Grand National Day

Torrid 2nd day at Aintree, so lets forget that and move on very swiftly.


13.45 - JOHN SMITH´S MERSEY NOVICES´ HURDLE (Grade 2)
Clearly the best horse in this race is Dodging Bullets, but with the step up in trip a clear negative in my opinion, I have to look elsewhere. If he takes to the extra 4 furlongs then he wins, but I don't think he will and there is nothing in his pedigree to make me think otherwise. We then move onto the favourite in Up and Go. The form of the Donald McCain runners is a worry, even though he managed a win at Sedgefield yesterday and I do feel this horse needs soft ground, according to his action. I'll be with UTOPIE DES BORDES. This filly by Nicky Henderson (who by the way, had an excellent day yesterday) has form on good ground, the drop back to 2m4f is a big bonus and the filly's allowance always helps.
5-1 Best price.

14.15 - JOHN SMITH´S MAGHULL NOVICES´ CHASE (Grade 1)
Surely OVERTURN's poor run in the Arkle was only due to the ground? That's my take on it anyway, and on better ground this time around, with hopefully an uncontested lead, he can show his true colours. I am a big fan of Baily Green, but I think he'll be the complete opposite to Overturn on this ground. I think that the rest will fall a little short of this grade and its all set up for Overturn to bounce back.
9-4 Best price.

14.50 - JOHN SMITH´S LIVERPOOL HURDLE (Grade 1)
It was a favourites day yesterday, and I think that will continue here. SOLWHIT was very impressive when stepped up to 3 miles for the first time in the World Hurdle and he shouldn't have too much trouble with the better ground here. I would love to see Grands Crus run well, but he is a shadow of his former self.
5-2 best price.

15.25 - JOHN SMITH´S HANDICAP CHASE (Listed Race)
After frustratingly seeing Battle Group bolt up on Thursday after I have followed him a few times and knew he had a bit of class about him, i'd be amazed if he can win this race only 2 days later. I like PROBLEMA TIC and Loch Ba for this. The former is my selection and I fully expect David Pipe to have him spot on, now he's back to his last winning mark. He loves good ground and this is the time to catch him... the blinkers should have a positive effect.
18-1 Best price.

16.15 - JOHN SMITH´S GRAND NATIONAL CHASE (Handicap) (Grade 3)
So the big one. As mentioned on twitter on Thursday, my 3 against the field are Cappa Bleu, Seabass and Roberto Goldback. Best of luck in whoever yours are.
11-1 Seabass
12-1 Cappa Bleu
33-1 Roberto Goldback
(from Thursday)

17.10 - JOHN SMITH´S HANDICAP HURDLE (For Conditional Jockeys And Amateur Riders)
22 horses, all with amateur jockeys on their backs. To call this tough would be an understatement. So its best to go with a good jockey, for an inform yard. That lands with JUMPS ROAD for me.
16-1 Best price.

17.45 - JOHN SMITH´S CHAMPION STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE(Grade 2)
What surprises me time and time again in these flat races at festivals are that unbeaten horses have a tremendous record. There is only 1 here, and that's DAKAR RUN. So that's where my small bet will go.
16-1 Best price.


Best of luck all.

The Rascal