Category: Horse racing

For my preview of Thursday’s action I will start with the jumpers. Although we are in the last few days of the national hunt season there are still some decent prizes to be won and Cheltenham have a card with plenty of quality.

Gold Award, trained by Nicky Henderson, was a dual bumper winner last season and came 9^th behind Cousin Vinny at Cheltenham. He won on his hurdling debut but was then beaten into second at Warwick last time. At around 12/1 I think he is worth a small each way interest in the 2.10.

Nicky Henderson’s runner in the 3.20 is Hora. This mare won over 2 miles on the flat and has plenty of stamina as shown when she won over an extended 3 miles over hurdles at Aintree. She has always been consistent and will certainly have no problem seeing out this shorter trip. Alan King’s Over Sixty looks quite well treated on her 4^th behind the runaway winner Quevega at Cheltenham in the mare’s race at the Festival. How’s Business won at Exeter off a mark of 113 on New Year’s Day and is on a mark of 127 now. She did run well in that race won by Quevega though. The grey Argento Luna has not finished out of the first 2 this season. She is not an easy ride but possesses a turn of foot and something like Hora could set this up for her. One of the keys to this horse may be the ground as she has a particularly good record on decent ground and has won on good to firm. For my selection I will side with Argento Luna.

In races such as the 3.55 I like to try and find a bit of an outsider and there are 4 runners that I have looked at. Heathcliff won 3 times earlier in the season but unseated when beaten in the Pertemps Final at the Festival. He is a chaser in the making but I wouldn’t rule him out here. Ringaroses was 11^th in that Cheltenham race and has in truth been disappointing. He acts on good ground though and has been given a chance by the handicapper. In addition Tom Scudamore rides and he was second on her on the only other occasion he has ridden the horse.

The Old Pretender has finished 2^nd on all 3 starts this season. He doesn’t look badly off at the weights and Tony McCoy rides for the first time. The other one I like is Sarde. Kim Bailey had a winner the other day with Max Bygraves and he saddles Sarde in this. At around 20/1 I will go with Ringaroses each way.

The Newmarket card opens with the Wood Ditton Stakes at 1.50 which is always a bit of a lottery as it is for horses that have not run before. There are good reports about Harbinger and he would be my token selection.

In the 3.00 I see that Redford has been dropped back to 6 furlongs. I wouldn’t rule him out in a strongly run race but I see that his usual jockey, Jamie Spencer rides Zidane. In the Craven Stakes at 3.35 my short list consists of Delegator, Sans Frontieres and Glass Harmonium. Delegator warrants plenty of respect but at evens he looks too short a price. Glass Harmonium represents a viable alternative at a better price while, if 8 runners go to post I like the look of Sans Frontieres of Jeremy Noseda’s with the eyecatching jockey booking of J Murtagh.

Twice Over and Virtual both come from stables that are bang in form and they look the pair most likely in the 4.10. For the last two races on the card I am going to follow Sir Michael Stoute with Resort (4.45) and Imposing (5.20).

Up at Ripon the most interesting race of the day looks to be the 3.45 where there are a number of potentially smart 3 year olds in opposition. Mutamaashi only had to be pushed out to score on his debut at Lingfield in February. He gets in here on a mark of 85 which could just be on the lenient side. Roman Republic was a disappointing beaten favourite on his racecourse debut last season but made amends next time up winning at Doncaster. Trumpstoo represents Richard Fahey and the trainer speaks very highly of this strapping colt. Finally Cook’s Endeavour has some useful looking 2 year old form and is another for the shortlist. Mutamaashi gets the nod for me with Roman Republic next best.

Cascata holds an Oaks entry and looks the one to be on in the Wolverhampton 7.15.

Today’s pictures are by courtesy of the artist Lisa Miller.

The racing schedule tomorrow will be a lot busier than usual for a Wednesday with action from the headquarters of both codes.

Starting with Cheltenham and the 2.10 there are a couple of runners on retrieval missions. Balzaccio made a good start to his career in the UK after coming over from France winning at Haydock before finishing 4^th to Starluck at Kempton over Christmas. He made no show in the Fred Winter at the Festival but if back to his best would figure in this. He has a bit to find on the official ratings with the David Pipe runner Torpichen, twice a winner over hurdles before finishing 9^th to Go Native in the Supreme Novices. That form probably sets the standard here and he is my selection.

