Hobbs Team Continuing To Mull Quinz Aintree Option

The temptation to run the impressive Racing Post Chase winner Quinz in the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree in less than three weeks' time remains very strong for the connections of the rapidly improving seven-year-old, but no final decision has yet been taken as to whether or not he will take his chance, writes Elliot Slater.

Since setting out at the start of this season on a second attempt to make it as a chaser Quinz has proved a revelation, winning a beginners chase at Exeter in October by 23-lengths before following up a month later at Ascot in handicap company, routing a decent field by 14-lengths off a mark of 130. A very respectable third to the smart Time For Rupert at Cheltenham next time out, the Robin Des Champs gelding then ran the race of his life,
leading from just after halfway in the Racing Post Chase at Kempton and then finding extra after the last when Mount Oscar came at him with what had looked like a winning run.

Although he had been given just a speculative entry in the Aintree feature, owner Andrew Cohen and trainer Philip Hobbs had not seriously considered Quinz a likely runner and those looking for Grand National tips had all but dismissed him. Now, having won the Grade 3 Kempton race and knowing that they would never again get into the Aintree marathon off such a relatively light weight, all concerned are reportedly on the verge of giving the nod to the young prospect to tackle the daunting Merseyside spectacle. Anyone looking to place a Grand National free bet may want to bear him in mind.

A perfect racing weight of 10st 8lbs must be hugely tempting, and having the superb Richard Johnson on board is another major plus. The flat, galloping track should suit and decent ground would also prove a major temptation to having a crack at the famous race. Quinz is a best priced 16/1 shot to strike a blow for the younger brigade on April 9.