Hughes Asks Aspell To Ride In Compliance

Dessie Hughes has booked the capable Leighton Aspell to ride his John Smith's Grand National outsider In Compliance in the big race at Aintree on April 9, writes Elliot Slater.

The Irish handler came close to landing the coveted prize 12 months ago when his course specialist Black Apalachi ran the race of his life to finish a five-length runner-up to Don't Push It, but with the veteran sidelined and missing from this year's line-up Hughes will rely on In Compliance and Vic Venturi to fly the flag for his yard. The two horses will no doubt attract plenty of Grand National bets between them.

Aspell has never ridden In Compliance before, but his mount seems a very straight forward ride being a horse who has performed at a high level over the years and knows how to look after himself in a big field. A best priced
50/1 shot at present, the 11-year-old has been dropping down the handicap over the last 12 months having finished a fine runner-up in the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown in December 2009 and runs off a mark of just 141 at Aintree, some 11lbs lower than that fine Punchestown effort.

On the face of it In Compliance could be well handicapped, especially as he appeared rejuvenated by the application of first-time blinkers when winning the Cashel Chase at Thurles in February, storming home some 18-lengths clear of Rock Street on heavy ground. It was too early to tell just how he might have fared at Cork last week when he blundered and unseated his rider at the seventh, but judging by the market support it would have come as no surprise to see him go in again.

Ideally suited by give in the ground, any rain in the week leading up to the big race will enhance the chances of In Compliance staying competitive throughout, and the booking looks a fine opportunity for Aspell to take his chance on board a horse with a touch of class.