The 2.45 looks a tricky puzzle to solve. Seymar Lad is a fragile sort but started this season in fine style with a win at Chepstow but failed to reproduce that form on his two subsequent runs. He is probably best fresh and he should benefit from his break as he last ran at the end of December. He runs off a mark of 121 now which is 6 lbs higher than his best winning mark. He likes genuine good ground so will most probably be suited by conditions. He jumps well and is one for the shortlist. At the other end of the handicap Trigger the Light is worth considering. He won both his races last season but has found things tougher this time around. He was however a strong finishing runner up at Sandown on his latest start and is probably capable of winning off his current mark. Island Flyer was one of my main fancies for the John Smith’s handicap chase at Aintree but he was pulled up. If he could recover the form that saw him narrowly beaten in the Badger Ales Chase at Wincanton earlier in the season he would go close. Trigger the Light has often been let down by his jumping but if he can put in a reasonably error free round I would fancy his chance and he is the somewhat tentative selection.

If the 2.45 was tricky the handicap hurdle at 3.20 doesn’t look much easier! Nicky Henderson saddles the two top weights in Dave’s Dream, the winner of the Imperial Cup, and The Polomoche. Dave’s Dream ran better than his finishing position of 6^th indicates behind American Trilogy at Cheltenham last time out but he is now running off a much higher mark. The Polomoche was a beaten favourite when he could only finish 10^th in the Coral Cup and was subsequently pulled up at Aintree where perhaps something was amiss. He is a horse I have always liked and whilst I wouldn’t rule him out he does have something to prove after his last two runs.

Naiad du Misselot has not done as well as expected over fences this season and reverts to hurdles here off a mark 6 lbs higher than when winning the Coral Cup in 2008. Trainer Ferdy Murphy traditionally does well at this time of year and Naiad du Misselot might find life a little easier over the smaller obstacles and gets the selection. At a big price Callisto Moon could be an interesting outsider. He has been given a chance by the handicapper and could run well especially if the ground is on the fast side.

Ouzbeck has let me down a few times this season but with first time blinkers and the ground in his favour I will give him another chance in the 3.55.

I have tipped Quaddick Lake successfully on his last two runs and I will stick with this progressive sort in the 4.30. The Paul Nicholls trained Picture This is another I like in this race. He was an expensive purchase and makes his handicap bow tomorrow.

Lodge Lane was runner up to Russian Around at Lingfield and the winner has since gone in again to frank the form. The Victor Dartnall runner can regain the winning thread in the 5.05. Buck the Legend looks the danger.

The flat season steps up a gear tomorrow with the Craven meeting at Newmarket. In the opener at 1.50 Henry Cecil introduces the newcomer Native Ruler who is out of an Oaks winner and holds a Derby entry.

There are three that I considered for the 3.00. Classically was gaining g on the front pair approaching the line when 3^rd on his seasonal reappearance at Doncaster and that run should bring him on as he didn’t look fully would up in the paddock. He is certainly a contender. Nehaam won his only race as a juvenile. That was over 7 furlongs in a Newmarket maiden and he is bred to appreciate the extra distance tomorrow. Sumbe was 6^th here on his only run last season and that race has worked out particularly well.

In search of some value in the 3.35 I looked at Courageous and Rose Diamond. The former, trained by Bryan Smart was 5^th behind Crowded House in the Racing Post Trophy last season and has the stamina to see out this 7 furlongs well as he should stay further. He would not want really fast ground. Rose Diamond acquitted herself well last season and although she may need the run she does look quite well handicapped.

Fantasia sets the standard in the Nell Gwynne Stakes at 4.10 and is my selection with the Mick Channon filly Dunes Queen the main danger.

On Our Way didn’t do much wrong last season and was placed on all of his 5 starts winning twice. He seems to handle any ground and is my suggestion in the 4.45.

