Shan Blue is a horse I've always liked and he looks capable of winning now dropping back into handicap company from a mark of 148.
He's been classy enough to win a Grade 1 over fences, when he took last season's Kauto Star at Kempton (3m) and then dropped back to 2m4f when second to Sporting John in the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown next time.
He looked all over the winner of the Charlie Hall at Wetherby in October, before crashing out when 20-lengths clear, at the third-last. No one expected much when he was well held at Cheltenham in the Ryanair.
I think Dan Skelton has found a good opportunity here. He's shown several pieces of form that make him look a good thing on these terms, he does well on good to soft ground and I fancy him to pick up this first prize of over £56,000.
So, it's Shan Blue at Aintree on Saturday in the 16:15. Good luck!
