It proved an historic day for racing thanks to the exploits of Kauto Star at Kempton but a slightly disappointing day for yours truly on the tipping front. Anyway, on to tomorrow’s racing.
Big race form guide
Chepstow 2.10 – Welsh Grand National
Cappa Bleu is a former winner of the Foxhunters at the Cheltenham Festival. He has had his problems with injury but came back to form last time out winning at Haydock over 3 miles. He has an each way chance. Our Island was runner up at Haydock on his last start in heavy ground. He is a thorough stayer. Galaxy Rock is an improving chaser who has shown a liking for Chepstow. There may be doubts about him handling the ground. Giles Cross is 4 lbs higher in the weights than when he was runner up in the race last season. Formerly 3rd in a Midlands National his last two runs have seen him finish 2nd in the Eider Chase at Newcastle in very testing conditions and gain a win in the Southern National at Fontwell.
Giles Cross and Galaxy Rock are my two against the field.
Chepstow selections
12.30 Alfie Spinner
1.00Rev It Up
1.3.0 Glernwood Knight
2.45 Hollow Tree
3.15 Ambion Wood
Kempton
12.55 Kie
1.25 Peddlers Cross
2.05 Whoops a Daisy
2.40 Finian’s Rainbow
Big race form guide
Paddy Power Chase – Leopardstown 3.05
Rivage D’Or was a consistent hurdler who won at Thurles (2 miles 6) in October and then finished 3rd to Bog Warrior in the Drinmore. He will appreciate the step up to 3 miles and Davy Russell takes the ride. David Pipe’s horses are running well and his Sona Sasta is a live contender. Lightly raced and progressive over fences he revels in soft ground. Smoking Aces won over 3 miles 5 at the start of the month and is another to consider as are Groody Hill, Ad Idem and Cross Appeal who occupied the first 3 places in the Troytown Chase at Navan.
My two against the field are Rivage D’Or and Sona Sasta.
Leopardstown selections
12.25 Sarabad
1.25 Big Zeb
2.30 Reizovic
Limerick
12.40 Distant Memories
Wetherby
2.30 Sa Suffit
2.55 Trustan Times
Turf trivia
Earth Summit, winner of the 1997 Welsh Grand National became the first horse to win the English, Scottish and Welsh Grand Nationals.
ahorse 