YOU CAN NEVER GET E-NAF OF THE HEET

Day Two of the both Newmarket's Craven and Cheltenham's April meetings take place today, with the racing looking just as good as it did yesterday. I was at Cheltenham yesterday where along with the beautiful sunshine, there looked to be some decent types on show. Long House Hall looks a very progressive type for Dan Skelton whilst the winner of the first Might Bite, despite giving his backers a fright after the final flight, appears to have a bright future, probably over fences given his size. Anay Turge narrowly captured the feature and we saw AP McCoy and Richard Johnson battle it out up the straight for possibly the last time at Cheltenham, with the latter prevailing aboard Cloud Creeper. A wonderful day but now we look to today...

Newmarket's feature is the Group 3 Craven Stakes (4:05), where MOHEET and NAFAQA are the selections. Moheet sauntered home in a Salisbury maiden and is well thought of by a trainer who has won the last three renewals of this. Richard Hannon also runs Kool Kompany but both the ground and trip throw up worries about his chances. Nafaqa beat White Lake (who re-opposes today) in a Listed Doncaster race before being narrowly beaten by Racing Post Trophy winner Elm Park. That form gives him a big chance here. War Envoy is becoming a frustrating sort and his ability has to be questioned here. Aces, who was behind Aidan O'Brien's runner in the Champagne Stakes, has plenty to find, as does Hail The Hero.

Moheet

Nafaqa (blue and white striped cap)

There's another Group 3, courtesy of the Abernant Stakes (3:30). Music Master is a worthy favourite but no price, so ASTAIRE, who ran his most promising race in some time behind Naadirr at Doncaster last time out and ANGELIC LORD, who ran well after a break behind Lexington Times on his most recent performance are selected. His age allowance will help him out plenty as well.


Recent Lincoln second MONDIALISTE has a big chance in the Group 3 Earl of Sefton (4:40). All his runs prior to that were in France, so to run such a belter in a race of that calibre on British debut could well be testament to his ability. GLORY AWAITS ran a good race behind Tullius last time out; a replication will see him in the thick of things here.

Another Tattersalls Millions race on this card can go the way of ROCKY RIDER (2:55). Plenty of these may need the run; Andrew Balding's representative won't. He ran a month ago at Chelmsford, where he put Godolphin's previously unbeaten Monein well and truly to the sword. I suspect that to be a quality performance so a big run is expected here.

The Wood Ditton (2:20) often proves to be a maiden with loads of beautifully bred types. The John Gosden pair of FALLEN FOR A STAR and MARKSTEIN should go well. The former is a half brother to Fallen Idol and Fallen For You (sense a theme). Hamdan Al Maktoum's apparent second string ALMOHTASEB's looks well bred- an Oasis Dream colt out of Albany winner and 1000 Guineas runner up Cuis Ghaire.

And in the fillies' maidens, SENSE OF FUN is chosen in the 1:45 and GOLDEN LAUGHTER in the 5:10. She's a half sister to Belle D'Or and 2000 Guineas winner Footstepsinthesand.


Over at Cheltenham, SIRE COLLONGES is taken to build on his decent cross-country run at the Festival. The ground should be in his favour for the 3:50. 

The 4:25 is a race of the blinkers. It could provide AP McCoy with his last ever Cheltenham winner on his last ever Cheltenham ride with MILAN BOUND. He won under a classic AP ride at Doncaster last time out but a six pound rise seems fair enough. First time blinkers should eke out some improvement; this horse would be a befitting last winner for the Champ. ROLLING MAUL has become a different animal with blinkers on, with two wins from two at Warwick and here. He could run well for the in-form Bowen team. Western Jo also has first time blinkers; he finished behind Milan Bound in that Doncaster race and also has claims.


Hope you continue to enjoy your day and continue to make the most of the sun.

Happy Punting!

EXPERIENCE COULD COUNT IN NELL GWYN

The two day Craven meeting at Newmarket always injects flat racing into people's consciences that little bit more, signifying that the Classics are not that far away. Day One's highlight is the Nell Gwyn, where it appears to be a battle between those that have strong two year-old form versus more unexposed types who have the potential to be anything. For me, it's the ones with plenty of experience that should be backed.

OSAILA and MURAAQABA both look to have big chances in this race. They have strong two year old form, with Osaila winning a G3 plus coming a length fifth in the Moyglare and third in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf whilst Muraaqaba won the Sweet Solera and came second in the May Hill. That form looks fairly strong and are much preferred to the once-raced duo of Lady Correspondent and Beautiful Romance. John Gosden's filly will have to step up markedly on her debut win over course and distance and being by War Front would be a slight worry given his progeny have often struggled to progress at 3. Saeed Bin Suroor's filly was extremely impressive when winning at Doncaster but that was over a mile and she did her best work towards the finish, suggesting that seven furlongs may be a little sharp for her. She'll definitely want further in time, middle distances no doubt.

