Wouldn't Brian Cooper be on the owners best hope. He rode First Lleutenent last year, who was never in the hunt before falling. Best hope and best handicapped dont always tie in. How do we know what has gone into the thoughts and the choices of mounts. Jockey's are notoriusly good at making the right choice are they?
Meyler on the 40/1, Flanagan the 66/1; you may have reasoned a bit of value there DO.
WW's best performance is arguably a flattering 7L defeat by Don poli in the RSA, POMD's a 7L and 6L defeat by Minella Rocca and Native River who were all out, in the National Hunt Chase...Half brothers so should have similar stamina qualities, one gets a 7lb pull with the other.
Flanagan rode the latter at Cheltenham in a handicap recently, he was 25/1, Clarcam was 50/1, ridden by Cooper in the same race; which brings me to the assumption that, Flanagan was on POMD's because he was his possible intended National mount. He may well have had the choice, the owners may well think Meyler would be better suited, who knows.
Pleasureofmydreams was the 8/1jt fav to confirm that NHunt chase form with the 14/1 Vicente in the Scottish Grand National, he didnt get further than the 3rd fence and Vicente won it.
Vicente to me only confirms POMD's is well handicapoed, he was a further 7L's back at Cheltenham.
Fitted with first time cheek pieces today he could return to his best, im hopeful.
Ive doubled all four Shantou's with Bravery in the Lincoln, and Bishops Road.
