Day 2 was a tough one, but today we have all the enthusiasm for a good battle and some success on what is the day of the Greatest race in the world. The Crabbies Grand National.
1.45 Gaskells Waste Management Handicap Hurdle
Kings Palace put in a good performance to finish 3rd in the Cheltenahm chase last time out and I really don’t think that hill suits his style of racing. Aintree back over hurdles could see his real class and he needs to be in our team. I am worried about Tiger Roll. Horses that run well in a Triumph need a trip as they get older and Gordon Elliot may have spotted this race for Tiger Roll some time back for his first go over 3 miles. I want to be with At Fishers Cross who has tumbled from 160 down to 148 on the back of his trainer having had a dire winter. She is back with a vengeance and this Grade 1, 3 mile winner has to be backed in handicap company today.
1 unit e/w At Fishers Cross @ 25/1 Sportingbet
1 unit e/w Kings Palace @ 12/1 Bet 365
1 unit e/w Tiger Roll @ 25/1 Bet 365
Yorkhill, Douvan and Thistlecrack will all win as very short priced favourites the next three races. You might want to put them in an accumultor but it still only pays about 8/11 and after yesterdays fall by Vatour is there much mileage??
4.20 Betfred Handicap Chase
I want to be with Racing Pulse in this race. A good test at Carlisle when Rebecca Curtis’s horses where just coming back to form saw him perform really well. I then think they looked after his mark by running him over an inadequate 2 mile 4f with this race in mind. He is lightly raced and is a really good looking individual.
1 unit e/w Racing Pulse. @ 20/1 Bet 365
5.15 The Crabbies Grand National
The best race of the year. 40 go to post over a track that simply isnt the same challenge it was and for that reason the big priced winners become less. We need to look for good horses and in my opinion there is none better than Many Clouds. In his prep race at Kelso last time out he was imperious and showed me, dissimilar to other National winners, he was better than ever and I dont believe 6lbs will stop him. If it does it could be that the other class act in the race, Silviniaco Conti enjoys jumping these fences, something he is very good at and the lack of a hill sees him to great effect. He has made me a lot of money over the years and owes me nothing so I think he could have another good day on Merseyside, just like he has down the road at Haydock where he loves that flat track. Holywell is my third against the field. He looks strong and has some decent form that says this could be ideal for him today.
1 unit e/w Many Clouds @ 10/1 Betway
1 unit e/w Silviniaco Conti @ 14/1 Sportingbet
1 unit e/w Holywell. 18/1 @ Bet 365
6.10 Pinsent Masons Handicap Hurdle
I will be backing Master Jake in the last and despite his good performances coming in to this anyone who knows me knows why I am backing this horse. Sorry guys, its come to this!!!!