Osaila (maroon cap) and Muraaqaba (blue and white striped cap)

Marsh Hawk's two wins have come with cut in the ground so firm ground is definitely a worry whilst New Providence may be better propositions at six furlongs than seven. They're speedily bred and they've shown themselves to be at their best at that distance. Although Terror has only ran at six, she's by Kodiac so you'd think she wouldn't want much more. Plus, there's a danger that she too may be better at two years old than three, given her sire is known for breeding precocious, albeit talented two year olds.


ALGAITH is chosen for the Feilden (4:40). He notched up two all-weather wins in October, doing so nicely. The choice of Paul Hanagan in this, the ground should be no problem and he may well prove to be overpriced. Festive Fare is the danger in my opinion.

Faydhan will run away with the 3:30 if he's half as good as John Gosden makes him out to be. However, at 4/9, he's definitely worth opposing. He's by War Front (see above) so that could be deemed a slight worry and isn't up against slouches here. HOME OF THE BRAVE won his maiden on the July Course very easily before going off a hot favourite in Sirenia Stakes at Kempton. He could only manage third that day but trainer Hugo Palmer says he's improved plenty and should capitalise if the favourite fails to fire. GLENALMOND ran well in the Gimcrack before a flat run in the Champagne, although an injury was to blame for that. Could run nicely at a price.

BOSSY GUEST showed some good form in the Tattersalls Sprint races last year and he has a good chance in this (2:55). He has form over Heartbreak Hero, who re-opposes today whilst favourite The Warrior looks short based solely on what he's done so far.

And for the maidens, the opener (1:45) could go to recent Wolverhampton second HAKAM, who ran a top race that day, pushing a more experienced horse all the way to the line. Don't ignore newcomer GOSSIPING either, who's a half brother to Ibn Khaldun. In the 5:10, GREAT GLEN could build on his debut. He's taken to go well along with newcomer JOSEPH JEFFERSON, who a half brother to Alice Alleyne and Avenue Gabriel.


I'll be live tweeting from Cheltenham as I'll be in attendance tomorrow, watching Newmarket on the big screen with a bit of luck!


Enjoy the sun (whilst it lasts)

Happy Punting!

TAKE UP JAM-DRAM AT LEOPARDSTOWN

The Grand National has come and gone for another year, this time going to the largely unheralded yet top class Many Clouds. A Hennessy and Argento Chase winner, perhaps cast aside by many for his age and weight, proved the doubters wrong. He gave Leighton Aspell a second victory in the race in as many years and Trevor Hemmings his third winner in the race. Saint Are was the only other horse who looked like winning up the Elbow but couldn't quite land the all important blow. Monbeg Dude ran a corker whilst Alvarado continues the run of placed horses in this race for connections, following on from himself, Cappa Bleu and State Of Play in previous years. Shutthefrontdoor looked like completing the fairytale career of AP McCoy at one point but didn't quite see out the trip. Royale Knight gave Brendan Powell a much better spin than last year's mount- the recalcitrant Battle Group. But perhaps the best results of the race was that all 39 runners are fine. One horse that put every racing fan through the mill yesterday was the lovable Balthazar King. We feared the worst when the screens went up at the scene of his Canal Turn fall but thankfully, it appears that it's just a spot of concussion and some sore ribs; a relative result in comparison to what many of us first feared. 

That's what makes the National- the emotion. The emotion of winning, the emotion of placing, the emotion of getting round, the emotion of watching a horse getting up after a fall. It lies in all places and that's why we love it.

Anyway, the flat takes centre stage again today, where Leopardstown hold some informative races for the Classic generation.

2:40- This Listed 2,000 Guineas Trial looks a high quality affair. A race where you'd hope some of these will progress well past Listed level. ENDLESS DRAMA is a horse I've liked since I backed him on debut. He absolutely hosed up at Naas that day and never looked in trouble. It's interesting that he's been snapped up by owners linked with Sheikh Fahad, so you'd hope he can progress into a nice three year-old. JAMAICA is a horse who's been supported a little bit for the Derby in recent weeks. Although he may come on for the run as so many of Aidan O'Brien's younger horses do, he should still have a chance in this. 

Parish Boy has claims but Jim Bolger's have also needed the run this season whilst favourite Zawraq is far too short based on what he's done so far.

Endless Drama

Jamaica (dark blue)

3:15-This 1,000 Guineas Trial could go to STORMFLY, for a Weld stable that is flying. A first time visor worked well in a handicap, first time blinkers tried here. Juice in ground will help her too. Jim Bolger has struggled with his horses on their first runs this season so there's hope that STEIP AMACH may have come on for her recent run. A Grade 3 winner as a two year-old, she cannot be discounted.

4:20- ZAFAYAN could only manage three second places and a third in his short stint over hurdles but they weren't in the worst races and like so many Weld dual-purpose horses, he can strike here. Race fitness may prove pivotal here as well.