I have a short list of 3 for the 5.20. Espititu looked arther green in both his races last season but is a talented sort and his 4^th behind Kite Wood at Doncaster last September reads well. Formula finished runner up on his latest two starts, both on the all weather at Lingfield but is well regarded by connections and could be a fair bit better than the bare form suggests. Invisible Man was a beaten odds on favourite at Great Leighs on his debut but is a half brother to 5 winners and clearly well thought of at home. If pushed to nominate one I would narrowly favour Espiritu.

Dark Mischief is a lightly raced 3 year old and looks quite well handicapped in the 5.55.

Down at Kempton Antinori ran well in maidens last season and should go close in the 7.20. Whatever he does here over a mile he is worth keeping an eye on as the season unfolds as he is bred to stay further.

Dancer in Demand, Favours Brave and Khan Tengri all have chances in the 8.20. At the odds I will narrowly go for Favours Brave who comes from a stable in form.

I don’t have much to saya bout the Beverley card. Perhaps More than Many each way in the 4.55.

Today’s pictures are by kind permission of the artist Lisa Miller.

Good luck.

I nominated 3 selections for today’s Irish National, Wichita Lineman and Drumconvis both lost their lives in fatal falls which rather caste a shadow over the win at 33/1 by my other fancy, Niche Market.

There is plenty to look forward to later this week with top flat meetings at Newmarket and Newbury plus the Scottish National at Ayr. For now though I will concentrate on the more mundane fare on offer tomorrow.

Luca Cumani is one of my favourite flat trainers and he has just one runner at Yarmouth tomorrow. Bullet Man won on the all weather at Lingfield in December and is a lightly raced type with scope for improvement. He is my selection in the 4.50.

I thought about Vodka Brook in the 2.40 at Exeter but his price does look a little short seeing that the stable are not in great form. David Pipe’s Quarry Town has been pulled up on his last two starts but does have ability and with the stable in good form it would not surprise me if he won the 3.10.

At Market Rasen Wind Instrument looks the form pick in the 4.00.

Today’s picture is by kind permission of the artist Sally Martin (see links)

Just got back from a trip to Barcelona so this will be a short update as I am knackered!

Our old friend the expensive to follow Fistral Beach looks like starting odds on favourite in the Chepstow 1.55 tomorrow. He should win but following Paul Nicholls trained odds on shots this season would have set you on the road to penury. Ffos Las Diamond, himself a beaten favourite last time out, might be a viable alternative.

Mark The Book’s form figures at Chepstow reads 122 and he should again be on the premises in the novice chase at 3.35.

After falling at the first at Wincanton Kingscape but up a promising effort at Stratford last time out but I see he has gone up a couple of pounds for finishing 4^th which seems a bit harsh. He has an each way squeak in the 4.10.

Gauvain was pulled up on his most recent run at Aintree but his form in beating Cornas a couple of runs before that impressed me. He looks the one to beat in the Plumpton 4.15.

On the flat at Redcar I was interested to see that High Office runs in a maiden at 4.20. This horse showed some promise last season and I expected to see him in handicaps this term as he looks to have potential to improve over 10 – 12 furlongs. High Officer is owned by the trainer who I am sure has mapped out a campaign for this horse carefully. Any market support should perhaps be noted.

Staying with Richard Fahey Pedregal runs in the 5.30. He is certainly no world beater but has slipped right down the weights and acts on the ground. 20/1 in the racing post looks value.

My each way fancy in the Warwick 5.50 is John Quinn’s Surprise Pension although the form of the stable tempers my enthusiasm a little.

In the opener at Yarmouth (2.15) the once raced pair of Dream Win and Tiger Flash make most appeal, while my 2 against the field in the 3.25 are Maverin and Putra One.

Holyrood showed promise in his runs last season and can make a winning start to the new campaign in the 2.10.

If Wichita Lineman and Drumconvis have recovered from their Cheltenham exertions they would be my main fancies in the Irish National while at a really big price Niche Market could go well.

Earlier on the card at Fairyhouse Psycho can land the 2.40 with Big Zeb the danger. River Liane has a big chance in the 3.10 if he can recover the form he showed when 3^rd to Brave Inca at Leopardstown in January.

Just quickly looking back at the races since I have been away there were wins for some horses that I have been going on about all season, notably Pterodactyl, Max Bygraves, Shirley Casper and the unpronounceable Uimhiraceathair. Max Bygraves is by Midnight Legend out of Smokey Diva so is quite aptly named I suppose.

