Leaderboard

240 kemp Cemhaan has a fairly big rating 8.7 for the class .....he has a tricky race to contend with but at 16/1 I'm prepared to go Ew as he looks very overpriced 5pts Ew 16/1 willh 4 places

225 Ayr champion hurdle Favour and fortune. 9.0 11/2 First street. 8.9 12.0 Betfair These two are a bit clear clear of rest ...I'll try 5pt wins both 😁

255 Newmarket Bopedro. 8.8 10/1 Dutch decoy. 8.8 16/1 Hafeet Alain. 8.5 14/1 Tricky race this one ....I'm not a huge fan of backing older horses and all these are of the older generation but computer is saying to back these even though they haven't got brill form .....gonna be an interesting one ....5pt Ew top 2 .....forecasts all 3

445 Newmarket Bolsena... has shown enough to suggest he could take a weakish looking race like this ....interesting that Ryan Moore takes the ride ....I'll try 5pts Ew 5/1 b365 (generally 7/2)

230 ain't Cruz control. 8.9 8/1 Sam brown. 8.7 18/1 Crebilly. 8.3 Erne river. 8.1 5pt Ew top 2

Aintree 1.45 Day two of a rain sodden Aintree Grand National meeting kicks off with the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase run over 3M 1F. Gavin Cromwell’s Inotherwayurthinkin is one of six runners declared and he made an absolute mockery of his handicap mark at the Cheltenham Festival 29 days ago when ridden with upmost confidence by Derek O’Connor in sauntering to a eight length victory in the Kim Muir Handicap Chase and although this is a step up in grade is the highest rated in the field by 4lb. He can take this with both trip and ground conditions to suit from anther Cheltenham Festival winner in the Kim Bailey trained Chianti Classico who took the Ultima Handicap in good style. Both Iroko and Heart Wood have stamina to prove whilst the first time cheek pieced Broadway Boy also has claims. INOTHEWAYUTHINKIN 1 point win @ 11-4 William Hill Aintree 2.20 A maximum sized field of twenty two face the starter for this William Hill sponsored Premier Handicap Hurdle run over a trip of 2M 4F. It has a wide open look about with Dan Skelton throwing five into the race so with stable jockey Harry Skelton apparently choosing Kateira, she should be on anyone’s short list. One who catches my eye is the bottom weight Making Headway, trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero. A lightly raced 3M Irish point to point winner he should relish stepping up to 2M 4F for the first time and with his two victories at Carlisle and Newbury both coming in heavy ground today’s boggy terrain will be of no concern to his connections. His fourth to Go Dante at Sandown in a similar handicap last time was decent form especially as he was staying on up the run in looking to all that a step up in trip will suit. He sports first time cheek pieces as well and looks a good each way bet. MAKING HEADWAY 1 point each way @ 8/1 bet365 1/5th 123456 Aintree 2.55 A field of eight line up for this Grade 1 Trustatrader Top Novices’ Hurdle run over 2M 103 yards. A strong fancy is the Willie Mullins trained, J P McManus owned Mystical Power who had both Firefox and stable mate Mistergif 3 1/2L and 6L respectively behind in the Supreme Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham and there seems no real reason why either should turn the tables on the pick. I worry about the very testing ground for Fergal O’Brien’s smart mare Dysart Enos, who missed Cheltenham through injury and a bigger danger may well be Jeremy Scott’s mare Golden Ace who took the mares novice hurdle at Cheltenham four weeks ago. This looks one for Mullins and J P McManus though with Mystical Power. MYSTICAL POWER 2 points win @ 2/1 William Hill Aintree 3.30 A small but select field of seven go to post for the 2M 4F My Pension Expert Melling Chase. The highest rated is the Nicky Henderson trained Jonbon who will be the pick but only if there are signs on day one that all is well with his stable following his nightmare Cheltenham. Henderson has run nothing of real note since and with Jonbon missing Cheltenham will hopefully come here a fresh horse. He’s stepping up to 2M 4F for the first time but was a 15L Irish point to point winner over 3M so I don’t really see that as being an excuse. He will also have to jump better than he did when last seen at Cheltenham but he is a class performer who’s won 12 of his 15 starts having been runner up in his three defeats. Ryanair one - two Protektorat and Envoi Allen will have their supporters along with last years winner Pic D’Orhy but a fit and healthy Jonbon can score and put a smile back on the master of Seven Barrows. JONBON 1 point win @ 5/2 bet365 Aintree 4.05 The day’s race over the Grand National fences is the 2M 5F Topham Handicap Chase in which we have a strong field of twenty five lining up. Last year’s winner Bill Baxter, from the in form (a double on Tuesday) stable of Warren Greatrex can run well although he’s shown very little this season, including last time when well backed on his favoured ground and is scant value at around the 9-2 mark. Harry Redknapp’s Shakem Up’arry won the Plate at Cheltenham and even with a 6lb rise can also be competitive for Ben Pauling and Ben Jones. Buckinghamshire trainer Stuart Edmunds has had his string in excellent form for a while now and his runner here Arizona Cardinal is an interesting runner. An easy winner at Leicester and Ludlow on soft ground this year (rising 14lb) this race was mooted after the victory at the latter track by his owners and he could be some each way value in a wide open contest. ARIZONA CARDINAL 1 point each way @ 12-1 William Hill 1/5th 123456 Aintree 4.40 Nine staying novice hurdlers face the judge for this Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle. The best form is brought to the table by Ben Pauling’s The Jukebox Man who ran a stormer in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham when runner up, having been run down on the run in, by the 33/1 outsider Stellar Story. He had the Willie Mullins pair Dancing City 7L behind in third and the favourite Reading Tommy Wrong (pulled up) behind that day and can confirm that form under Kielan Woods. The interesting runner, especially if Nicky Henderson’s runners have run well coming into the race, is the Mrs J Donnelly owned Shanagh Bob who we haven’t seen since he won a Grade 2 at Cheltenham over today’s distance back in December. He missed, like all of Henderson’s stars, the Cheltenham Festival and will come here a fresh unbeaten stayer who’s won twice on soft ground. He’s worth a saver. THE JUKEBOX MAN 1 point win @ 7/2 Betfred SHANAGH BOB 1 point win @ 9/2 Betfred Aintree 5.15 Day two of the Grand National concludes with a nineteen runner 2M 103 yard conditional jockeys’ and amateur riders’ handicap hurdle. Plenty can be given a chance including Olly Murphy’s Go Dante who will love the heavy ground although he will have to overcome a career high handicap mark of 134. The horse which attracts me is the Ben Pauling trained Densworth who appeared to show much improved form for a wind operation when running away with a handicap hurdle on heavy ground at Doncaster on his re-appearance. It was a race where only four hurdles were actually jumped but you couldn’t be anything but impressed by his 16L victory especially as the horse back in second, his stable mate Getaway Drumlee, ran out a easy 17L winner himself later in the month at Fontwell. Densworth ran in this race last year as a 20-1 chance when pulling up, coming back with a dirty trachea wash according to his handler in a recent Aintree preview. A 10lb rise may not be enough to stop him from running well each way in a highly competitive handicap especially as his jockey Beau Morgan takes off 5lb thus halving the additional weight. Charlie Byrnes is a trainer to be feared and his runner here Maidenstreetprince was alongside, although not going as well, as Sir Gerhard when falling two out at Cork 12 days ago and when you consider that one is rated 155 it is possible that he could be very well treated off of just 128 today. He is worth saving on. DENSWORTH 1 point each way @ 10-1 bet365 1/5th 12345 MAIDENSTREETPRINCE 1/2 point each way @ 6-1 William HIll 1/5th 12345

I had an extra fiver Ew after a read a great write up this morning .....I was hoping for the place but 25/1 is good enough .....get in you beauty 🤩

Wow ....photo between hafeet Alain and Dutch decoy ...gutted I didn't get the winner but forecast and Ew ....I'm actually shocked how the computer found that .....forecast has paid 182.88 ....plus around 20 from Dutch that's 202.88 ....making a total of +437.00 on last three weeks ...jeez

