Jumps Racing - Saturday 6th April

[Bathtime For Rupert]

1.45 Aintree - 2pts win Eduard @ 11/2 (Boyles) I obviously respect Up And Go but I think he's worth taking on at such a short price considering this is tougher, he won't get his own way up front even in this small field, and the ground is different. He's been dominating from the front of late but there are a few others in here who like to force the pace and that could help set it up for a closer. One horse who would relish such circumstances is Nicky Richards' runner for all the yard form is a slight concern. This one is a smooth traveller and jumper who has lots of rock solid form this season and would love a sound gallop to race off here. He's been beaten three times over hurdles but one of those was a narrow defeat to the classy Ifandbutwhynot on debut/seasonal reappearance, another was a solid effort behind Melodic Rendezvous (giving weight on very testing ground) and last time out at Kelso. The winner had the run of the race really and ran out a game winner but I think a better pace and sounder ground would probably suit my selection. Although he's run well on soft his best form by the looks of it has come on better ground so with that and the track in his favour, I think he can really put it up to those ahead of him in the betting. 2.15 Aintree - 3pts win Overturn @ 9/4 (Ladbrokes) Oddly enough I think this may be the first time I've ever backed Overturn but 9/4 is very tasty in my eyes. Alderwood is naturally respected but everything looks absolutely rock solid for Donald McCain's runner here and I think he can quickly bounce back from Cheltenham. McCain solely blames the soft ground for his poor run but they also went a crazy gallop in the Arkle so there were obvious excuses there as well as the track which probably doesn't play to his strengths as much as here. He's comfortably a better horse on quicker ground and so long as that run didn't take it out of him then he's the class act here. I simply can't have Baily Green at 3/1 when that one benefited from the furious gallop at Cheltenham and looks a stronger stayer who will find the sharper test against him in my opinion. Overturn should be able to dominate this field much easier and if getting into a good rhythm then track and ground are right for him and good luck trying to get past him. Bold run on the cards and tough to beat if ready to go.

[Bathtime For Rupert]

Re: Jumps Racing - Saturday 6th April 2.50 Aintree - 1pt win African Gold @ 9/1 (Ladbrokes) Looking at the bare figures Nigel Twiston-Davies' runner has plenty to find here but although he does have to improve, he's better than a 145 horse, it's as simple as that in my eyes. His gallant 2nd to At Fishers Cross has been boosted today and the horse that my selection beat two starts back comfortably (eased 4l) hacked up next time to get a 4lb higher rating than African Gold as things stand! The yard say he's improving fast and interestingly believe he needs good ground to be at his best - despite running good races on much softer this season. If this is true then he's obviously very smart. On the evidence of Cheltenham where he travelled very well before getting understandably tired, this easier 3m on better ground will suit and although Solwhit may prove tough to beat, this progressive horse should be ruled out at your peril and it seems an indication of how highly connections think of him to send him here rather than reoppose the Albert Bartlett winner earlier today.