Today’s pictures are by courtesy of the artist Katy Sodeau (see links).

See you tomorrow.

I will be taking a break for a few days and the next update will be either the 12^th or 13 April.

I have had a look at the declarations for the next few days and the following may be worth your consideration.

April 8

Nottingham

2.00 Archer’s Road; 3.30 Daraahem; 4.30 Cool Hand Jake

Brighton

2.20 Maverin & Brunston; 4.20 All About You

Kempton Park

7.50 War of the Roses; 8.20 Park Lane

Hereford

2.10 The Pious Prince; 4.40 Ffas Las Diamond

April 9

Ludlow

3.30 Gee Dee Nen (also entered at Plumpton in the 3.00 on 12^th)

Wincanton

2.50 Quaddick Lake; 3.20 Very Cool

Today’s picture is courtesy of the artist Jane Dunn

I have had time to reflect on what was probably a sub standard Grand National yesterday and I have come to the conclusion that Mon Mome was unfindable! He had got round in 10^th place in 2008 beaten 58 lengths by Comply or Die and came into this year’s renewal 7 lbs higher in the handicap. He has always run creditably in the big staying chases without winning too often and was 2^nd in the Welsh National in 2006 but that was off a mark of 136 and he won off 148, a career high mark, yesterday. Oh well, I did have some success elsewhere over the weekend including Qulinton at 14/1 at Chepstow and Vocalised this afternoon at The Curragh.

Turning to the meeting at Windsor tomorrow Jeremy Noseda runs The Galloping Shoe in the 3.20. A winner at Brighton on his racecourse debut last April he then developed a problem and didn’t run again. Although the Brighton contest was no great shakes he doesn’t look on a bad mark and clearly goes well fresh.

Moresco ran over a mile on both his starts at a 2 year old and showed some promise. He is bred to stay further, certainly at least 12 furlongs and is a horse I will be keeping an eye on this season. Any market support for him in the 4.20 tomorrow would be interesting but in any event he will qualify for a handicap mark after this run where I wouldn’t be surprised to see him stepped up in trip again.

Over in Ireland I see that Splurge, who ran well over hurdles at Wexford recently, lines up in the maiden at 7.15 and could go well at a decent price.

Today’s picture is by kind permission of the artist Katy Sodeau.

 

I will comment on the Grand National and the other action from today’s meetings tomorrow evening.  In the meantime there are a couple I fancy at Southwell tomorrow.

2.10 Carrickmines

3.40 Joker’s Legacy

At The Curragh I fancy Vocalised to continue Jim Bolger’s finer start to the season.

Here are my comments on all the runners in racecard order.

Cloudy Lane – Has won 5 handicap chases at Grade 1 tracks over the last few years all at 3 miles or over and is a decent sort. He finished 6^th in the race last season without ever looking like winning. He looks to be facing an impossible task under top weight. He is not over big and didn’t attack the Aintree fences with that much relish last year. He was a first fence faller on his latest start at Kelso. He is an admirable type in the right race but he is up against it here.

Chelsea Harbour – Doesn’t lack for stamina having won over 3.5 miles in heavy ground at Punchestown. Seems best on soft ground. He was 9^th last season and it is difficult to see him winning off a big weight.

Snowy Morning – He was 3^rd last season and has a touch of class. He was 2^nd to Neptune Collonges in the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown last season off level weights. His best run this season was the most recent when 2^nd to Black Apalachi at Fairyhouse beaten 17 lengths. He has 11 stone 8 to carry which will be his problem. I don’t see him winning off that weight.

Knowhere – Has bits of good form but there are negatives. He has unseated his rider in the last two Grand Nationals, He is usually best fresh but had a hard race recently and he has plenty of weight to carry.

Comply or Die (pictured below)  – His win last year was no fluke. He has already won the 4 mile Eider Chase so clearly had plenty of stamina. After a couple of poor races when his stable was in the doldrums he put in a more encouraging effort when 7^th at Cheltenham last month. Back to back Nationals are a rarity, Red Rum was the last to do it and off 11 stone 6 it is a big ask. I think he may run well but I just think the weight will prevent him from winning. He could run into 4^th or 5^th place.

