Paul Townend blog: ‘He is my best ride on form’

Easy Game was a no show at Aintree and very disappointing. He wears cheekpieces for the first time and up to 2m6f might help as well. Hopefully he can pick up some very valuable prize money but he looks up against it on what he done at Aintree to be honest.

There are some younger legs in here with less miles on the clock. It was uncharacteristic for him not to go at all at Aintree but hopefully he can leave that behind.

Easy Game odds: 4/1

I ride El Fabiolo against Jonbon here and it is a mouthwatering clash. El Fabiolo only jumped a couple of fences at Cheltenham and made a bad mistake, so I pulled him up. He was sore enough after it, but he seems 100% now.

His work has been good since. This is a big clash again; they have had plenty of clashes so far. Jonbon missed Cheltenham but went to Aintree and won. He had a hard enough race there, so we are probably coming into this as the fresher horse.

If we can do things right, I think we can beat Jonbon like we did in the Arkle last year. If the real El Fabiolo turns up, then I can’t see us being beaten but there is very little between them. I will be hoping for the best.

El Fabiolo odds: 8/11

He ran well enough in the Irish Grand National and got tired up the straight. I think back on a sounder surface will be a help to him. He had to shoulder a lot of weight in the Irish National so we will see. He is unexposed, he is a novice still, and his jumping seems to be solid, touch wood.

I was happy enough with him at Fairyhouse, it was just testing ground up the straight so I wouldn’t write him off. I don’t think he doesn’t get the trip. Willie has some others in the race as well who all have live chances.

Nick Rockett odds: 8/1

He just got the better of Langer Dan at Aintree. I will be playing my cards a little bit later. I thought he was going to win well and pulled up a little bit with the noise at Aintree but I thought he was the best horse and can beat these all again.

Langer Dan is so consistent, but I hope we have the touch of class. He is my best ride on form.

Langer Dan odds: 5/2

He is a horse who has thrown in a couple of disappointing runs. His run at the Punchestown Festival last year is one. He went off a short-priced favourite and we thought he would win but he was well beat. He then beat Noble Yeats at Christmas at Limerick.

Then at Cheltenham he was beaten 27l behind Langer Dan when he was well fancied. On what he shows us, I think he is better than that and I am willing to give him another chance. His best days are ahead of him. He hasn’t fulfilled his potential just yet and I think he will give them all something to think about in the lucky last.

Sa Majeste odds: 11/2

All odds and markets correct as of date of publication

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