2:10- WEDDING VOW was talked up as a filly that could do big things this season, despite only having one run as a two year old when finishing second last in a maiden at the course. Interesting that Ryan Moore rode her in the recent Ballydoyle public gallop given her rode Ballysax and Derby hopeful John F Kennedy in a different group.

4:55- Irish Lincolnshire second and third Aussie Valentine and Third Dimension line up in this but SIERRA SUN is fancied to continue Dermot Weld's unbelievable early season form, as he does so often. Second behind a filly winning on her fourth run on debut, she followed that up with a solid enough run when winning at Gowran next time out. 


Three bumper fancies

5:15 Ffos Las- AURILLAC. Well fancied in a Wincanton bumper when withdrawn on account of the ground, so you would assume he'll enjoy the slightly softer ground today. Had AP McCoy booked that day which suggests that this horse is no slouch and with Paul Townend booked today, there's a possibility that they think he can continue their rich vein of form together.

5:30 Market Rasen- Hopefully LOLLI can improve after a length break for powerful connections. Went off 11/10 on debut which suggests that something must be thought of her.

5:35 Tramore- A possibility that GALA BALL could be the value here. Getting better with every run and Nina Carberry's record in this sphere is so impressive.


Enjoy your Sunday

Happy Punting!

ROLL WITH COLE

Away from the Grand National, Aintree hold six other races. Here's some selections for these.

COLE HARDEN is fancied to repeat the World Hurdle form, in which he beat Zarkandar, Whisper, Un Temps Pour Tout, Jetson and Blue Fashion (all of whom re-oppose today). He led from pillar to post that day and was not to be beaten, clearly feeling the benefit of a wind-operation. He should be well up to doing the same again today, under the same positive tactics.

Zarkandar may well have done better than third at Cheltenham if he didn't put in a horrendous blunder at the second last. But, the problem with him, is that he struggles to get his head in front these days. His last win came on this card two years ago and despite good efforts, he's never won at this distance in this country. He was well beaten by Whisper in this last year and I see no reason why another solid placed effort, not a win, is in the offing again.

Since winning this last year, Whisper hasn't really progressed as you'd have hoped he would have. A defeat when odds-on on chase debut was followed by a fifth placed finish in the World Hurdle. Problem for me is he came into last year's race in rude health, winning the Coral Cup in the previous outing. He hasn't shown that promise this season and is a bit of a liability for me.

Un Temps Pour Tout has had two races this season to shine with connections bullish about him but he hasn't really set the world alight- first time blinkers are tried today. Jetson is possibly a little too old for this against younger rivals whilst Blue Fashion doesn't look good enough. 

Pertemps fourth and sixth respectively Henryville and Brother Brian have to put in the performance of their lives. Crack Away Jack is also likely to struggle.

Cole Harden at Cheltenham

The racing on National day starts with the Mersey Novices' Hurdle (1:30). It would appear that the leading principals in this will need the forecasted rain to settle into the ground sharpish, as Nichols Canyon, Parlour Games and Days Of Heaven all have their best form figures on softer ground. AS DE MEE would also appreciate rain but makes far more appeal at the prices. He's been rapidly improving all season, winning a competitive Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Sandown last time out. Further improvement should be expected. The other selection is SUB LIEUTENANT, who beat Albert Bartlett runner up Milsean comfortably in a Thurles Grade 2. Three Musketeers is another to note here, although he'll be much better over a fence, on softer ground and over further.

As De Mee (burnt(?) orange)

Sub Lieutenant

The Maghull Novices' Chase (2:05) would appear to be all about Arkle runner-up God's Own, but he is very much opposable, in my opinion. The placings may not prove to be that trustworthy in that race given most horses who tried to serve it up to Un De Sceaux just didn't stand a chance. His two runs prior to that weren't that promising remember; well beaten when fancied in the Tingle Creek then well beaten by Vibrato Valtat at Kempton when favourite. TRAFFIC FLUIDE is a horse I've been very excited about in his last two runs. Although they've been in handicaps, they were effortless win where fine jumping was at a premium. Good ground has brought about improvement in him and he looks to be a really progressive type who is well worth his place in this. SIZING GRANITE has also done little wrong since chasing, bar an unseat at Punchestown. Wins against the likes of twice Grade 1 winner Lieutenant Colonel and recent Grade 3 winner Fine Rightly look top form and is another who is worthy of the step up. Solar Impulse may prove to be the best of the rest- he might find at least one too good once again.

Traffic Fluide

Sizing Granite

The 3:25 looks a simple proposition to me. It's between last year's 1 and 2, DUKE OF LUCCA and VINO GRIEGO. Both are given nice, low weights thanks to Wonderful Charm's involvement. Both are well weighted on best form, following weight tumbles this season. They have been out of sorts this season, meaning Duke Of Lucca is only three pound higher in the handicap than last year whilst Vino Griego is a whopping seven pounds lower than last year. His form into the race this year has admittedly been poor but it's been no different to his form coming into the race last year. He may well prefer the better ground and a first time tongue tie is added for good measure. 

