Garden can be rosy for Richards once more at Monet’s favourite track

Apr 3 2008 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

NICKY RICHARDS’ decision to step up Aintree specialist Monet’s Garden in trip and take on Kauto Star could pay dividends in this afternoon’s totesport Bowl (2.35pm) – the feature on the opening day of the John Smith’s Grand National meeting.

The nine-year-old has won three from four at Aintree, including when beating Paul Nicholls’ star in the Old Roan Chase at the start of the season. He was also second on his only other visit, so clearly thrives on Merseyside, as does his Greystoke handler, and he has been kept fresh for his return here.

Monet’s Garden won the John Smith’s Melling Chase last year over 2m4f and he has been best at around that distance rather than today’s 3m1f. The flying grey has been tried at longer trips and never quite convinced. But if he is to get the trip, and the shrewd Richards believes he will, then it will be at his beloved Aintree under regular partner Tony Dobbin (pictured).

If Kauto Star can bounce back to form after losing his Cheltenham Gold Cup crown to stable-mate Denman he will be tough to beat. But he had a hard race at Prestbury Park and it may have left a mark.

Last year’s Bowl winner Exotic Dancer doesn’t seem to be in the same form as he was 12 months ago, while Our Vic, despite being an impressive winner of the Ryanair Chase last time, is a law unto himself.

It should be an intriguing contest and at the odds it may just pay to side with Aintree specialist Monet’s Garden if he takes his chance.

Another horse with form at Aintree is Leslingtaylor and he has solid claims in the Silver Cross Prams Red Rum Handicap Chase (4.20pm).

John Quinn’s six-year-old scored by seven lengths over course and distance in the autumn.

Then he beat subsequent Arkle Trophy winner Tidal Bay at Doncaster thanks to some sketchy jumping from Howard Johnson’s charge. But the versatile Leslingtaylor – who has won on the Flat, over hurdles and fences – was put in his place by that rival in the Grade One Festival contest. But back on a flat track and down in grade he can score.

The John Smith’s Fox Hunters’ Chase (3.45pm) is like the amateurs’ Grand National. Two former winners Scots Grey and dual scorer Katarino line-up again, but Christy Beamish, second behind the latter can get the better of both.

Celestial Halo can be the third successive Triumph Hurdle winner in a row to complete the double in the John Smith’s 250th Anniver-sary 4-Y-O Hurdle (3.10pm).

He impressed when beating Franchoek at Cheltenham and can follow Detroit City and Katchit in taking the big juvenile double.

Donald McCain junior has a big day on Saturday when he saddles red-hot favourite Cloudy Lane. But he could give his in-form stable a further boost with Cheltenham Festival winner Whiteoak and Mohayer. Both hold decent each-way claims in the final two races on the card, the Citreon C5 Novices’ Maiden Hurdle (4.55pm) and the John Smith’s Handicap Hurdle (5.30pm) respectively.

AINTREE (Day One): 2pm Chief Dan George 2.35pm (John Smith’s Bowl Chase) Monet’s Garden 3.10pm Celestial Halo 3.45pm Christy Beamish 4.20pm Leslingtaylor (NAP) 4.55pm Whiteoak 5.30pm Mohayer.