Saturday reaction: 'He will be dangerous in the Grand National at Aintree'

Secret Reprieve moved like he was the best horse in the Welsh Grand National for the entire race, and so it proved with him being the only runner to make any ground on the eventual second and third and doing so despite a tack failure.

Well-in under a penalty at Chepstow, it is hard to think he would not have won off his official rating of 142 while he also showed himself more than capable of excelling over marathon trips.

Results, replays and analysis

A strong traveller and good jumper, he will be dangerous in the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree in April, although it is worth noting his form is on softer ground so far.

'He's clearly smart and relishes soft ground as well'

It was a sharp piece of business whoever spotted Adagio in a claiming race at Clairefontaine in August as he has landed three of his four races over hurdles, with the biggest of those being Saturday’s Grade 1 score at Chepstow.

His only defeat for trainer David Pipe and his owners, who include Bryan Drew and Caroline Tisdall, came at Cheltenham on his second run for them and he has looked a better horse than that on his two starts since. He is clearly smart and relishes soft ground as well.

David Pipe: trains smart hurdler AdagioCredit: Edward Whitaker

The issue with an eye to the Cheltenham Festival is he was beaten that day by Duffle Coat, trained by Gordon Elliott, whose stable also houses Quilixios and favourite Zanahiyr, a smart winner at Leopardstown over Christmas where he beat eyecatcher Ha D’Or among others.

'He's got an engine' - Adagio breezes past Nassalam to Grade 1 success

It would seem, then, that Elliott remains the trainer with the strongest hand in the JCB Triumph Hurdle, although Adagio may be the best of the British contenders.

'The Aintree Hurdle might play more to his strengths'

Mission accomplished for McFabulous in the rearranged Relkeel Hurdle as he returned to winning ways in smooth style and did so despite a cumbersome ride.

Jockey Harry Cobden felt he was “flat out” on McFabulous through the race and that he would be able to handle a step up in trip again no problem.

McFabulous: mission accomplished in the rearranged Relkeel Hurdle at KemptonCredit: Alan Crowhurst

He travelled better than a horse apparently in top gear, but it might just have been the case he was better than the others so it looked easier than it felt.

Cobden suggested a crack at the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle was worthwhile, although you would think Paisley Park and Thyme Hill are still likely to be ahead of him come the day. The Aintree Hurdle over 2m4f, or even the Liverpool Hurdle over 3m, might play more to his strengths.

'You need to be brave siding with him in any race'

Master Tommytucker never makes life easy for himself with the mistakes he makes, so you need to be brave if siding with him in any race let alone one at the Cheltenham Festival.

He is undoubtedly talented, although jockey Harry Cobden’s assertion that he is better on softer ground as it makes him go a stride slower is worrying with Cheltenham in mind as soft ground and a steady pace are both far from certain.

Master Tommytucker: won despite a mistake at the final fence at KemptonCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

As for Imperial Aura, frustrating days happen in horseracing and this was one of those days for connections with a horse who is normally a sound and reliable jumper.

Watch Master Tommytucker's victory in the Silviniaco Conti Chase

He remains a viable contender for the Ryanair Chase but it would be reassuring to see him go out, jump soundly and defeat some more rivals before lining up there in March.

How the results affected the markets

Adagio 8-1 (from 16) for the JCB Triumph Hurdle
Master Tommytucker 20-1 (from 25) for the Ryanair Chase
Imperial Aura 7-1 (from 6) for the Ryanair Chase
McFabulous 12-1 (from 16) for the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle
Secret Reprieve 25-1 (first show) for the Randox Health Grand National

Read more:

How strongly do you rate Secret Reprieve's Grand National credentials?

'He's unbelievable' - super tough Adam Wedge lands Welsh National on Reprieve

'He's got an engine' - Adagio breezes past Nassalam to Grade 1 success

Witness Protection puts spring in the step of absent owners Foxtrot Racing

'How not to ride Kempton' - Fitzgerald critical of Cobden's win on McFabulous

'You silly boy' - Master Tommytucker makes Cobden eat his words at Kempton

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