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!