Gwennie May Boy kept up his fast progress in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Aintree, and Dan Skelton added to his already remarkable handicap record at the main meets.
Skelton stole another significant prize on Merseyside with Kateira on Friday, following his victories with Unexpected Party and Langer Dan at Cheltenham in the Grand Annual and Coral Cup, respectively.
West Balboa, last year's victor, was the stable's first runner in the Grand National Day curtain-raiser, going off as a heavily backed 11-4 favourite under the trainer's brother, Harry. However, this time, he had to settle for minor honours behind a stablemate who was rapidly improving.
After switching from Jonjo O'Neill's yard to Skelton, Gwennie May Boy had won his previous two races. Under Charlie Todd, he appeared to have just entered at the second-last, and the 9-2 shot easily cleared the final barrier to win by seven and a half lengths from Lord Snootie.
Since there was little difference between them when they ran together at Kempton, I must admit that I honestly believed West Balboa would prevail, especially in light of Kateira's victory yesterday, Skelton said.
“I am astounded at the improvement in this horse (Gwennie May Boy). He’s only a six-year-old and walking round beforehand I thought he looked a bit light and might be over the top, but what do I know – it’s clearly how he likes to be.
"I just ran him at Bangor; I haven't had him for that long, and I hadn't even worked him out before. He did so well there that I thought we should go for the £100,000 race at Uttoxeter, and then this happened here; it was apparent.
"He works terribly at home, but he saves it all for the track and he's just been on a run, and it caught me off guard. He has been an amazing small horse.