Aintree 1.45 Five line up for this Grade 1 Manifesto Novices’ Chase run over 2M 4F with the first and second from the Turners Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham back to renew rivalry. Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning out stayed Paul Nicholls’s Ginny’s Destiny to the tune of 2L at the line and can confirm that form although it may be close between the pair. Willie Mullins saddles his Arkle third Il Etait Temps who is stepping up in trip today. It’s hard to fancy either Blow Your Wad and Colonel Harry who are safely held by Ginny’s Destiny so the selection here is Skelton’s exciting grey Grey Dawning who can confirm Cheltenham form and start the meeting off well for the Skelton camp who are keen to keep ahead of his old boss Paul NIcholls and Willie Mullins in the jumps trainers championship. GREY DAWNING 2 points win @ Evens bet365 Aintree 2.20 Just six have declared for the Grade 1 2M 1F Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle including Nicky Henderson’s highly promising Sir Gino. Obviously we don’t know for certain what sort of form the stable are in as they’ve only had a handful of runners since Cheltenham and none of them where of much interest. If the stable was in top form Sir Gino would be a very strong fancy and he’s still has to be the pick here although it would of been nice to know for sure what form the Seven Barrows team are in. Willie Mullins saddles Kargese who was runner up in the Triumph Hurdle whilst Paul Nicholls runs his exciting unbeaten ex French gelding Kalif Du Berlais. He looks a proper horse having impressed twice at Kempton and may be the one to chase Sir Gino home. SIR GINO 2 points win @ 10/11 Coral Aintree 2.55 The 3m 1F Grade 1 Aintree Bowl Chase has attracted a field of seven. Cheltenham Gold Cup runner up Gerri Colombe is the form horse as he had Bravemansgame (5th) and Gentlemansgame (pulled up) behind that day and looks sure to run well at a track that he won at last season as a novice and may have most to fear from Nicky Henderson’s Shishkin. A good run from Sir Gino in the previous race would obviously be a major boost for him and likewise a poor run would see Shishkin’s odds lengthen. He won this last year from the re-appearing Ahoy Senor, who doesn’t look the same horse this year, and on his best form he’s a big player here. Corbetts Cross impressed at Cheltenham but this will be much tougher and the selection is Gordon Elliott’s Gerri Colombe who brings the best recent form to the table. GERRI COLOMBE 1 point win @ 13/8 William Hill Aintree 3.30 The Grade 1 2M 4F William Hill Aintree Hurdle sees eight runners line up with the top two rated both coming from Ireland. Henry De Bromhead’s Bob Olinger who’s looked back to his best this season, winning Grade 2 contests over 2M 4F at Navan and Cheltenham prior to a creditable 5 1/2L second in the Irish Champion Hurdle to State Man. He looks sure to run well but may struggle to fight off the Willie Mullins trained Impaire Et Passe who like Bob Olinger missed Cheltenham. A smart novice last season winning the Ballymore at Cheltenham and has placed behind Teahupoo and State Man this season. Today’s trip and ground look ideal and he can out stay Bob Olinger. Champion Hurdle third Luccia may have been flattered last time whilst Coral Cup winner Langer Dan has plenty more on his plate here. IMPAIRE ET PASSE 1 point win @ 15/8 bet365 Aintree 4.05 A bumper field of twenty two will line up for the first race of the meeting over the Grand National fences the Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase over 2M 5F. Cheltenham Foxhunters runner up Its On The Line will love the testing ground but didn’t really travel that well at Cheltenham and they may go a bit faster here so I’ll pass over him. Ante post gamble Spyglass Hill looks too short now despite winning one of the bigger hunter chases of the early part of the season at Haydock in the Walrus Hunters Chase. Hannah Roach’s Time Leader ran a blinder at 50-1 at Cheltenham finishing 5 1/2L behind Its On The Line and is also a player with the drop in trip a positive but the value may well be last years runner up Bennys King who’s looked in great form this season including when bolting up at Leicester last time when making all under today’s jockey Sean O’Connor for trainer Dan Skelton on ground that he’ll love. BENNYS KING 1 point each way @ 17/2 William Hill 1/5th 12345 Aintree 4.40 Fifteen face the starter for the 2M Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase and has a very competitive look about it. The Grand Annual winner from Cheltenham, Unexpected Party, trained by Dan Skelton re-appears off of a 8lb higher mark with the third Path D’Oroux, sixth Saint Roi and eighth Triple Trade all taking him on again. One horse who catches my eye towards the bottom of the field is the Paul Nicholls trained Sans Bruit, an ex French performer who has plenty of smart form on heavy ground so should love the conditions. He’s had just the three runs for Nicholls, twice down the field in competitive handicap hurdles and a fine 3/4L second at Chepstow to an improver in Prince Quali. He’s 2lb out of the handicap here but as he actually goes up 3lb for that latest run in future handicaps is a pound well in here and has the assistance of Bryony Frost (presuming that Harry Cobden can’t do the weight of 10-2). In a wide open race the six year old mudlark could be the value play each way with additional places. SANS BRUIT 1 point each way @ 12/1 1/5th 1234 Coral Aintree 5.15 The final race on day one of the Grand National meeting is the 2M 1F Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ National Hunt Flat Race with several promising mares here. Willie Mullins saddles Baby Kate who’s not been seen since November when winning a listed bumper at Cheltenham and has to be on the short list. Dan Skelton will be desperate to secure more prize money at the meeting as he attempts to keep clear of the chasing Paul Nicholls and Willie Mullins and saddles Honky Tonk Highway who’s unbeaten in a 3M maiden point to point and a listed bumper at Sandown when making his rules debut which takes some doing. There are many other potentially nice mares in the race but it’s the Skelton’s Honky Tonk Highway the one for me. HONKY TONK HIGHWAY 1 point each way @ 5/1 bet365 1/5th 1234

As in previous years we will be running a tipsters competition for Aintree Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th April. Rules: 1 selection per race throughout the competition Bets settled to £1 level stakes - WIN Only Bets settled at SP Highest accumulative total over the competition wins £100 cash (via PayPal) Runner Up wins £40 and the third place wins £20, all prizes via your PayPal account There will be a £10 prize each day for the highest profit for that day No edits allowed in selection posts Losses incurred for losers. Replacement selections for NRs can be posted but must be before the first race deadline All Bets must be posted prior to the first race each day (no exceptions) Not compulsory to enter every day or every race (so if you miss the first day or two you can still take part) Leader-board posted each evening A minimum of 14 bets is required to qualify for the total prizes Only bets on that day's thread will be included, bets posted elsewhere will not be included All welcome, good luck A separate thread will be created the evening before each day for selections to be posted in.

Well exactly one year to the day after joining the Punters Lounge forum I finally win a Nap of the day monthly competition - not for lots of trying! Many thanks to @MCLARKE for running the comp and also thanks to all the other moderators/admins for their no doubt daily effort as well 👍 Also, many thanks to all involved at TAG Media for all of this. Here's looking forward to the next 12 months.

Congratulations to @the finster whose 4 winners on the final day wins him the daily prize and the overall prize Well done to runner up @waggy and third placed @Timusher

Hopefully it will be Day 1 of The Championships at Randwick in Sydney on Saturday although the area is having a crazy amount of rain so it could be called off. What is certain is that the ground will be very testing and that is going to be a big factor in how things play out. I have taken a look at 3 races on the card. Race 2 This is a Group 2 over 2600m and the main bet is the ex-Stoute trained Circle Of Fire. He was 3rd in the Lingfield Derby Trial last year and then 4th in the Queens Vase at the Royal meeting. Since going to Oz he has had 2 4ths over 1600m and 1900m showing promise both times. As his form in the UK suggests he should relish stepping up to this sort of trip. He has yet to run on a testing surface so that is an unknown, but otherwise he has a leading chance. At a bigger price Hopeful looks to have a fair chance. Well beaten 1st up, but he needs further than the 2000m that day. What really interests me though are his ground stats. He has no platings in 7 starts on good ground, on soft ground he has been in the 1st 3 10 times in 14 starts and in 3 starts on heavy ground 2 have seen him in the platings. There should be big improvement from him up in trip on a testing surface. Circle of Fire @ 4/1 with most bookies Hopeful e/w @ 16/1 with most bookies Race 7 The big sprint on the card is the T J Smith. I’m not sure Imperatriz is in as good form as she was in her last prep and I’m happy enough to look elsewhere. I Wish I Win is 1st up here, but he does have a solid 1st up record and I think he can go close to winning this for the 2nd year running. That came on a Heavy 9 and his last start saw him finish a slightly unlucky 2nd in the The Everest when he didn’t get a clear run until the final 200m. The other one I like is Bella Nipotina. She is a solid mare who has been running well so far this prep. She loves a heavy track and that could easily see her improve enough to hit the frame at least here. I Wish I Win @ 14/5 with Bet365 Bella Nipotina e/w @ 9/1 with most bookies Race 8 The Doncaster Mile is a big field handicap and Another Wil was a short price favourite for this, but he then drew stall 21 which is going to be a worry. He is a horse on the upgrade though and he was impressive last Saturday at Rosehill. I do like the horse, but this is the hardest race he has been in, he has a shocking draw and I’m not sure about the 7 day back up for him either. He’s around the 11/4 mark and it is hard to say that is value. With that said I am look to take 3 at double figure odds and then another couple at huge odds to small stakes. Plenty of UK bookies are going 4 places as well (on Aussie rules it is only 3 places despite the field size). All these have wet track form and look to be coming here in solid form. Detonator Jack, Southport Tycoon and Zougotcha are those at shorter double figure odds and the 2 at massive odds are Pericles and Semana. I should just say Berkshire Shadow runs in this on his 2nd start in Oz and he his a huge price if he can run to the form he showed in the Lockinge or the Queen Anne. He was average in that 1st run at Flemington though. Detonator Jack e/w @ 11/1 with Coral and Ladbrokes Southport Tycoon e/w @ 16/1 with William Hill (N/R) Zougotcha e/w @ 16/1 with William Hill (N/R) Pericles e/w @ 50/1 with William Hill Semana e/w @ 33/1 with William Hill (N/R)

