Folsom Blue is an out-and-out stayer who revels in the mud so at 7/1 looks the one to be one the 4m 2f Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter today (3.35). Trained by Gordon Elliott, this 12-year-old has only won three of his 30 starts over fences but has posted some solid efforts in races of this nature. They include when a 1 1/2 length staying on fifth – promoted to fourth – of 30 to General Principle in last year’s Irish Grand National off a mark of 142. Folsom Blue has only had three starts this season, finishing fourth to subsequent Stayers’ Hurdle winner Paisley Park in a Grade 3 at Ascot before being far from disgraced when eight of 20 to Elegant Escape in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow. He has since warmed up for this with an eye-catching fourth of 16 to Lord Napier in a hot handicap hurdle at Sandown and now reverts to the larger obstacles off a rating of 144. That looks workable on the pick of his form and the booking of Davy Russell to do the steering is a plus as has a 25 per cent strike rate on Folsom Blue having won twice and been placed on two occasions from eight starts.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Folsom Blue (7/1 Boylesports, Coral, Sky Bet – BOG)