Ollie Magern – Boasts 7 wins over fences with a preference for better ground. Has never won a race with more than 9 runners, likes to front run and generally jumps OK. Hasn’t won since taking the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby in November 2007. He might not like being taken on for the lead and would not be on my short list.

Stan – Has not won beyond 2 miles 5 furlongs and looks an unlikely winner with stamina a problem.

Black Apalachi – Fell at the second fence last year but has since romped home in the Becher Chase over the National fences over 3.25 miles. Won the Bobbyjoe chase at Fairyhouse on his last start and is a serious contender. One problem could be that many see him as ground dependent as all his wins have come with plenty of give in the ground. This may well be true but he was 2^nd over 3.75 miles at Punchestown last April on good ground. He is set to carry 11 stone 5. I think it is fair to say that he prefers plenty of give in the ground and it is hard to see him winning off his weight in conditions that are not ideal for him.

Hear the Echo – This horse’s chance really rests on one piece of form, his Irish Grand National win last season. It is a bit difficult to know what to make of him. You have to respect an Irish National winner but he doesn’t look to be particularly well handicapped.

Preists Leap – Twice a winner of a 3 miles chase at Gowran Park both on heavy ground. He has fallen twice in 18 starts over fences. Finished 7^th of the 10 that completed the course in the 2008 Irish National. Not a no hoper but would probably need soft ground to have a realistic chance.

My Will – A consistent performer he has twice finished 3^rd in the Whitbread Gold Cup over 3 miles 5 and a half furlongs. He was 5^th in both the Hennessey and the Cheltenham Gold Cup on his last two starts. He has won 6 times over fences but only once in a field of more than 7 runners. His last win came in November 2006 at Cheltenham in a 3 miles 3.5 furlong handicap.

He has only had 2 runs this season and looks as though he has been aimed at this race. He carries 11 stone 4 and only one winner has carried more than 11 stone to victory since 1983. A horse with more than a touch of class if he gets into the race his will be hard to keep out of the frame.

Eurotrek – He hasn’t run since being pulled up in the 2007 Grand National. A talented but fragile horse he won the Becher Chase over these fences. Stays well and won over 3 miles 5 furlongs at Warwick in 2006. He is 13 now and it is hard to imagine him winning after such a long absence.

State of Play – A impressive winner of the Hennessey in 2006 and went on to finish 6^th in the Gold Cup the same season. He won the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby over 3 miles 1 furlong earlier this season. He has never fallen or failed to complete in his career. He carries 11 stone 2 so is affected by the “killer stat” but these trends are there to be broken.

Big Fella Thanks – Still a novice. Won a 3 mile handicap at Doncaster in January before finishing 3^rd in the Racing Post Chase at Kempton over the same trip. Looks as though he will stay and is a horse with considerable potential. He has to defy the 11 stone barrier and in addition no 7 year old has won for nearly 70 years! There is a lot to like about this horse but I just wonder if the race comes a little too early in his career.

Mon Mome – He is a regular in the top staying chases but does not win very often. His best result was probably when runner up in the Welsh National in 2006. He stays and jumps pretty well. Came 10^th in last season’s Grand National and may well get round again but probably not in the first half dozen.

Silver Birch (pictured below) – Won the race in 2007 after having previously won the Welsh National and the Becher Chase. He was then out of action with injury until returning quite recently to run in a couple of point to points and a handicap hurdle. If he retains his old form he would be a threat but it is quite a big if and he is 10 lbs higher in the handicap than when he won.

Butler’s Cabin – Was tanking along with the leaders when falling at Bechers 2^nd time round. This was the only fall in his career and he is a past winner of both the Irish National and the 4 miler at the Cheltenham festival. He runs off the same handicap mark as last season and is the choice of champion jockey AP McCoy. There are plenty of positives.

Offshore Account – This one had good form in Ireland as a novice once beating Snowy Morning by 34 lengths off level weights. Has been injured and was off the track for 14 months until finishing runner up over hurdles recently at Navan. An interesting outsider.

Parson’s Legacy – Finished 3^rd in the Scottish National in 2007 and has never fallen. Won over an extended 3 miles at Cheltenham in October . Likes good ground and comes into the race with a chance. He is not particularly well handicapped as he has never won off his current mark.

