The Grand Nationals come thick and fast at this time of year and the Scottish version is next up on Saturday. The Ayr meeting starts tomorrow and in the opener at 1.45 my selection is the recent Haydock winner McMurrough. He has an 8 lbs penalty as a result of his recent success but now that he has struck form I will stick with him.
Carole’s Legacy has not been out of the first 2 this season in 5 starts. She has a big weight to carry in the 4.00 but should once again give a good account of herself.
Calusa Crystal found his stamina tested a bit too far last time at Newbury but back at 2 miles he should go well in the 5.00 at Cheltenham. Gala Evening has been in good form on the flat and if he can carry that over to the jumps game he would go close in the 6.45. Overrule has been off the course for 185 days but has gone well fresh in the past and will have ground conditions in his favour in the 7.50.
The main flat meeting is at Newbury. The 2.10 at the Berkshire track is a competitive 3 year old handicap. Richard Hannon saddles Planet Red who disappointed on his last run which was over a mile. Back to 7 furlongs here he could be a contender off what looks a reasonable handicap mark. Rebel Soldier and High Constable both come into the contest having won their last start on the all weather. The handicapper may have taken a bit of a chance in allocating ratings of 88 and 87 to this pair and along with Planet Reed they would form my short list.
In the 3.15 Bullet Train and Rasmy are a couple of lightly raced possible improvers. In the 4.25 I would consider High Ransom and Mujdeya. They both ran once as juveniles and look the types to do well at 3. Mujdeya, who holds an Oaks entry is my selection but watch out for High Ransom in the future.
Up at Thirsk Hawkeyethenoo looks favourably treated off a mark of 72.
Today’s picture is courtesy of the artist Ruth Buchanan.
ahorse 