Plumpton 2.25 The ITV cameras shown just the one race from Plumpton, the 2M 3F 164 yard class 2 handicap chase. As long as the ground doesn’t dry out too much the favourite I’d Like To Know should be hard to beat. He’s looked a promising chaser in just two starts over fences in going down by a short head to Issar d’Airy on his fencing debut at Newbury prior to running out a cosy 5 1/2L winner back at the Berkshire course last month. Both those runs were on soft/heavy ground but he has hurdle form on good ground so hopefully he’ll go on todays good to soft ground. 8lb higher than last time he is still on the upgrade and will be hard to beat for local trainer Chris Gordon and jockey Rex Dingle. I’D LIKE TO KNOW 1 point win @ 2/1 bet365 Kempton 2.55 A progressive sort trained at Newmarket by father and son combo of John & Thady Gosden who was been trained for the Winter Derby until standing on a nail a few days before and makes his seasonal re-appearance here under Kieran Shoemark in this listed 1M 1F 219 yard Magnolia Stakes. A half brother to Ascot Gold Cup winner Courage Mon Ami he appears to have most to fear from the William Haggas trained Dubai Honour, a dual winner in Australia last year. LIONS PRIDE 1 point win @ 11/4 bet365 Kempton 3.30 Ten runners go to post for this 1M 2F 219 yard class 4 handicap. Jamie Osborne saddles the likely favourite in Isle Of Sark who has been placed on all three starts last month and deserves to get his head in front here under Saffie Osborne. Andrew Balding’s Cello would have needed his latest run and may turn out to be the biggest danger to the selection but this should really be going to Isle Of Sark. ISLE OF SARK 1 point win @ 9/4 bet365 Kempton 4.05 A dozen sprinters have declared for this 6F class four handicap. Al Barez was an eye-catcher last time out at Wolverhampton and Tom Clover’s charge should be in the shake up whilst the in form Richard Hughes’s trained The Thames Boatman arrives in good form but is drawn in the car park in stall 12 of 12. James Fanshawe’s five year old Al Ameen could be a value each way play in this competitive handicap. He won over course and distance in October on his first run for Fanshawe having joined from George Boughey whilst his second to Cover Up at Lingfield the following month also looks a good piece of form. The 114 day absence shouldn’t be an issue and he can reward an each way wager. AL AMEEN 1 point each way @ 12/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Kempton 4.40 Ten go to post for this 1M class 3 handicap in which Clive Cox’s Vultar and Farasi Lane bring the same form line to the race with the former beating his rival by a short head over course and distance last month. On one pound better terms there shouldn’t be much between the pair although the most interesting runner is the Roger Varian runner Dragon Icon. Thought good enough to contest the German 2000 Guineas last May, he showed on his penultimate outing over course and distance that he had a race of this calibre in him with his latest effort easily forgotten as he had the worst of the draw. James Doyle can start his association with Varian in great style by taking the first prize. DRAGON ICON 2 points win @ 4/1 William Hill Fairyhouse 5.00 A bumper field, as always, for this year’s Irish Grand National run over a stamina sapping 3M 5F on gluey heavy ground. Willie Mullins saddles three in the contest including the favourite Nick Rockett under Paul Townend, a novice having only his fourth start over fences and his first beyond three miles. He has a solid chance but has been well found in the market and at bigger odds it may pay to play the Thomas Gibney trained, Simon Munir & Isaac Souede owned Intense Raffles who appears to have been laid out for this by a trainer who was successful in this race back in 2012 with Lion Na Bearnai. The former French gelding has won both his starts for Gibney, novice chases here over 2M 6F and 3M 1 1/2F and he could be well treated in his first handicap and with J J Slevin replacing the injured Daryl Jacob. INTENSE RAFFLES 1 point each way @ 8/1 Ladbrokes/Coral 1/5th 12345

Newb 315 Lattam 8.9 10/1 Navagio. 8.9 10/1 Real gain. 8.9 14/1 3 wAy tie ....prices are bet365 are great currently compared to others ...so posted early ......and forecasts all 3

Many Thanks for your hard work running these comps @MCLARKE it's very much appreciated by us all.

Watchya 4 55 Kem/ 1/40th of pt ew 28/1 Captain Wierzba 2 40 Kem/ 1/40th of a pt ew 33/1 Bergamasco 3 30 Chl/ 1/40th of a pt ew 20/1 P/L + 177.15pts