If they run like they did last year, they'll be filling the first two places again.

Vino Griego (blue and brown) and Duke Of Lucca (red and black)

Post-National sees some fiercely competitive races.

5:10-ONE FOR THE GUV'NR is a progressive type who may well be thrown in. His only defeat over hurdles was to the useful Robinsfirth. BOX OFFICE ran a belter on only his second British start in the Fred Winter and will appreciate the experience of that bustling handicap. CHIEFTAIN'S CHOICE could go well at a price; his last two runs haven't shown us much but his form prior to that was good and he could be well weighted with Dean Pratt's seven pound claim. A very capable jockey who I'm astounded he still claims that much.

5:40- Really tough race this. Angel Face, Katie Too and Verona Opera were all on the shortlist but haven't made my betting list. BABYLONE DES MOTTE ran a stormer on debut for Willie Mullins to win a Listed bumper at Sandown. She showed battling qualities that day and beat plenty of smart types. Another classy recruit to the Ricci battalion. MISS CRICK beat male horses will relative ease on her debut and looked smart. Interesting that Wayne Hutchinson has chosen her out of Alan King's three (providing he isn't still injured after his fall aboard Balder Success yesterday). Finally, SUNSHINE CORNER is a fascinating contender. Won a Bangor bumper with ease for Paul Townend- interesting he takes the ride again. Well fancied that day, she should run another good race.

On the flat

3:00 Lingfield- TRIP TO PARIS. Ran a nice race on his seasonal reappearance and gets a low weight thanks to Afonso De Sousa. Atzeni a good booking.

JACOB CATS. Won last time out and seven pound claimer gives him a really attractive weight.

4:45 Lingfield- NIGEL'S DESTINY. Prolific on all-weather, good chance to add to his tally here.

7:20 Wolves- DRESSED IN FUR. Not a lot to go on in this but front two in market look short in comparison. Trainer can get them ready first time out.

8:20 Wolves- CLAIM THE ROSES. Won well last time out, bred for synthetic surfaces, still attractively weighted.

2:55 Gowran- EISENHOWER. War Front colt. Fairly ordinary maiden, hence the selection. Only danger is Weld first time out horse.

4:40 Gowran- KING OF ARAGON. Full brother to Gallante, who won a Group 1 over 12 furlongs and Plinth, who has won over hurdles at 2 miles. Therefore, you'd think the step up to 1m 4f is likely to suit him today.

Enjoy your Saturday

Happy Punting!

The Grand National- Six For Success

More stories than Shakespeare, more memories than Elaine Paige. More fairytales than the Brothers Grimm, more emotion than the proverbial rollercoaster. It can only be the Grand National.

I've no doubting that many of you, both racing die-hards and once a year dabblers, have chosen your horses for the race. Whether it be through hard analysis or the most colourful silks, everybody has an opinion. That's what is great about the race.

For those of you that haven't quite made your mind up yet, here's six that I fancy to run big races. Three to win and three each-way.

Five of my horses meet certain criteria that worked when backing Pineau De Re in last year's renewal. These are...

MY CRITERIA 

• 9-11 year olds most likely age of winner
• Horses have placed or better form at 3m 3f+
• Had 4 or more runs in the season
• Had its last run less than 60 days ago
• Not placed or better in a National previous. (Only horses recently to have won in it having ran in race before were Silver Birch (Fell 2006, won 2007) and Mon Mome (10th 2008, won 2009)

My main selection for the race, the horse that I've had my eye on for a long time in terms of this is NIGHT IN MILAN. His placed efforts in the Doncaster's Skybet and Grimthorpe Chases were solid performances and they should have acted as a nice springboard for this.

Night In Milan (pink hat)

AL CO won last year's Scottish Grand National, which proves he is a dour stayer. Providing he can brush up on his jumping around here, he'll give a bold account of himself.

Al Co (right)

ROYALE KNIGHT represents last year's winning trainer Dr. Richard Newland and sneaks in here off bottom weight. Won over 3m 6f and 4 miles so stamina will be no problem.

Royale Knight (foreground)

And my each-way selections

PORTRAIT KING has won an Eider so is another who has no fears regarding stamina running out. His performance at Down Royal over hurdles last time out was promising.

Portrait King

GAS LINE BOY should be easy to spot towards the front so hopefully he can get into a nice rhythm. Rise in weights a slight worry but 100/1 is big.

Gas Line Boy

And away from the stats...

I couldn't not back PINEAU DE RE. I won my first National in numerous attempts last year so could hardly desert him as he looks to regain his crown. Don't see him winning in all honesty but he's got a great chance of placing.

