A total of 38 entries have been made for the Aintree Foxhunters Chase due to take place on the Thursday April 12th, five of which are Irish trained.
On The Fringe, winner of the Aintree Foxhunters in 2015 and 2016 leads the Irish challenge for this year's renewal. Age seems to be getting the better of Enda Bolgers veteran 13-year-old, who has yet to score since winning the Champion Hunters Chase at Punchestown in 2016. Ninth in this years Cheltenhams Foxhunters, the J P McManus-owned On the Fringe will have have to find some of his old spark to regain the title once again.
The Graham McKeever-trained Balnaslow was first home of the Irish contingent in the Cheltenham Foxhunters last week when finishing seventh. The 11-year-old struggled to stay with the main group of the field for much of the race but stayed on gamely in the home straight in the hands of Derek O’Connor. The son of Presenting was second in last year's renewal of the Aintree event, beaten just a length and three-quarters by Arthur's Secret, who also holds an entry for this year. Connections will be hopeful he can run a similar race if taking his chance at the Liverpool track.
Burning Ambition, the beaten favourite at Cheltenham, travelled well downhill and still looked to be in a prominent position jumping the penultimate fence only to tire after the last on the run-in and finish eight. The Pierce Power-trained gelding, who has clocked up five wins from seven runs in his first year of competitive action, will benefit from the experience of what was his toughest challenge to date and with age on his side could be competitive if he is to take his chance.
David Christie is represented by Marinero and Eddies Miracle, both of which missed out qualification for Cheltenham. Eddie's Miracle earned qualification for Aintree one day before entries closed by winning Daily Mirror hunter chase at Down Royal under Barry O’Neill on Monday. The 10-year-old son of Beat Of Drums has amassed six victories between the flags since he got off the mark in point-to-points at Ballinaboola last February and will be an interesting entry to follow.
Marinero pulled up last time out when running in the Kim Muir Handicap Chase at Cheltenham, previous to that the David Maxwell-owned nine-year old had been running in open company and was well held when only managing fifth at Bandon in February. He must be back to his best to challenge in April, a classy individual in his time, Marinero finished second to Thistlecrack at Cheltenham's November meeting in 2016.
