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GREND IS GRAND

All-weather Championship Finals Day – Grendisar faces eight rivals on Good Friday in the Betway Easter Classic

Marco Botti's seven-year-old saves his best for Lingfield but he has been beaten on his two starts this season in the Winter Derby Trial and the Winter Derby itself

MARCO BOTTI's Grendisar will face eight rivals on Good Friday as he attempts to win the Betway Easter Classic for a second time.

The seven-year-old is a Lingfield specialist, but in two runs this year he has only finished fourth and fifth in the Winter Derby Trial and the Winter Derby itself, although he was not beaten far on either occasion.

Archie Watson's Absolute Blast could give him plenty to think about after her win in the Magnolia Stakes at Kempton with Winter Derby winner Convey and Andrew Balding's Elbereth others of note.

William Haggas has two big chances on the card, with Second Thought likely to go off favourite in the 3 Year Old Final while his Muffri'Ha leads the way in the Fillies' And Mares' Final.

 Grendisar (left) has been beaten on his two starts this season
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Grendisar (left) has been beaten on his two starts this seasonCredit: PA

Her chief opponent is likely to be Kevin Ryan's Ashadihan, who was not disgraced in Group 1 company last summer, while last year's first two, Volunteer Point and Bint Dandy, also line up.

Kimberella, who won on his first start for Richard Fahey recently following Dandy Nicholls' retirement, will aim to give the Malton handler a third win in four years in the Sprint Final.

Lancelot Du Lac, Gracious John, Pretend and Boom The Groom help make up a 12-strong field, with Pearl Spectre and Dutiful Son the two reserves.

Pinzolo, Watersmeet, First Mohican and the Saeed bin Suroor-trained duo of Natural Scenery and Winning Story feature in the Marathon.

Roger Varian's Ennaadd, Michael Wigham's course specialist My Target, Jeremy Noseda's Keystroke, Ruth Carr's Sovereign Debt, David O'Meara's Salateen and Francois Rohaut's Qurbaan help make up a hugely competitive field for the final of the Mile.

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