who is also in the Aintree line-upCredit: Edward Whitaker

If he is to record back-to-back successes in the race, Native River will have to fend off the early urgings of Frodon, who is at his best when Bryony Frost gets him into a rhythm on the front end. A contested pace wouldn't be ideal for either chaser and race tactics could play a large part in determining the winner.

That brings in Santini, who boasts the highest official rating (172) on show and would be the main beneficiary of a quicker gallop. His two efforts after wind surgery last term were career-bests and his excellent record when fresh (form figures of 11211) tells you he should be ready to put in a similar performance, especially with the cheekpieces retained.
Analysis by Tom Collins

Johnson keen to resume treasured partnership

Native River's swashbuckling victory over Might Bite in the 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup remains fresh in the memory and Richard Johnson cannot wait to get back on board as the ten-year-old embarks on his latest campaign.

The former champion missed the mount when Native River landed the Denman Chase under Jonjo O'Neill Jr at Newbury on his most recent start and is looking forward to resuming the partnership for the Aintree clash with Santini and Frodon.

"Native River is only ten, yet has achieved an awful lot in his career," Johnson said. "He's one of my favourites and it'll be lovely to get back on him.

"You couldn't have been happier with his two runs last season – the blinkers really sharpened him up. I know the Tizzards are very happy with him. Their team is back in form and it looks a good starting point for Native River."

The recent rain on Merseyside is also a plus. "It could be quite testing at Aintree, which will suit him," Johnson said. "It's a very good race, better than the one last year he won from Black Corton. He'll need to be near the top of his game."

Joe Tizzard, son and assistant to Colin Tizzard, trainer of Native River, said: "He's been in a long time and has done a lot of core fitness work, so I'd say he'll be as fit for this race as he was when he won last year.

"It looks a stronger race than it did last year but you'd think he'd run his usual solid race."

Saturday tips from our experts:

Tom Segal with his best bets for the high-quality cards at Aintree and Sandown (Members' Club subscribers)

'He has a superb record here' – Graeme Rodway with a strong fancy at Sandown (Members' Club subscribers)

The Punt Daily: Tom Collins' free horse racing tips on Saturday afternoon

Saturday's free racing tips: insight from Racing Post's team of experts

What the others say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Frodon
He's very well. He won the Old Roan Chase round there and that form has worked out. He's got a great chance.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Santini
It's difficult to gauge his fitness and he certainly wasn't impressive on his first run of the season at Sandown last year, but he's had a racecourse gallop at Newbury recently and has done lots and lots of schooling. He's very well in himself and has been jumping great. I don't really like Aintree as a track for him; it's not a great one for a big, galloping horse like him. It's the reason we weren't mad keen on the Betfair Chase at Haydock and why he wasn't even entered in the King George at Kempton. Aintree is a flat, easy three miles, but this race has got good timing for us in its favour.
Reporting by Richard Birch

Saturday's previews:

Altior absence leaves Tingle Creek at the mercy of Paul Nicholls-trained pair

Will the Grand National fences reignite the spark in mercurial Might Bite? (Members' Club subscribers)

Becher Chase: Minellacelebration fancied to tee up owner's Grand National dream

Class counts: how the Becher Chase is copying its older cousin (Members' Club subscribers)

'A proper race' – buckle up for a fast and furious Henry VIII Novices' Chase

Can 'devastating' Cloudy Glen be tamed in his bid for another National of sorts?

Grand Sefton: betting insight and trainer quotes for Aintree's closing handicap

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