Its no secret at all that I am more of a jumps man, than a flat one... so you can surely understand my excitement around this time of year. Along with the fact we have an extra hour in bed tonight, I can hardly contain myself :-)
Old Roan Chase (15.05 Aintree)
What better place to start today but at the show-piece at Aintree. Last year For Non Stop made a mockery of his handicap mark by demolishing the field by 23 lengths... I cannot see any here that look particularly well handicapped, so I'll go for the 2nd in that race to go one better in Wishful Thinking. My selection has a pretty good record at the track with a win and 2 seconds in his last 3 outings here and is now 4lbs better off that last year. You cannot ignore Walkon, who has a tremendous record when fresh, and Edgardo Sol, who brings youth to the field should run a good race. Not the easiest race to sum up, but I strongly fancy Wishful Thinking to place at worst.
13-2 Best price.
Racing Post Trophy (15.50 Donny)
This race is another that looks wide open, but there is a horse that left a very, very good impression with me last time out, when winning at Newbury on soft. I feel that Pinzolo still left a fair amount in the tank when winning that race, and the 2nd came out after and franked that form. With the form over the distance and on the ground, I have to stick with him.
5-1 Best price.
13.55 Aintree
I like Special Catch a lot on this race... ran a great race at the Grand National meeting and had run well when fresh before.
5-1 Best price.
Best of luck all.