Lingfield 1.30 The first of eleven races covered by ITV cameras today on All-Weather Finals day is this sixteen runner BetUK All-Weather Vase Apprentice Handicap, a class 4 event run over 1M 4F. Many have chances but its the Brandon Wilkie ridden Siempre Arturo that catches my eye. Trained by one of my favourite training duos in Daniel & Claire Kubler, this lightly raced four year old has only had had four racecourse starts, winning two of them including last time out at Wolverhampton when defeating Sense Of Worth by a length. The 3rd and 4th from that race have both won since to frank the form and with just a 4lb rise to contend with and the extra 2 1/2F likely to be in his favour looks the value play in this tight knit handicap. SIEMPRE ARTURO 1 point each way @ 10/1 bet365 1/5 12345 Newcastle 1.53 Thirteen go to post for the 2M 56 yard class 2 BetUK All-Weather Championships Marathon Handicap. The Ralph J Smith trained Palace Boy looks a value play here. He started out for Smith at Wolverhampton following a 288 break in which he ran over hurdles for Fergal O’Brien when he actually ran in the 2023 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. The seven year old ran out a very easy 6L winner off of what was obviously a very lenient handicap mark of just 68 and following another success at the midlands track and a good second to the re-opposing Spartan Army finds himself on a mark 18lb higher. Spartan Army looks a threat here but on 7lb better terms for a 1 1/4L defeat Palace Boy can turn the form around and run a big race under George Rooke, who’s been in the plate on all three starts so far for Smith. PALACE BOY 1 point each way @ 11/2 bet365 1/5 1234 Lingfield 2.05 A maximum field of fourteen go to post for this class 3 BetUK All-Weather Vase Middle Distance Handicap run over 1M 2F. Another open looking handicap although Karl Burke’s Bystander had Inspiritus a length and a half behind over course and distance last time and although 4lb worse off won a tad cosily that day despite drifting out to his right on the run to the line. Brandon Wilkie was on board that day and is again in the saddle and could provide the promising young jockey with a Lingfield brace with his mount Siempre Arturo holding a good chance in the opener. The Daniel & Claire Kubler trained Al Rufaa is well berthed in stall 5 and may prove to be the danger in this open handicap. BYSTANDER 1 point each way @ 7/1 BetVictor 1/5 1234 Newcastle 2.25 The class 2 6F BetMGM All-Weather 3 Year Old Championships Handicap has attracted just eleven runners and like many of the races today has an open look about it. Bar a disappointing run at Lingfield on his penultimate run, Andrew Balding’s Fire Demon would be an even shorter price than he already is. A well related Juddmonte entire, he bounced back to form last time at Kempton when beating the re-opposing Media shooter by 1 1/4L and a 5lb rise may not be enough to stop him from following up here for Andrew Balding and Oisin Murphy. That form has already taken a boost by the runner up and sixth winning since and he should be thereabouts. FIRE DEMON 1 point win @ 7/1 bet365 Lingfield 2.40 A maximum field of twelve race for the class 3 BetMGM All-Weather Vase Mile Handicap. Dingle ran third in this last year and off of the same handicap mark can be competitive although the one to be with surely is the Gary Moore trained, Tom Queally ridden Cephalus. He comes here chasing a four timer having won under Queally at Kempton, Wolverhampton and Southwell. He was as impressive last time as in any of those victories and although he has to shoulder a 5lb penalty actually goes up 7lb in future handicaps so is effectively 2lb well in today. A draw of ten is not ideal but he may still be ahead of the handicap and is the bet here. CEPHALUS 1 point win @ 5/2 bet365 Newcastle 3.00 Just nine have declared for the £150,000 guaranteed BetMGM Fillies’ And Mares’ Championships Handicap, a class 2 event run over 7F and 14 yards. Top weight Nine Tenths is a consistent four year old filly trained at Newmarket by William Haggas who appears to be the one they all have to beat here. Surprisingly left on the same handicap mark for a second and win on her last two starts in listed company she drops back into handicap company with the stable’s 7lb claiming apprentice Jack Enright taking over from William Buick. Enright has ridden five winners from 97 runners in Ireland and Britain over the past three seasons and was on board when Nine Tenths won at Wolverhampton back in December so knows the horse well enough. She may just be too classy for her eight rivals today. NINE TENTHS 2 points win @ 5/2 bet365 Lingfield 3.15 A stamina test awaits the maximum fourteen runners here in the class 3 2M BetUK All-Weather Vase Marathon Handicap. The race has a very open look about it and this is maybe a contest that can go to Ireland with the Denis Gerard Hogan trained Riyami. A Dundalk winner over 2M last month he went off a well backed 11/8 favourite at the same venue when, in a amateur riders handicap, was one of many jockeys that let the eventual winner get the best part of a furlong ahead before running on late to take second place some 15L behind. His jockey, along with eleven others was suspended for five days and that run can easily be forgotten. J M Sheridan is over to ride today and is maybe a bit of each way value. RIYAMI 1/2 point each way @ 10/1 Coral 1/5 1234 Newcastle 3.35 Next up is the 6F BetUK All-Weather Sprint Handicap in which we have a maximum field of fourteen. Cover Up impressed me immensely last time and the step up to 6F may not hinder the Gosden runner although he has to deal with a very hefty 13lb rise in the weights and it may be worth looking elsewhere for the winner. One horse who does appear to be on a decent enough mark is Harry Charlton’s Batal Dubai. Owned by Middleham Park Racing he’s been placed in three decent class 2 6F handicaps this year and appeared not to really handle the track when third, coming wide around the bend, to the re-appearing Chipstead last time at Lingfield. 2lb better off now and with the long straight of Newcastle much more to his liking he can run a big race under Clifford Lee for a trainer who’s been amongst the winners recently. BATAL DUBAI 1 point each way @ 5/1 1/5 1234 Lingfield 3.50 A maximum field of twelve declared for this class 3 6F BetUK All-weather Vase Sprint Handicap. This is a very open contest in which any of the participants could win. 5lb apprentice Brandon Wilkie could be in for a golden day and rides Hugo Palmer’s, Middleham Park Racing owned five year old How Impressive who has as good a chance as any. Nicely berthed in stall 5 he’s won three of his last four starts rising 13lb in the process and may appreciate dropping back to 6F having raced last time over 7F at Southwell. HOW IMPRESSIVE 1/2 point each way @ 11/2 bet365 1/5 1234 Newcastle 4.10 Another maximum field go to post for this 1M 2F 42 yard BetUK All-Weather Easter Classic Middle Distance Handicap, a class 2 race that has a purse of £200,000 plus. Irish raider and top weight Elegant Man is interesting with some future group entries and he may be the one to be with here despite carrying a big weight. It’s quite possible that he is the proverbial group horse in a handicap. Mick Appleby’s prolific winner Penzance and Simon & Ed Crisford’s four timer seeking Oh So Grand both have decent claims with slight preference for the latter who has the assistance once again of Jack Mitchell, who’s been on top for his last three wins. He’s risen 18lb for those success’s which has included a victory here as well as a brace at Lingfield. Four from five on the all-weather he can give the selection Elegant Man the most to do. ELEGANT MAN 1 point each way @ 7/1 Coral 1/5 1234 Newcastle 4.40 The final race on the card is the 1M 5 yard BetMGM All-Weather Championships Mile Handicap, a class 2 event in which we have another maximum field of fourteen. Charlie Johnstone’s progressive Middleham Park owned top weight Dear My Friend has been a revelation this all-weather season and can complete a four timer here following success’s over course and distance and a brace of wins, including in listed company at Lingfield. He’s risen 16lb in the handicap for those wins and with Joe Fanning back in the saddle looks sure to be thereabouts. DEAR MY FRIEND 1 point win @ 10/3 bet365

Lots of fantastic AW racing today, the wife's away for a few days so it'll just me and the dog watching it on TV Newcastle 2.25 SOMMELIER

Bazball 2 25 New/ 1/40th of a pt ew 20/1 Cloud Sover 3 00 New/ 1/40th of a pt ew 12/1 - Won Talis Evolvery 4 40 New/ 1/40th of a pt ew 25/1 - Won Furzig 1 30 Lin/ 1/40th of a pt ew 25/1 Lexington Knight 1 30 Lin/ 1/40th of a pt ew 33/1 - 3rd Macanudo 5 00 Lin/ 1/40th of a pt ew 18/1 Howth 1 53 New/ 1/40th of a pt ew 44/1 - 4th

Forza Orta 7 05 Ths/ 1/40th of a pt ew 20/1 Expressionless 5 00 Neb/ 1/40th of a pt ew 16/1 We'llhavewan 3 35 Ayr/ 1/40th of a pt ew 44/1 Iron Bridge 3 35 Ayr/ 1/40th of a pt ew 33/1 Racingbreak Ryder 3 15 Gw/ 1/40th of a pt ew 36/1 First Street 2 25 Ayr/ 1/40 th of a pt ew 14/1 Fast Tara 2 45 Cur/ 1/40th of a pt ew 22/1 P/L + 177.35pts

120 ain't Cuthbert dibble. 9.0 7/1 Bold endeavour. 8.9 25/1 Chantry house. 8.7 18/1 West Balboa 8.3 3pt Ew top 3 6 places

Picanha 2 40 Hyd/ 1/40th of a pt ew 12/1 - 3rd Guns And Glory 1 50 May/ 1/40th of a pt ew 33/1 Emiyn N/R Pink Legand 3 15 Hyd/ 1/40th of a pt ew 16/1 Yes Indeed 3 50 Hyd/ 1/40th of a pt win 7/1 Ballygeary 2 05 Hyd/ 1/40th of a pt win 10/1 P/L + 177.30 pts

210 epsom Looking for Lynda 8.5 9/1 Mountain peak. 8.5 10/1 Clearpoint. 8.2 Tricky race with lots of questions marks but I'll try 2pt Ew on top 2 as they look a bit of value

525 Newmarket Carrytheone 8.9 20/1 bet365 Percy's lad. 8.9 16/1 bet365 Northern express. 8.5 Pearle dor. 8.5 Pearle dor sets the standard at 9/2 so the top 2 rated look very good value .....they've not had a run so hard to know where they are fitness wise so I'll keep bets small .....2pts Ew top 2 .... And 0.5 PT rev forecast ...total 9 PTS

Aint 405 Kandoo kid 9.0 16/1 The Edgar Wallace 8.8 36.0 Fantastic lady 8.7 34.0 Betfair Incredibly hard race ....5pt Ew kandoo ...5pt wins other two Betfair