Pineau De Re with his jubilant trainer Dr. Richard Newland after
last year's success

Out of the rest, First Lieutenant will give Nina Carberry a good ride if recapturing some of his old form although the marathon distance is a worry and Saint Are is also worthy of note. He loves Aintree and his win last time out should have him spot on for this.

Must also give a mention to my OnTheOtherHoof sweepstake selection, which is Shutthefrontdoor. Not a fancy of mine but it would be great if history could be made with AP McCoy winning not only on his last National ride, but his last ride full stop- should he win that is.

Whatever you back, I wish you all the best of luck!

And lets hope all the jockeys and horses come back safe first and foremost.

Happy Grand National Punting!

FEVER AND FEROF FANCIED FOR FRIDAY

The Grand National is slowly getting nearer and our appetites are being well and truly whetted in the lead up to the big race. Yesterday saw five year-old Clarcam under superb front running tactics from Ruby Walsh, Silviniaco Conti back to winning ways with a round of superb jumping in the Betfred Bowl, Jezki kickstart AP McCoy's final Aintree Festival thanks largely to Arctic Fire's last flight blunder (which thankfully he got up after) and Nina Carberry coasting to victory over the National fences aboard On The Fringe. Here's hoping that today provides us with more of the same!

The day's feature race is the Melling Chase (3:25), in which the talented pair of greys CHAMPAGNE FEVER and AL FEROF are selected. Champagne Fever missed his engagement at Cheltenham due to his stablemate Un Atout apparently taking a liking to him, so much so he bit him. His record over fences is somewhat sketchy but is a real force if he can get into a rhythm. Deemed a non-stayer in the King George, he followed that up with a fall when entering a duel with Don Cossack at Thurles. It's hard to judge whether he'd have won that day but his jumping was slick when winning a confidence booster at Gowran. The question is rhythm. If he gets into one, at the front, he may prove hard to peg back.

Champagne Fever (right). Some photo!

Al Ferof ran in the same King George, where he finished a respectable third. He too missed Cheltenham, so you'd hope that Paul Nicholls will have him nicely primed for this. A smart horse on his day but not one without problems. Also a horse who goes very well fresh- he's won five of his last six races after a sixty-day break, the only loss being down to a fall when looking the likely winner. 

Al Ferof

As for the rest, I would worry about Don Cossack and Balder Succes if the field size stayed at ten. Balder Succes has only won one of his eleven races in double figure fields, that being a win in a Plumpton novice hurdle at 4/9. Don Cossack has been able to dominate in small fields in most of his races; the Ryanair was a different kettle of fish, where he could only manage third. 

You'd have to worry that Cue Card's injuries have taken their toll on him, with his most recent performances lacking the lustre that he has shown previously. Sire De Grugy steps up in trip but the ground would be a concern given he is seen to his best when there's cut in the ground. Johns Spirit, Simply Ned, Wishfull Thinking and Croco Bay look likely to come up short.

The Mildmay Novices' Chase (2:5o) really looks a woeful renewal. The class horse is World Hurdle runner up Saphir Du Rheu. If he can leave his patchy jumps campaign at the start of the season behind him, he's likely to win this. However, in terms of value, IRISH CAVALIER could run a nice race given first time cheekpieces clearly worked the oracle at Cheltenham where he ran the race of his life and RAWNAQ could outrun his price based on his win over Gilgamboa at Navan, flukey or not. This was followed up by a useful third in a Cheltenham handicap chase, suggesting that the win over the Ryanair Gold Cup may not have been totally undeserved. 

Ainsi Fideles may struggle with more horses to contend with. Carole's Destrier is overpriced in comparison to my selections. Carraig Mor may want it softer. Close Touch has looked a jaded horse in his last two runs. Irish Saint uncertain to stay and may want it softer also. Would be surprised if Wakanda is good enough.

The National fences get another sighting courtesy of the Topham Chase (4:05).  The first two ahead of Rawnaq at Cheltenham are both fancied in this.  For DARNA and MONETAIRE both look to have bold chances in this. Both are in clearly in good form too. Looking at Monetaire in particular, he ran a top race at Cheltenham bearing in mind he didn't get the best of starts. RUBEN COTTER completes my selections for this. Won well at Kempton after a long absence last time out. Bounce factor a worry but you would reckon Nicholls would have him ready for it.

Monetaire (beige and green) and Darna (yellow and blue)...
Plus Rawnaq (black and white)

Ruben Cotter

A couple for the Top Novices' Hurdle (2:15). VAGO COLLONGES bypassed Cheltenham for this and connections should be able to reap the rewards. The quick ground is a worry but he brings some strong form here with placed efforts behind Ordo Ab Chao and Days Of Heaven in his last two starts. CARDINAL WALTER won his last race easily and is fancied to overturn the form with Qewy on this going. Glingerburn is a worthy favourite but short enough. Cyrus Darius takes a big step up but could be anything whilst Jolly's Cracked It is starting to look a little exposed at this level and may want rain.

