Fakir D’oudairies fairly bolted up to register back-to-back wins in the Marsh Chase at Aintree for Joseph O’Brien.
Having won at Ascot last time out, O’Brien decided to skip a clash with Allaho in the Ryanair at Cheltenham so he could arrive on Merseyside fresh.
Sent off the heavily-backed 10-11 favourite, Mark Walsh appeared to be in the ideal position throughout.
Editeur Du Gite set a stiff enough gallop for a horse stepping up in trip, but the big guns began queuing up behind as they turned into the straight.
Fakir D'Oudairies wins the Marsh Chase#ITVRacing | #GrandNational pic.twitter.com/KBhTdbr351
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) April 8, 2022
Paint The Dream took over seemingly going well, although eyes were drawn to both the market leader and Hitman.
On the run to the second-last Hitman and Lorcan Williams appeared to be travelling the stronger, but the picture soon changed.
Fakir D’oudiaires quickened impressively when asked and sprinted clear for a five-and-a-half-length win. Sceau Royal was back in third.
