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Saw Wendrock was a sea of blue for the Martin Pipe, so presumably a comment Elliott has made at one of the previews. Had him and Jump Allen shortlisted for the Coral Cup, but can't work out what the cut off mark will be (both not guaranteed to get in).

Was even more confused why he was 8/1 in December while everything else was 20/1+

I was on course last year, and Nick Rockett was still 18/1 while 33s online. The max priced runner in the field was 50/1 and only 4 places were available... Kept my money in my pocket

Probably a fair difference between bumpers and chases. Always hear good things about Harry Swan but don't think I've ever seen him over a fence. Similarly can't remember Derek O'Connor winning a bumper. Just thinking with a view to the Kim Muir / Hunter Chase.

Antony Worrall Thompson on BBC Saturday Kitchen kept telling people that "Hedge Trimmer" was a certainty for the National. Used to get wall-to-wall coverage akin to the FA Cup Final.

What's the current pecking order for the amateur jockeys? Watched the bumpers at the DRF thinking they're all much of a muchness, but usually still look out for Mr Derek O'Connor / Mr P W Mullins.

On Hedgehunter when he fell at the last in 2004. Don't see too many horses fall at the last there, but they all looked legless. Must have gone some pace. He won in 2005 and then was placed in 2006 after also finishing 2nd behind War Of Attrition in the Gold Cup. Some horse.

Agree on Wendrock, massive eye-catcher last year. Awful at Leopardstown but willing to forgive. Wonder why someone would call a horse The Passing Wife. Don't like the name, a bit morbid.

I remember when this race used to have 4 runners and be run on a Thursday. Fond memories of Zaynar getting turned over at 1/14 when the cameras were on the other side of the track. Am a curmudgeonly old bore but they've definitely improved it.

To be fair would have thought Brian Hayes would be on top at the weekend if he was going to ride at Aintree

Is the consensus really that Townend will ride Grangeclare West? 😳

They used to do them at very plush London hotels, now the podcast game has killed them off

Interesting, over Maximus?

Also noted this, although would have to put a great deal of trust in his jumping. "Jumps like Eamon Holmes" as the Couch used to say. Wish the Couch would re-join the Cheltenham preview circuit.

Is he not a big good ground enthusiast?

Went for the first time last year. Definitely see more on the telly, but the two horses I remember struggling coming past the stands for the first time were Intense Raffles and Royal Pagaille. Feels like ground must have been a factor there. Not sure I've seen a horse so suited to the modern...

To be fair when Brierley is on with any of the usual guests (Kealy, Melrose, Rodway, Segal, Wilders) I'm still most interested in Brierley's opinion

Have a Ladbrokes scarf in the wardrobe from one of the Newbury editions (+ about 5 Betfair ones). Tried to make a blanket out of them during lockdown but it didn't go well. Still smells like the betting ring.

Fond memories of my toddler deciding to throw a stone at Paul Nicholls during one of Rubaud's wins... still not sure why Assume from Iroko's participation that the big Aintree lunch is this week 🍽️

Thought the Ladbrokes Trophy was at Newbury in November / December