Cloud burst!
The 2015 Grand National hero was last seen being well-beaten in this year’s renewal but showed he still retains his ability as he continued his love affair with the Merseyside venue.
Runner-up in this race 12 months ago, Oliver Sherwoood’s nine-year-old enjoyed himself from flagfall as he and jockey Leighton Aspell continued their successful association.
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Hide AdLe Mercurey kept him company, but it was Minella Rocco who was the big danger when he took a heavy fall at the final fence, before rising to his feet.
Many Clouds (3-1) did not look finished and maintained the gallop to comfortably hold Le Mercurey by three-and-a-half lengths. Irish Cavalier was third.
Trainer Sherwood said: “I couldn’t buy a winner before Saturday, so that’s a relief.
“I’m chuffed to bits, he jumped great, he was exemplary and very relaxed in front which was good to see. I promise he’ll come on for that, he was fit enough to win but Leighton said he took a blow.
“He had a little wind op in the summer and you’re never quite sure how it will affect them when they come under pressure.”