Kempton 1.30 With Kelso unfortunately lost to the elements, the first of seven races on a rescheduled ITV schedule is this 6F novices stakes which has attracted ten runners and looks rather open. Clive Cox’s Sky Warrior is the only winner in the contest but a 7lb penalty for that Doncaster win last July may be his undoing here. Newmarket based trainer James Horton has had a horrendous year with his main owner John Dance leaving the game and he can strike with his Acclamation three year old Grandlad who gave odds on backers a scare when chasing home the 82 rated Run Boy Run at Newcastle on his racecourse debut last month and can be competitive and hopefully win at the second time of asking. There are others with chances including Harry Eustace’s Harry Did and Hugo Palmer’s Auric. GRANDLAD 1 point each way @ 9/2 William Hill 1/5th 123 Kempton 2.05 Ten go to post for the 1M Virgin Bet Snowdrop Fillies’Stakes, a listed race for fillies and mares only. There’s no stand out bet in the contest with the two highest rated horses being Mystic Pearl and Choisya from the William Haggas and Simon & Ed Crisford Newmarket stables respectively. We haven’t seen the latter for 138 days when she defeated the re-opposing Julia Augusta over course and distance and is maybe the each way value in a race where several can be given a chance. The Crisford’s have won with three of their last ten runners so arrive in good form and as long as the chestnut filly is ready to go can enhance her good track record which reads 21. The Irish raider from the Joseph O’Brien stable Adelaise has to be respected and may be the biggest danger to the selection. CHOISYA 1 point each way @ 9/2 Coral 1/5th 123 Kempton 2.40 The Virgin Bet Roseberry Handicap is a class 2 contest run over 1M 2F and 219 yards and has attracted a decent sized field of fourteen. Andrew Balding’s Old Harrovian is an interesting runner making his handicap debut having won both starts on a synthetic surface at Wolverhampton and Lingfield although has been priced accordingly. The Hollie Doyle ridden Intinso looked good when winning at Wolverhampton last March and despite a rise of 8lb can be competitive here and looks the pick. The grey appeared to show improved form there, his first since being gelded and from a favourable draw can run a big race. INTINSO 1 point each way @ 9/2 bet365 1/5th 1234 Curragh 2.55 Nine line up for this Group 3 Alleged Stakes which will be run on very soft ground. Last year’s Ballysax winner White Birch will have to be on the short list although his trainer John Joseph Murphy has only had one runner this year (back in January)and there would have to be questions over his fitness even if he did win first time out last season. In contrast we know that Joseph O’Brien has his string forward winning with 15 of his 46 runners this year at a win to run ratio of 33% and his representative here is his four year old filly Maxux who could be quite smart. A winner of two of her four starts as a three year old (she was unraced as a juvenile), she finished her season by taking a Group 3 at Fairyhouse by 4 1/4L from the right horses and although she has to prove herself on very soft ground appeals as one to be with. MAXUX 1 point each way 5/1 William Hill 1/5th 123 Kempton 3.15 The 2M Virgin Bet Queen’s Prize Handicap has attracted a field of fourteen and has a very open look about it. Top weight Novel Legend has claims although I would like to see his trainer James Fanshawe in better form (although he did have a winner on Thursday) whilst the other market leader Sweet Fantasy will find these conditions rather different than when winning two juvenile hurdles in the mud this winter for his up and coming trainer James Owen. The pick for me has to be the bottom weight, Circuit Breaker. Formerly trained by Ralph Beckett he ticks many boxes here as he has won fresh before, stays the trip, handles the surface having won over course and distance and likes to be ridden forward with the plum draw in stall 1 to adopt those tactics. The booking of James Doyle is positive and this Jonjo O’Neill trained four year old looks excellent each way value having joined O’Neill for 260,000 guineas last October. CIRCUIT BREAKER 2 points each way @ 12/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Chelmsford 3.30 An intriguing race for a Saturday afternoon at Chelmsford is the valuable Woodford Reserve Cardinal Conditions Stakes, a trial (usually in name only) for the Kentucky Derby. The fact that Aidan O’Brien sends over Capulet and maybe more interesting that Ryan Moore is here to ride points to the son of Justify as the most likely winner. A winner of a Dundalk maiden on his racecourse debut last August he followed that up with places in Group 2’s at Leopardstown and Newmarket the following month. As with, it seems, all of Aidan’s three year olds he has a stack of future group entries which include the 2000 Guineas and the English and Irish Derby. His main danger appears to be last weekend’s listed Burradon Stakes winner Cuban Tiger who had another of today’s opposition Orne (5lb better off for 3 1/4L and racing in first time cheek pieces) behind. This should be going to Ballydoyle and Capulet. CAPULET 2 points win @ 11/10 William Hill Kempton 3.45 Just five have declared for this Virgin Bet Fillies’ Conditions Stakes and we have a very warm favourite here in the Charlie Appleby trained Devoted Queen. She looked a smart sort when winning well on her racecourse debut at Newmarket on soft ground last October and this KIngman filly will be hard to beat and could even force her way into a run in the first classic of the season , the 1000 Guineas in a months time for which she is currently a 25/1 chance. She’s obviously been well found in the market here however but should be winning with the Richard Hughes trained Les Bleus looking the biggest danger having kept good company as a juvenile and placing in group company.

405 kemp Al barez 8.5 4/1 Brazen idol. 8.3 8/1 Holy fire. 7.8 25/1 4pt win al barez ...2pt Ew brazen

240 ling Baldermero 8.8 16/1 Cephalus 8.6 5/2 Darwell lion. 8.6 12/1 Borgi. 8.4 8/1 Cephalus sets the standard here and is the one they all have to beat but at 5/2 and up 5lb and wide draw there's absolutely no value in that so I'll go 2pt Ew baldermero and darwell lion as I'm much happier with those two as value bets

505 epsom Mr baloo likes it here at epsom ...has a fitness edge having won at kemp and has the services of Alec voikhanksky who's good for his claim of 3lb ....should run well 5pt win 100/30

2pts e/w 1.50 NM WOODHAY WONDER 10/1 1-5 1/5 not Bog (Ryan Moores mount Blue Prince look the main threat)

It's all profit ......another +35.00 in the kitty

Wallop 1 50 New/ 1/40th of a pt ew 25/1 Dark Thirty 1 50 New/ 1/40th of a pt ew 16/1 - won Lucid 4 10 New/ 1/40th of a pt ew 16/1