Vago Collonges

Cardinal Walter in his flat days (pink and green)

The action commences on day two with a Grade 3 Handicap Hurdle (1:40). OLOFI was once a smart horse,  a Greatwood winner, so off his mark of 140, he has the potential to do something big. All four of his runs this season have been in Cheltenham against superior opposition where he's performed with credit on most of those occasions. Nicely brought along for this. Tom George's other runner SOME BUCKLE cannot be discounted either. His second behind Glingerburn at Doncaster, his Cheltenham fifth behind at Ordo Ab Chao at a price and his Imperial Cup sixth were all solid performances and another should be expected here. NEXIUS too should go well. His performance last time, albeit against lesser horses, was mightily impressive and Paul Townend catches the eyes as a jockey booking. The Saint Charles and Theinval are others to note, although horses younger than six have a poor record in this.

The Sefton Novices' Hurdle takes place at 4:40. ALPHA DES OBEAUX has been earmarked as a long term prospect and is therefore thought highly of by connections. This is why he missed Cheltenham and should be primed for this. His three-and-three quarter length second behind Douvan is top form, making it the closest a horse has ever gotten to the Supreme winner. Richard Johnson booked too, I cannot believe he's a double figured price in all honesty. OUR KAEMPFER may be outclassed here but has won his last two comfortably, beating the useful yet quirky Port Melon last time out. As for the front three in the market, I would say they'd all prefer soft ground. However, out of Minella Rocco, Roi Des Francs and VYTA DU ROC, the Neptune fourth is selected. Ran a better race than I expected that day and would have been closer if not for landing on his nose at the last. Has good ground form from early on in his British career albeit against poor opposition. Step up to three miles makes sense for a horse that looks a dour stayer. As already stated, Minella Rocco and Roi Des Francs need rain for me. Minella Rocco has won two races easily on soft and being by Shirocco, out of a mare who liked cut in the ground, it would suggest that it's what he wants. Roi Des Francs' best performances have come on softer surfaces so is opposed to. Everything that ran in the attritional Albert Bartlett who lines up today are opposed.

And finally, its a Grade 2 bumper. ARMCHAIR THEATRE has looked a smart sort in two Ludlow bumpers- chasing is likely to be his game. Henderson pair BRAIN POWER and BUVEUR D'AIR are also selected. The former won a Newcastle bumper for a relatively unknown trainer when well backed- it's interesting that he's been snapped up by Michael Buckley for Henderson. The latter ran a corker in a Listed bumper on British debut for a four year-old, travelling menacingly. He's fancied to reverse the form with Barters Hill, who may want it softer. Archive has a chance too although will probably do better over further in time. Belshill has questions to answer after his Cheltenham bumper run. Persian Delight looked smart on his debut but his price of 7/2 looks mightily short. 

Enjoy your day and good luck. Grand National blog coming tomorrow

Happy Aintree Punting!

RUBY AND SILVI- THE GEMS OF AINTREE

Thursday sees the first day of the Aintree Festival, where the highlight is the world's biggest jumps race, the Grand National. In a way, this is unfortunate. There are some quality races run over the three days which can go overlooked because of the marathon showpiece. Tomorrow's proceedings commence with four Grade 1 races; a veritable feast of thoroughbred action. So before everybody comes down with a severe case of National fever, lets enjoy everything else that is on offer.

ROCK ON RUBY looks well capable of giving Harry Fry a quickfire Grade 1 double, following on from Bitofapuzzle's Fairyhouse victory on Sunday. He bypassed Cheltenham after working badly on the gallops, so you would hope that Fry would have him tuned up for this Aintree Hurdle nicely. His two Cheltenham wins this season saw him cast aside the Nicky Henderson pair of Vaniteux and Volnay De Thaix on separate occasions. These two re-oppose- he should have no problem in replicating that form.

Rock On Ruby (middle) coming second in this last year

He will have more on his plate from Champion Hurdle second and fourth, Arctic Fire and Jezki. There's an argument that Arctic Fire was just passing tired up the Cheltenham hill when capturing the runner-up spot but I am inclined to disagree. He ran a very good race, albeit against horses who didn't quite fire. Jezki was one of these. I fancied him to run a big race but his jumping was a little sloppy in places and he ultimately found little when asked by McCoy. He disappointed me and it did make me think that last years success in that race may have been somewhat of a fluke. Out of the two, Arctic Fire would be the selection but I think Rock On Ruby can beat them both.

Blue Heron is the final horse in the line-up. His Kingwell win was solid but he'll have to step up again on that if he is to stop Rock On Ruby improving a place on last year's second place behind The New One.

You would think that SILVINIACO CONTI would have a big chance in the Betfred Bowl. His third loss in the Cheltenham Gold Cup was his most disappointing performance of them all. He was beaten along way out that day, suggesting that Cheltenham really isn't his for him. However, on flat tracks, he is a totally different proposition. He notched up his second King George in as many years in December and he will be looking to do the same in this. He wasn't knocked about when beaten in the Cheltenham showpiece and although Holywell beat him in that race, he shouldn't be as short in comparison given not many horses got into it at all, thanks largely to Coneygree's front running, submission tactics. Smad Place also ran in the Gold Cup but I'm not sure he's quite good enough to rival the top two.

