Aintree Grand National Festival: three who will love the mud if bad weather persists

It’s as wet a spring as one can remember, and there’s no sign of things letting up either. As of the time of writing this article, there’s every chance we will have soft or heavy conditions for the Aintree Grand National Festival next week, and below we have highlighted three runners who will love the mud if that happens to be the conditions on hand.

Bob Olinger – Liverpool Hurdle

It has been a terrific season thus far for Robcour and their fine season could be enhanced with some big chances at Aintree. Their main contender could be Bob Olinger, who has a superb record in the mud. He won the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan on his return to action, before showing a tremendous turn of foot to win the Relkeel at Cheltenham on soft ground. No match for subsequent Champion Hurdle winner State Man over 2m, he still ran a cracker and he’s back to his best.

Pic D’Orhy – Melling Chase

He is a very good horse on a sound surface too but Pic D’Orhy has very consistent form in the mud and he has been kept nice and fresh for this assignment by trainer Paul Nicholls. He put in a career best when easily seeing off L’Homme Presse in the Grade 1 Ascot Chase when last seen and he should have the legs on his rivas.

I Am Maximus – Grand National

A winner of an Irish Grand National on soft ground, the conditions will hold no fears for the JP McManus runner. Trained by Willie Mullins, he won a Drinmore on soft at the start of the season and was last seen bolting up on heavy at Fairyhouse. Off a nice weight, he could go off favourite.

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