Aintree 1.20 Grand National day starts with a valuable twenty two runner Premier Handicap Hurdle with a very open look about it. Pertemps Handicap Hurdle winner Monmiral takes on some of those that finished behind him that day with a 6lb rise to contend with. The third that day was Nigel Twiston-Davies’s Cuthbert Dibble, beaten only 3 1/2L and now 5lb better off, which may be enough to turn the form around and he’s the pick on ground that will suit. Dan Skelton fires three arrows at the race with the Harry Skelton ridden West Balboa, who took this last year from a 6lb lower mark and is unbeaten in two starts here probably the pick of the trio. The unexposed handicap debutant Johnnywho from the Jonjo O’Neill stable is another interesting runner in a contest where cases can be made for plenty but I’m sticking with Cuthbert Dibble each way. CUTHBERT DIBBLE 1 point each way @ 13-2 bet365 1/5th 123456 Aintree 1.55 A field of nine assemble for the 2M 4F Grade 1 Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle. Gordon Elliott’s highly regarded mare Brighterdaysahead heads the market following a creditable 1 3/4L second in the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham to Golden Ace which has already been franked by the victory of the fourth Jade De Grugy in Grade 1 company at Fairyhouse. She looks sure to go well. An ex inmate of Elliott’s, Caldwell Potter may well end up the biggest threat as a Grade 1 winner himself at Leopardstown over Christmas. He’s been bought since at the Caldwell Construction Ltd dispersal for an obscene 740,000 euros and makes his stable debut for Paul Nicholls having missed Cheltenham. Gallaghers Novices’ Hurdle second and third Jimmy Du Seuil and Ile Atlantique, both trained by Willie Mullins add further spice to an intriguing race that can fall to Brighterdaysahead. BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD 1 point win @ 2-1 BetVictor Aintree 2.30 Just thirteen line up for this 3M 210 yard Premier Handicap Chase. Jonjo O’Neill’s Crebilly steps up in trip having run well when runner up in the Plate Handicap Chase at Cheltenham although he will need to improve his jumping to take a hand in the finish whilst the Skelton runner The King Of Ryhope showed improved form last time out when fourth of five in the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot, form which ties him in with the runner up that day Kilbeg King. Anthony Honeyball saddles a trio of possibles in Sam Brown (who won this two years ago by 15L), Forward Plan and Kilbeg King who all have claims. At a bigger price I like the look of the bottom weight trained by Venetia Williams in the shape of Denmat. He ran a stormer for a long way in the 3M 2F Kim Muir Handicap Chase when a 33/1 chance on only his third run for Williams under Miss A O’Connor who rode him positively from the front. He weakened two out ending up 9th beaten 36L but the drop to a sharper track and two furlongs less with Charlie Deutsch back in the saddle can pay dividends and he looks a value each way play with an extra place even if it would of been better had Williams had her string in better form. DEMNAT 1 point each way @ 20-1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Aintree 3.05 A dozen staying hurdlers assemble for the Grade 1 JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle. Gordon Elliott’s veteran Sire Du Berlais has won this event for the last two years and it would be no shock were he to pull the hat trick off for owner J P McManus. He was one of five from this field that ran in the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham 30 days ago with Gavin Cromwell’s Flooring Porter coming out the best of the quintet going down by just under four lengths to the winner Teahupoo with Buddy One (4 1/2L), Sire Du Berlais (7L), Dashel Drasher (10 1/2L) and Crambo (10 3/4L) all behind. Flooring Porter has run well in this race before having finished runner up in 2022 and third last year and he can finally take the contest at the third attempt. FLOORING PORTER 1 point win @ 7-2 William Hill Aintree 4.00 A different Grand National with a maximum field of 34 is run over 4M 2F 74 yards and as always looks fiendishly difficult. Last year’s winner and runner up Corach Rambler and Vanillier are back again and both hold chances. With the ground being so soft this year you’re going to need to stay well and the race may fall to one of Willie Mullins’s eight in the shape of I Am Maximus who won the Irish Grand National last season under Paul Townend who is reunited with the eight year old having prepped for this by taking the 3M Bobbyjo Chase in February with Vanillier 14L back in second and now 4lb worse off. He does have his quirks mind but if he takes to the whole experience he may just be too classy for his rivals. John C McConnell’s Mahler Mission looks to have been mapped out for this having not been seen since November and can also go well as he will stay well and loves the mud. The best of the outsiders may well be Delta Work, one of eight trained in the race by Gordon Elliott who was still going ok when unseating eight from home last year. He sports first time blinkers and having been placed in the race two years ago will stay well. Of those at monster prices, Venetia Williams’s Chambard appeals as the sort to run well having shown he handles the fences and heavy ground by winning the Becher Chase last November. I AM MAXIMUS 1 point each way @ 8-1 Ladbrokes 1/5th 12345 MAHLER MISSION 1 point each way @ 16-1 bet365 1/5th 123456 DELTA WORK 1/2 point each way @ 20-1 Betfred 1/5th 1234567 CHAMBARD 1/4 point each way @ 66-1 Betfred 1/5th 1234567 Aintree 5.00 The valuable Grade 1 Maghull Novices’ Chase is run over 2M and we have ten speedy chasers facing the judge. The favourite and the one they all have to beat is Gordon Elliott’s Found A Fifty. His 8 1/2L second spot in the Arkle at Cheltenham to Gaelic Warrior was given a big boost by the third that day Il Etait Temps winning at Aintree on Thursday. At a price I expect Sarah Humphrey’s Nickle Back to run well as a natural front runner who may well be suited by the track and may get an easy lead. He’s worth a small each way saver. The Willie Mullins trained Hercule Du Seuil is chasing a six timer and can’t be dismissed even though we haven’t seen him since the autumn. FOUND A FIFTY 1 point win @ 2-1 bet365 NICKLE BACK 1/4 point each way @ 11-1 bet365 1/5th 123 Aintree 5.35 The three day Aintree Grand National finishes with a 2M 1F Grade 2 NH Flat race. The Jonjo O’Neill trained favourite Mister Meggit has won bumpers at Carlisle and Doncaster in the mud without coming off the bridle and literally could be anything. He’s been priced accordingly mind. Emma Lavelle has her string in decent shape and her runner here Ma Shantou can reward an each way wager. Costing a cool £120,000 last December following a third in a Fairyhouse bumper he too made a scintillating British debut when bolting up at Huntingdon last month. It’s hard to know what he beat that day as nothing has run since from the race but I can see him running well under Tom Bellamy. The impression made by Mister Meggit though means he is the main bet although a small each way saver on Ma Shantou is also advised. MISTER MEGGIT 1 point win @ 9-4 bet365 MA SHANTOU 1/2 point each way @ 7-1 bet365 1/5th 1234

Well done to the winners , the 22 in profit over the 3 days , PL for running the comp & @MCLARKE for collating skills 👍👏

The dog watcher holds on for the win. Calvas late surge falls short as does Mrjol in 3rd Special mention to @harry_rag who also took part but contributed little else apart from ensuring the accuracy of Grammar the pedantic B'stard. 👨‍🎓 😁🤣

305 ain't Flooring porter 8.9 7/2 Botox has. 8.7 21.0 betfair Sure du berlais 8.4 Buddy one. 8.1 10pt flooring ....5pt Botox

Unfortunately I will always place my bets when uploading so had to do with 12-1 which is a bit gutting but on the flip side got 5-2 Jonbon, 11-4 Inoutherwayuthinkin and 2-1 Mystical Power (R4) so can't complain

Bold Endeavour 1 20 Ain/ 1/40th of a pt ew 36/1 Mr Incredible 4 00 Ain/ 1/40th of a pt ew 18/1 Fine Margin 1 20 Ain/ 1/40th of a pt ew 25/1 Foxy Jacks 4 00 Ain/ 1/40th of a pt ew 80/1 Quilixios 5 00 Ain/ 1/40th of a pt ew 16/1

13:45 Aintree Giovinco 0.5pts E/W @9/1 (2 places) This is such an average race with lots of these making the switch from handicaps which can be a struggle. Giovinco is an interesting angle and might just be the key too this race from so far down in the market. Unlike the rest this horse hasnt been running just in handicaps and are proved in grade 1 races after running an absolute blinder at Cheltenham. This was on similar ground and this course is less testing on the stamina which should help them as well. Iroko is the main danger i feel after their chase debut was so impressive however im not sure how they will be turned out after a poor run last time out! 14:20 Aintree Making Headway 0.5pts E/W @13/2 (6 places) Making Headway made late headway last time out on their handicap debut. They are 1lb lower than that day and this longer trip looks like it should suit them nicely. Their jumping wasnt always brilliant last time out so if they have tidied that up then they can have a real good go here. The ground is not an issue and if taking to this new trip they should be in the picture with alot of extra places being offered here. 14:20 Aintree Champagne Twist 0.5pts E/W @9/1 (6 places) Another one in the second race i like and will most likely be playing is Champagne Twist. This horse loved the longer trip when scoring well last time out and a 7lb raise might not stop them. This yard has been in the form of their life as of late and this horse has been improving with every run. If they can continue this trend they should be somewhere near the front when it gets to the business end of proceedings. 16:05 Aintree Shakem Up'arry 0.5pts E/W @13/2 (6 places) This horse won for me at the festival and i thunk a 6lb rise might end up being a little on the light side. They won well and only came back to the field when they were left alone at the front and started idling a little. This course is a little less demanding on the stamina which might be good for them from a rising mark. This is a wide open race however with the extra places on offer here i think they are going to make a cracking attempt at the hattrick.

That's fantastic, thank you. I'm doing OK, 3 more months of chemo and then hopefully be in remission for a bit.