Reveillez – Has some good from in the past including a win at the Cheltenham Festival and was runner up in the Whitbread 2 years ago. He has had injury problems though and looks an unlikely winner.

Fundamentalist – Has not really lived up to his early promise. He can still go well on his day but is very hit and miss and may lack the stamina for extreme distances.

Golden Flight – Has only run once in the UK since coming over from France. Some of his form looks quite good especially a win over 3.35 miles in a Grade 1 chase at Auteuil. All his wins have come on soft or heavy ground though.

L’Ami – former smart performer who ran Kauto Star pretty close a few years ago. He has been campaigned in cross country races of late with considerable success. He has run twice in the race without making any impression though and he has always struck me as a weak finisher. I can’t see him winning a protracted battle up that long Aintree run in.

Battlecry –He has some good form and looks quite well handicapped. He will certainly like the ground as he has won on good to firm. Not a forlorn hope and is one of the more promising outsiders.

Cornish Sett – He was 12^th last year and seemed to take to the National fences well enough. He has since won the Badger Ales Trophy at Wincanton and finished runner up in the Welsh National. The going will suit him and there are certainly worse outsiders.

Fleet Street – He has a touch oif class and won over 3 miles for the first time at Kempton this season. He has gone up in the weights as a result of that win and I would also be afraid that he might not quite have the stamina for this race.

Musica Bella – Exposed as a fair chaser in native France, but this is her first run outside of France and previous attempts at a trip have been very disappointing.

Can’t Buy Time – Another 7 year old. A young and progressive chaser that has made rapid strides this year, but even under the perfect ride from a top amateur he couldn’t continue that sequence in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham, seemingly finding the four miles a shade too far.

Darkness – He is a tricky one to assess. He has some good form, including a 3^rd in the RSA Chase as a novice. He has not always been a fluent jumper though and that puts me off him.

Irish Invader – Comes into the race in the form of his life having won his last 3 starts. He is clearly a talent but has never won beyond 2 miles 2 furlongs. The stamina issue puts me off him.

Rambling Minster – A former winner of the Borders National at Kelso over 4 miles he comes here in good form having won handicaps at Cheltenham and Haydock, the latter over 3.5 miles. He has never fallen and he handles any ground. He must have a strong chance.

Southern Vic – A good novice a few years back his recent form has not been encouraging. All his wins have come in soft or heavy ground.

Kilbeggan Blade – Has twice won the London National at Sandown over 3 miles 5.5 furlongs. He is an out and out dour stayer who has never fallen. The question with him is whether or not he is quick enough. He certainly stays all day.

Brooklyn Brownie – Has form over the National fnces as he was runner up in the Grand Sefton over 2 miles 5.5 furlongs earlier this season. He has since won a 4 runner race at Wetherby over 3 miles 1 furlong. He also won the Perth Gold Cup in the summer over 3 miles. He likes fast ground and could go well. There is a suggestion that 3 miles is about as far as he really wants to go but he has never fallen and might just creep into a place if nursed around.

Himalayan Trail – His chance rests on a runaway victory in the Midlands National last season. He was 5^th to Black Apalachi in the Becher Chase on unsuitable bottomless ground. He has never fallen and is one for the shortlist.

Arteea – Looks like a non stayer.

Cerium – All his form is over shorter trips. Looks to have no chance.

Idle Talk – On his best form he is really well handicapped. He was 14^th last year and 4^th in the Becher this season. He also finished 4^th in the Scottish National in 2006. His jumping has improved over the years and he will handle the ground and he is probably a little over priced at 66/1.

Kelami – Has run in the race 3 times and is yet to finish.

Zabenz – Very lightly raced and a smart chaser at his best on good ground, but over two years off the track.

Summary – Of the horses that ran last season Butler’s Cabin remains on the same mark and must have a great chance. He ran a promising race at Cheltenham recently and has to be on the shortlist. I can see Comply or Die running well but he has been clobbered by the handicapper and I don’t think he will win. Cornish Sett’s second in the Welsh National looks good and he is a nice outsider.