Silviniaco Conti (red) winning this last year

As for the rest, Ma Filleule has been knocking on the door in top races this season but will probably find at least one too good again (plus Nicky Henderson's form in chase races is a worry). Menorah ran well at the start of the season, with a win in the Charlie Hall and a second behind Silviniaco Conti in the Betfair at Haydock. However, his run in the King George was poor and you have to remember that the Hobbs stable was flying earlier this year. The blistering form from then hasn't continued throughout the season; in fact it's waned quite a bit lately and, as a result, may not be good enough. Although he is a smart horse on a going day and cannot be discredited. Vukovar and Ballynagour both come here after absences- the former has stamina and class doubts whilst Ballynagour will either run well or poor, he's just too hard to predict.

The Grade 1 actions starts in the Manifesto Novices' Chase. Recent winners of this all ran at Cheltenham, so on that basis, Cash And Go and Val De Law can be discounted. The other four in the line-up all ran in the Arkle, where the field were decimated by Un De Sceaux. It may be wise to ignore that form given hardly any of the horses who ran really had a say. I still have my doubts regarding Josses Hill over fences. He's not the smoothest jumper and looks a little ungamely at times, not to mention Henderson's woeful chase form. Vibrato Valtat is a class horse but he appears to need softer ground to be at his very best, which he will not get. CLARCAM may be the horse, at the prices, to back. His performances prior to Cheltenham included a second behind Un De Sceaux, where he beat Ryanair Gold Cup winner Gilgamboa and a Grade 1 win at Leopardstown over Christmas (aided massively by Vautour's hatred of heavy ground). Although the record of five year olds in big novice chases is a worry, he may be good enough to win this. Ruby Walsh is an eye-catching jockey booking. Three Kingdoms lines up as well, but he too will need a drop of rain to be at his best.

Clarcam

The 4 Year Old Juvenile Hurdle should head the way of Hargam, based on his superb third place in the Triumph Hurdle. At the prices however, second place in the Fred Winter BOUVREUIL could run a big race, with the good ground hopefully eking out improvement in him. And at 40/1, WINNER MASSAGOT rates great each-way value. His last five runners in this have seen him notch up four winners and a second. It shows that he likes to run decent types in this and bearing in mind he could have ran Triumph Hurdle also rans Karezak and Pain Au Chocolat in this, it suggests that they may think Winner Massagot has improved a great deal since his wind-op.

All Yours also has a chance but may want some more rain, as will Bristol De Mai, who has disappointed this season since running away with the Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow on his British debut. Devilment was fourth in the Triumph but it was his first really tough race, creating question marks about how much it has taken out of him. The rest don't look up to challenging the likes of Hargam.

The first race of the week ran over the National course is the Foxhunters. The most recent winners of this have all been aged in double figures, apart from Silver Adonis at 50/1. WARNE has to be respected in his quest to win this two years running. He slammed the field in this twelve months ago, jumping the fences with aplomb. He goes again for Sam Waley-Cohen, whose record over these fences is second to none. 

Warne on his way to victory in this last year

Veteran BIG FELLA THANKS has placed twice over these fences and his most recent form cannot be questioned, with an agonising second place behind Annacotty at Cheltenham before a routine win in a hunter chase. Derek O'Connor is a good booking for a horse with a big chance.

Big Fella Thanks beat NEVEROWNUP in that hunter chase at Wincanton. He'll prefer the better ground and can hopefully give connections a nice spin, who include Dr. Richard Newland. He'll be looking for this horse to run well ahead of Pineau De Re and Royale Knight's runs in Saturday's big race.

Out of the rest, Cheltenham's Foxhunter winner On The Fringe will no doubt run well but the lack of rain could be a slight worry. Last Time D'albain has smart form also but will need juice in the ground whilst Major Malarkey has a chance on his old form although he may need further.

The Red Rum Handicap Chase sees many of the horses that ran in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham. Out of those, TED VEALE and DRESDEN are selected. The former was seventh whilst the latter fell when in the process of running a big race. Both are chosen because they'll like the ground. The final selection in this is PARSNIP PETE, who is two from two at the course and will also relish the return to a better surface. Next Sensation, Karinga Dancer and Arnaud may be the best of the rest.

And to conclude this day of top racing, it's the Injured Jockeys Fund Handicap Hurdle. Cheltenham's Pertemps winner CALL THE COPS looks well capable of following up here. He's looked a classy stayer on good ground this year and will probably be looking at bigger races next season. DAWALAN ran no sort of a race in the same race but a chance is taken on him again with Daryl Jacob back in the saddle, a jockey who he has struck up quite the relationship with of late. ULZANA'S RAID won two Cheltenham races well before coming unstuck there on New Years Day. He's had a lengthy break since and will hopefully be nicely tuned up for this. First time cheekpieces worn too. Unique De Cotte, Bear's Affair and Katgary are the best of the remainder.