A maximum of 22 will be lining up for this year's Aintree Foxhunters' on Thursday. It looks set to be an interesting affair and one which will take place on very testing ground. Here is my in-depth guide to the race. Annamix - Clearly still very capable as he showed when beating Billaway and Ferns Lock at Fairyhouse a year ago. That day he picked up the pieces after those two went quite hard up front. He was then running a big race at Punchestown when he was badly hampered at 3 out and had to pull up. He then won at Killarney the following month. This season he returned at Naas and pulled up behind Its On The Line, but he looked pretty good in winning at Gowran a month later beating Early Doors by 10L. I think he has the ability to play a part, but I think he would prefer a longer trip and as much as this course isn't the jumping test it used to be, he has often jumped terribly in hunter chases. I found it very odd that Patrick Mullins described him as an excellent jumper after that Gowran win. Those two things stop me from wanting to back him, but if he put in a bold showing I wouldn't be shocked. Bennys King - Ran a huge race in this last year to finish 2nd to Famous Clermont and all the evidence suggests that he's in just as good form this season as well. He started off with a couple of fitness runs in handicaps and then the cheekpieces went back on and he ran a huge race to finish 3rd in the opening hunter chase of the season given he had set a hell of a pace and the race has worked out well. He was then 2nd to Sine Nomine at Wetherby over a trip which stretches him, but clearly given she won at Cheltenham it was still a respectable effort. He was really good at Leicester though when he jumped them silly from the front and beat Hardline by 23L. He no doubt will be prominently ridden again and whilst he probably isn't quite good enough to win he should be capable of a top 6 finish again. Cap Du Mathan - Appreciated the drop down to hunter chases when winning over 2m at Leicester in easy style. Firak was hampered though and whilst he still would likely have finished 2nd it would have been interesting if he had have been capable of making him fight for it. The 9yo had pulled up the last couple of times, but his seasonal return at Ascot when a close 4th to Boothill was to be fair a decent effort. He's unproven at the trip and wouldn't be my idea of the winner. Captain Tommy - Has done well to win a couple of hunter chases at Ludlow this season given he hasn't won pointing, although he was well fancied and I think there were reasons why he didn't run as well in them as he did in both Ludlow wins. In theory beating Espoir De Guye is strong form, but I think he must have under performed and whilst I can see him running his race he ought not to be good enough. Cat Tiger - 3rd to Cousin Pascal in 2021 and 2nd to Latenightpass in 2022 so can he now go on to win it this year? Looks unlikely to me as he looks on the downgrade. He ran out at Hereford in the race Time Leader won and then was 26L behind Bennys King when 3rd at Leicester last time. I can see that some people will latch onto him because of his Aintree record and I get that, but for me you are purely relying on that fact and he doesn't look in the same form now as he was then. Drop Flight - Won at Exeter last month and it was probably a deserved hunter chase success but he was pulled up at 66/1 in this last year and I don't see there being much improvement on that. Espoir De Guye - Didn't stay on hunter chase debut when a well beaten 3rd at Warwick, but dropped down to 2m4f at Wincanton he got the better of Famous Clermont which was a really good effort. Didn't back it up at Ludlow last time when 2nd to Captain Tommy and there wasn't an obvious excuse that day. You would give him an e/w squeak on the Wincanton win, but I suspect a midfield finish is most likely. Focus Point - Beating Fakie D'alene in October was a good effort, but he's been well beaten since and was 2nd in a maiden hunter chase at Down Royal last May so shouldn't be good enough. Garboriot - Came over from France and went hunter chasing last season and showed great promise on his debut at Hereford when a 20L 3rd to Bennys King. Things didn't go so well after than as he was a well beaten 4th at Kelso and then pulled up at Fakenham. He then unseated at the first at Warwick. He ran a bit better when 2nd at Ludlow, but was still beaten 12L and then he was stuffed again at Kempton. So the wheels had appeared to fall off, but the 12L 2nd to Time Leader at Cartmel was better and again showed that there was ability there. Given the summer off he went handicapping late last year and won at Kempton and Doncaster before just being denied when 3rd at Ludlow off 122 just before Christmas. Finally he was showing his true form and connections think it had just taken time for him to acclimatise to his new yard. He had another break before going back hunter chasing at Catterick and I thought he was very impressive in beating Windsor Avenue by 6L. Given George Cowley had yet to ride a winner under rules I thought he gave him a very cool and calm ride and with it just being a prep run for this there should be more to come. I think he looks one of the major players. Grand Roi - Has looked to have his quirks in points and hunter chases this season. Was flattered to be so close to Secret Investor at Fakenham and I don't think he would have beaten Forest Chimes at Stratford even if he had jumped the last better. He then bizarrely was sent off favourite a week later at Exeter and barley went a yard before pulling up. Can't have him at all here. Hardline - Beaten 31L by Ferns Lick at Thurles in January and somehow stayed on for 2nd behind Bennys King at Leicester despite looking like he would be tailed off. Still has 23L to make up on him though and was a well beaten 17th in the Topham last year. Might do better than that, but makes no appeal from a betting point of view. Its On The Line - A great run at Cheltenham to finish 2nd again, this time to Sine Nomine. It was no surprise to see him race lazily again, but he keeps finding for pressure and whilst he has his quirks, unlike Famous Clermont he does find. He ran in this last year and fell at Bechers when he was towards the back of the field. Given he is a horse who is full of stamina I'm just not sure this trip is going to be what he wants and it is always hard to win round this course when you are coming from so far back, which is likely to be what he tries to do. I had heard that he was going to miss the race, but I suspect really testing ground has meant they have changed their plans and are going to give it a go anyway. He has the ability to win, but even in testing ground I'm not sure this looks his race to me as surely he is going to get himself outpaced and I'm happy enough to take him on. What he does look like is a Grand National type and it wouldn't surprise me if that's where he ends up next season. Lieutenant Rocco - Never run here, but was 4th in the Cross-Country at the Festival last year and whilst beaten 46L it was still a fair effort. This season he pulled up in a handicap on Boxing Day, but then ran really well when trying to make all at Taunton in February when 2nd to the very promising Macklin. Wasn't so good 8 days later at Wincanton when finishing a well beaten 3rd behind Espoir De Guye and Famous Clermont. I'd be inclined to forgive that effort given how close it was to the very good Taunton one and a bold showing wouldn't be a shock. Matts Commission - Finally got the hunter chase win he deserved at Hexham last May and ran OK to finish 9th in this last year. Did win a point last month, but can't see him improving on that 9th. Rebel Dawn Rising - Finally got the 2nd hunter chase victory he deserved when winning at Fakenham on Gold Cup day. He slowed into the final fence, which is something he did last year at Fakenham when unseating his jockey before the fence when he would have won. He ran really well at Cheltenham last May as he tried to serve it up to Premier Magic, but he doesn't really stay 3m2f. This trip is ideal for him and he should improve from that Fakenham run which was his seasonal return. He might not quite have the class of some of these, but it would be no surprise if he managed a top 6 finish as this race looks perfect for him. Reikers Island - 15th in this last year and no doubt the aim is to give his owner/jockey another spin round. Romeo Magico - Was originally put in at a single figure price which surprised me as his form doesn't massively excite me at this stage. He won a maiden hunter chase at Limerick over Christmas by 0.5L and then was an 8L 2nd to Ferns Lock at Thurles and was easily put in his place. He then was only 4th in a point before looking impressive when winning at Down Royal on St Patricks Day over 2m4f. As good as he looked though that wasn't a great contest and I just don't see what he's done to warrant being so short in the betting as others have certainly achieved more. Clearly being 6 means there might be improvement to come, but even with the drift he still looks on the short side. Spyglass Hill - Was pretty useful for Henry De Bromhead in Ireland and got up to a mark of 146 and ran in some decent races. He did run over course and distance in the Grand Sefton in 2021 and he was in the lead when he stumbled and unseated at the Canal Turn. His last run in Ireland was a year ago which was a solid 3rd at Clonmel. He is now with Regan Pallas who works for Christian Williams and he made his debut for him in the Walrus at Haydock. Given how desperate the ground was and the fact he had been off for nearly a year I thought it was a top performance to come out on top as he had to be really game in the finish to beat Iskandar Pecos. That one franked the form by hacking up at Leicester a few days later albeit in a weak race and he then won at Ludlow last week. The fact we are going to get heavy ground really enhances his claims as all 4 wins have been on heavy ground and with stable confidence high he looks set to go very close. James King is a great jockey booking as well as he gave Cousin Pascal one of the best rides you will ever see round the National course to win this race. Tea Clipper - The bid for Cheltenham qualification failed in part due to the weather as one of the races he was due to run in was called off and in part because he hates soft ground. As it turned out he probably wouldn't have run given the ground last month anyway. A lot of people slated James King for getting him beat at Warwick, but given D'Jango finished 4th at Cheltenham I just think he was beaten by a better stayer. I'd ignore the Ludlow effort which was way below par. He clearly finds it hard to win, but he has also run to a high level this season and a level which would see him go fairly close in this. Clearly ground is important for him though and it just isn't in his favour. The Big Lense - Just needed a top 3 finish at Leicester to qualify for this, but may have got slightly lucky thanks to a faller. He's better on better ground and the win at Aintree last June was a very good effort. I think his campaign has been built towards a big run here from a shrewd yard, but even so I would have liked to have seen a bit more to want to back him even at a huge price especially on testing ground Time Leader - If he hadn't made a really bad mistake at the chair last year then he would have gone very close to winning as he was only beaten 6.25L in 5th and he probably lost nearly that with the error. I thought he was capable of running a big race at Cheltenham and initially had it between him and Quintin's Man as to who would be the small e/w bet for me in the race. As the ground was testing I went with Quintin's Man as Time Leader had shown he hates testing ground in the past, but not only did he handle it, he also looked the winner in the home straight until his stamina ran out in the ground. His jockey said that if the ground was better then he might well have won and to be fair I could easily have seen that being true. Whilst he obviously does stay 3m2f, this trip is probably his ideal distance and he I think he will have a great chance of improving on his 5th last year and he could easily win for his young trainer Hannah who is no doubt helped by his former trainer Joe O'Shea, who won this race with Cousin Pascal. Windsor Avenue - Well beaten by Sine Nomine at Wetherby and then behind Spyglass Hill in the Walrus. Ran much better behind Gaboriot at Catterick so fitness is clearly getting there. He could find a northern hunter chase this season, but whilst he should give his jockey a nice spin round, I can't see it being this one he wins. Verdict - It's quite tight at the top of the market, but It's On The Line is favourite with most and I am happy to take him on. The testing ground is in his favour and I think will help his cause, but I think he's going to find himself outpaced and out the back which will mean making a lot of ground in testing conditions. That's going to be tough to do and whilst he has the ability to win, it will be some performance for him to do so. The ground has come in the favour of Spyglass Hill and he rates the main selection. It was a very good win first up in the Walrus and he should come on for that. All his wins have been on heavy and I suspect he will settle just behind the front runners which should be ideal. I know stable confidence is high and the 33/1 he was put in when betting opened was a huge rick. Given the ground I would just about make him favourite. Time Leader is only just behind him in how high I rate his chances and that is purely down to the ground. If it was drier then I would make him favourite, but the fact he handled it at Cheltenham over further does enhance my confidence that he will handle it here. He was superb in the race last year and whilst his jockey can't use his claim, he has looked one of the best amateur's around this season so that doesn't bother me. If the Cheltenham contest was over 2m5f then he would have beaten Its On The Line and I think he will reverse the form with him. The 3rd pick is my e/w bet of the race and probably the one horse who is still massively over priced in the race. Gaboriot has looked an improved horse this season and this race has been the target. I was really impressed with him at Catterick and he should be a single figure price in my view. Annamix has the ability to win, but I worry about his jumping and he looks underpriced. Couldn't put anyone off backing Bennys King e/w as he has shown he is in as good form as he was last season and he should be in the top 5. Of the real big prices Rebel Dawn Rising makes the most appeal as I think he has the ability to be in and around the top 5. Spyglass Hill 2pts @ 9/2 with Skybet, Betfred, William Hill, BetVictor, Coral and Ladbrokes (take up to 3/1) Time Leader 1.75pts @ 5/1 with Coral and Ladbrokes (take up to 100/30) Gaboriot 1pt e/w @ 14/1 with Coral and Ladbrokes to 5 places (take up to 7/1)

