Donald McCain at Aintree: The verdict on my Thursday runners

Donald is hoping Cloudy Lane gives another good account on what is likely to be his final racecourse outing.

Donald has four runners at Aintree on Thursday with Cloudy Lane bidding for a repeat victory in the John Smith's Fox Hunters' Chase.

Aintree

15.40 2m5f Hunter Chase

Cloudy Lane

He's been a fine servant for us over the years and it was a real thrill when he won here last year. He's been aimed at the race all year - he seems in good form at home and this is likely to be his last run so I hope he gives another good account. Realistically, he's a 13-year-old now so his best days are behind him but he goes very well at the track and he will be a lot happier back on this better ground. With a clear round, you'd have to hope he would be there in with a crack in the closing stages.

16.15 2m Handicap Chase

Kie

He's crept in off a lowly weight and a sharp 2m is probably the optimum for him these days. It's obviously a typically competitive renewal and although he has his conditions, it would be a pleasant surprise if he were quite good enough to win a race like this.

17.25 3m Handicap Hurdle

Silver Gypsy

She's been on a tough mark all year and although she ran well when she was second at Kempton over Christmas,  that came in a much weaker race than this. She wasn't at her best last time and although she's still unexposed over 3m, I would think Hollow Tree had the better chance. 

Hollow Tree

I think I made a mistake by running Hollow Tree in the Coral Cup rather than the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham as he was always doing just that bit too much to keep up. The way he ran there makes me think he is going to be a stayer and even 3m round here might be a bit sharp on the forecast ground. He has slipped back to a fair mark again now and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him give a very good account.