Enjoy and good luck

Happy Aintree Punting!

IRISH NATIONAL AND A BIT MORE

A Bank Holiday brings with it its usual foray of racing and given this particular Bank Holiday happens to be Easter Monday, the Irish Grand National takes centre stage. Selections for that race, plus much more from the Fairyhouse undercard and Huntingdon, Wolverhampton and Cork being the other cards I've chosen to look at.

I've selected four for the main race. The main fancy is LOS AMIGOS. Never outside the top two at Fairyhouse, the ground looks to be in his favour and given he rarely runs a bad race, you'd be confident he can definitely play a big part in this race.

Los Amigos (right)

PERFECT GENTLEMAN has been running in some quality races this season and althoughhe hasn't cut much ice in them, he can find today's task more to his liking. This Grade 3 winner ran in the four miler at Cheltenham, where he wasn't disgraced despite stamina doubts. The slight drop in trip should be more to his liking.

Cheltenham's Foxhunter winner of 2013 TAMMY'S HILL would have a chance in this if recapturing that form; his two most recent runs have been disappointing despite one of those being in a Grade 1 at Down Royal.

Finally, there's MY MURPHY. Blinkered for the first time today, he wasn't embarrassed by smart pair Roi Du Mee and Djakadam in his two latest runs. The latter's storming run when finishing second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup certainly advertised that performance.

Rest of Fairyhouse

2:45- If Dicosimo exertions in the Triumph haven't taken their toll on him, where he set the pace for a long way, he will take the beating here. However, there's a chance they may have so PRUSSIAN EAGLE is the alternative. Beaten comfortably by Dicosimo two starts ago before a good run behind Petite Parisienne at Leoparstown. Although Sam Red and Whiteout need to step up on what they've currently done, they cannot be discredited either.

3:20- NOBLE ENDEAVOR ran the race of his life at Cheltenham when second in the Martin Pipe behind Killultagh Vic. The winner that day looked extremely well handicapped, so the fact that he pushed him very close would indicate that he is worth his place in Grade 2 company. Dedigout is arguably the horse to beat but his price is short enough now whilst gallant grey Thousand Stars has a big chance on his old form but may find it hard to defy a 302-day absence today, especially on this ground.

Noble Endeavor  (red and white stripes)

4:25- Although both Sempre Medici and MAX DYNAMITE have both disappointed in their runs since their respective Irish debuts, I am struggling to see why the latter is three times the price of the former. Granted that may be because Ruby Walsh rides Sempre Medici but Max Dynamite beat him in the County Hurdle last time out. They were both given strange rides from the back that day but I'd fancy Rich Ricci's longer priced runner to maintain the form. 

PHIL'S MAGIC has been an ultra-consistent sort, never finishing outside of the top two in seven starts thus far. Notched up a Listed win last time out; a repeat performance could see him take the glory in a race where not many of his opponents has such rock solid form as him.

6:35- Plenty of promising types in this. The two selected are ICE COLD SOUL, who has looked a smart prospect in his two runs over Rules thus far and ANIBALE FLY, who ran a good debut at chunky odds before dominating in a Navan bumper next time out. Au Quart De Tour and Livelovelaugh could potentially be given a wide berth today given their hard runs in the Champion bumper at Cheltenham whilst the worry with Space Cadet would be Gordon Elliott's recent bumper form. His runners in this sphere haven't been running as well as they had been earlier on this season now.

Others

5:15 Huntingdon- It could be worth to pay with the outsider of three here. HERONRY will appreciate the return to better ground. Knock House is a deserving favourite but Salmanazar could be beatable. His most recent run was poor and he looks to prefer it a little softer

5:50 Huntingdon- Nice little bumper this. MISTER BIG has to be respected given he's a half brother to the legendary Somersby and UNTIL FOREVER will look to extend Dan Skelton's imperious form in races of this nature. Penn Lane is a danger- he's been well backed this morning and the stable had a well backed bumper winner last week but unsurprising, any price about him has gone for me now.

3:00 Wolves- SUBVERSIVE represents Mark Johnston who has hit the ground running with his horses so far in this flat season. This horse has won two from two this season and he'll be looking to make his race fitness pay here, with Mulzamm and Bravo Zolo both running on their seasonal debuts.

3:30 Cork- GREAT MINDS revels in the boggy ground and may have need the run after a 300 day+ absence last Sunday whilst last year's winner of this AN SAIGHDIUR had his first run recently after a break and will likely strip fitter for this. He was running in some tough races last year so will hopefully find a return to his level more to his liking.

Enjoy your Easter monday

Happy Punting!