220 ain't Might I 8.9 20/1 Theatre man. 8.7 11/1 Kateira. 8.4 8/1 Spring Well bay. 8.0 Icare Allen. 8.0 Very difficult race ....kateira is fav and sets the standard so as you can see in comparison the top 2 look very good value bets. . .I'll try 5pt Ew both 😁

440 ain't Saint roi. 8.9 5/1 Path doroux. 8.9 7/1 Unexpected party 8.7. Heltenham 8.5 5pt wins top 2

Al barez wins ...holy fire placed

Musselburgh 1.50 A six runner three year old class 3 handicap kicks things off today for the ITV team with seven races to be shown split between Musselburgh and Haydock. The Johnston stable have won four of the last five renewals of this race and look to have solid claims of improving on that record with their Too Darn Hot colt Individualism. He showed form in all four starts as a juvenile and ended up with a creditable fifth of 13 in a Newmarket novice stakes that has already worked out well with the winner and third both winning since. That run came on heavy ground so today’s terrain should hold no fears for him and with Joe Fanning in the saddle can open his account at the fourth time of asking. INDIVIDUALISM 2 points win @ 13/8 bet365 Haydock 2.05 A class 2 two mile handicap hurdle is the first from Haydock for the ITV cameras and features ten hurdlers. Top weight Brentford hope will love the conditions and should go very well although has been raised 5lb for his recent Newcastle win. Better value at the current odds may lie with the Dan Skelton trained Playful Saint who went down by just a neck to the re-opposing Milldam on his first run for a 366 day break at Stratford earlier this month. I confidently expect him to turn the tables on his old rival on 1lb better terms and with that run under his belt. Skelton still has his string in fine shape and is chasing Paul Nicholls in the trainers championship table. He can claw back £25,720 by taking this valuable contest. PLAYFUL SAINT 1 point win @ 4/1 bet365 Musselburgh 2.25 Nine go to post for this class 2 7F handicap. Katie Scott sends her seven year old Gweedore, who’s had two racecourse gallops, back here to try and win the race for the third year running but is now 10lb higher and maybe susceptible to an improver like the Karl Burke trained Poet Master. Burke has his team well forward this season and his Sheikh Obaid owned four year old has won three of his four starts including a valuable handicap at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting on good to soft ground when last seen in September 2023. A 8lb rise puts him on the 100 mark and he can strike gain before moving into pattern company. POET MASTER 1 point win @ 11/4 bet365 Haydock 2.40 A good sized field of thirteen line up for this 3M 58 yard class 2 handicap hurdle. The race has an open look about it with several holding chances although my eye is drawn to the Richard Phillips trained Picanha, a very lightly raced ten year old who’s won three of his 7 runs under rules (as well as an Irish point to point). There was plenty to like about his first run for 660 days at Newbury last month when fourth to Emitom (beaten 6 1/2L) with the winner and runner up, Kyntara both running with credit in the Pertemps Network Final at the Cheltenham festival to give the form a healthy look. Sure to have come forward for that run and with his trainer amongst the winners in the last fortnight he looks solid each way value. PICANHA 1 point each way @ 12/1 bet365 1/5 1234 Musselburgh 3.00 Just eight have declared for this £45,000 guaranteed 5F Virgin Bet Scottish Sprint Cup Handicap. The one horse who stands out here is Karl Burke’s five year old Silkie Wilkie. He blew this race apart last year leading on the favoured near side rail and winning by 4 3/4L. He’s favourably drawn again in stall 7 near the rail and he can race today off of a mark 2lb lower than last year. His opponents looks rather exposed and the Middleham Park owned gelding will be hard to beat if in anyway near the same sort of form as last year. He will be ridden today by 7lb claiming apprentice Sam Feilden who has won on him before back in February 2023 at Kempton. He hopefully won’t have too much to do here other than point and go. SILKY WILKIE 2 points win @ 5/2 William Hill Haydock 3.15 The 2M 4F veterans handicap chase has attracted ten runners with the ten year old Champagne Mystery one of the front runners in the betting market and to my eyes the most likely winner. Trained by Tom George he’s a rare winner but he’s shown up well in his last two starts since rejoining George having had a spell with his son Noel in France. Fifth to Ga Law in a valuable Cheltenham handicap he then was a two length third to Golden Son at Kempton just 1 1/2L behind the subsequent dual winner Heltenham. A further drop of a pound by the handicapper is very welcome and in an open chase should be thereabouts under Jonathan Burke. CHAMPAGNE MYSTERY 1 point win @ 7/2 bet365 Musselburgh 3.35 A maximum field of fourteen for the day’s feature race the 1M 6F Virgin Bet Queen’s Cup. The Johnston stable have won this valuable handicap twice in the last four years and obviously mean business this season with four to be saddled. The best of which may be bottom weight Yorkindness but the one to beat is the James Owen trained Sweet Fortune. He was a dual 1M 4F handicap winner on soft ground last season for Ralph Beckett and since joining rookie trainer Owen has been sent hurdling and won novice hurdles at Plumpton and Catterick in good style. He’ll be fit, loves the ground and should run a big race under 3lb claiming apprentice Aidan Keeley. SWEET FANTASY 1 point each way @ 5/1 bet365 1/5th 1234

445 muss Ey up it's Maggie 8.4 16/1 Thornaby pearl. 8.2 Zargun 8.2 Son of sampers. 8.0 I'm not liking the ground tomorrow 😕....just this race stood out ....wide open and thornaby is short fav but computer says ey up it's Maggie is way overpriced so I'll try 5 PT Ew and hope it can place at least 😉

335 newc Aberama gold 9.0. 12/1 Fivethousandtione. 8.8 10/1 Albasheer. 8.8 Cover up. 8.5 Hard race to rate ....cover up has a huge weight rise ....albasheer is on a career high 110 .....so the top two then start to look good value Ew so I'll play those 5pt Ew top 2

5.00 ling Pandora's gift. 8.5 5/2 Ballon dor. 8.3 12/1 Tiorvar 8.0 World of Darcy. 7.8 10pt win Pandora's ...2pt Ew ballon

425 ling Incrimination. 8.4 10/1 Epsom faithful. 8.3 10/1 Open race but these two look value bets ....2pt Ew both