The Irish runners Black Apalachi and Preists Leap both need soft ground so I am ruling them out for that reason. Hear the Echo is interesting as the Irish National is often a good guide but he does seem to have his fair share of weight to carry.

If you want to ignore the old 11 stone “rule” then My Will and State of Play are the class acts in the race and have strong claims.

So let’s have a final shortlist. Butler’s Cabin, My Will and State of Play have to be on it. Rambling Minster, Kilbeggan Blade and Himalayan Trail stay all day and have never fallen. Parson’s Legacy will like the ground and stays. If you want a spicy outsider then try Cornish Sett or Offshore Account.

If pushed to narrow that list down to 3 I will go with Himalayan Trail, State of Play and Butler’s Cabin.

My thanks to Katie Scorgie (Comply or Die) and Sarah Aspinall (Silver Birch) for allowing me to use their pictures.  The picture of Comply or Die was used for the 2008 Spinal Injuries Association Christmas card (a most worthy cause)

 

See separate page for my analysis of the Grand National

Aintree 1.45 – My short list for this race consists of Cape Tribulation, Micheal Flips and Copper Bleu. Cape Tribulation let me down at Cheltenham but I remain convinced that he is better than he showed that day. I am hopeful of a big run from him but I have a slight preference for Copper Bleu who was a solid 4^th behind Go Native at Cheltenham.

The 2.15 looks a race to savour with Tatenen, Song of Songs, Kalahai King and Cornas all making some appeal. Conditions should be just right for Kalahari King and he is the selection with the chief danger possibly coming from Cornas.

Al Eile is going for his fourth win in the 2.50 and poses a big threat to Celestial Halo who ran so well in the Champion Hurdle. The Irish horse comes into the race fresh though and that may give him the edge. Solwhit and the unexposed Fiveforthree are possible at bigger prices.

Three Mirrors is very much a spring horse and with condition in his favour should go close in the 3.25. Island Flyer scoped badly after disappointing in the Hennesey but has had a rest and also goes well fresh. I think he could go well while Crescent Island who was an excellent 3^rd in the Jewson’s at Cheltenham and the in form Peter Pole are others to consider. Three Mirrors gets the selection though with a saver of Island Flyer.

For the last two races my selections are Qozak (5.00) and Lidar (5.35)

At Chepstow I am going for a couple of longish priced horses in De Welsh Wizzard (3.00) and Qulinton (3.35).

On the flat at Newcastle Mick Channon’s Archer’s Road gave us a winner the other day and I will stick with him in the 3.45.

Good luck

Aintree selections;

2.00 – American Trilogy was probably the easiest winner of the week at the Cheltenham Festival. An 8 lbs rise for his County Hurdle may not be enough to stop him going in again. Somersby will appreciate both track and ground and after his excellent 3^rd in the Supreme Novices Hurdle he looks the danger. Riverside Theatre has done little wrong thyis season and might be worth a small each way interest.

2.35 – Siegemaster is a half brother to Our Vic. He has won twice over fences this season and should give us a run for our money. Shining Gale, a winner at Warwick last month could be value at around 6/1. Cheating Chance

3.10 – The classy Voy Por Ustedes is the percentage call here and is preferred to Tidal Bay whose performances this season have been erratic.

3.45 – Gwanako won this last season and has generally been running well in good company. We know he handles the fences and he is the mount of Ruby Walsh. Bible Lord can be an iffy jumper but is capable if he takes to the fences and at 33/1 is probably over priced.

4.20 – Honest John, Knockara Beau, Merrydown and On Raglan Road represent my list to follow in this race. On Raglan Road and Knockara Beau probably have the best chance and get the each way selections.

4.55 – This looks pretty competitive with Special Envoy, Andytown, Aigle D’Or, Mamlook, Auroras Encore and Captain Americo all making some appeal. Andytown was an impressive winner at Cheltenham but has been hammered by the handicapper so I just about prefer Aigle D’Or of the Henderson runners as he looks as though he has been aimed at this race. Mamlook has not had the best of luck this season and is due a success. The ground and trip will be in his favour. Captain Americo is going the right way and comes from a stable in form. Using my lucky pin I will go for Mamlook with an each way saver on Auroras Encore who looks value at a big price.

Today’s picture is by courtesy of the artist Karen Davies.