Racing Chat - Saturday 5th April

[The Brigadier]

Aintree

1.20

A wide open 22 runner handicap hurdle to kick things off on Grand National day. Bets should be kept to a minimum but I can't resist a small each way wager on Olly Murphy's ACT OF AUTHORITY who ran a stormer last time out to Wodooh in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham under today's jockey Lewis Saunders who was unable to claim there but can claim his 7lb allowance here which means he's actually racing off of a handicap mark 2lb lower (he was raised 5lb for that fine effort). He can be backed each way with extra places.

1 point each way @ 12/1 Ladbrokes (5 places)

1.55

I'm still licking my wounds from Nicky Henderson's LUAMBA being re-routed here rather than the 4yo hurdle on Thursday and will be chasing my losses as I do think he can outclass these. As a 4 year old he receives a helpful 10lb and on handicap ratings has 9lb and upwards in hand of this field (Timeform actually have him 17lb clear of the field). I'm a bit surprised he's not an odds on shot and will be taking the current 11/8 available in places.

2 points win 11/8 Unibet

2.30

Next up is another open looking 3M 1F handicap chase in which the easy Ultima winner Myretown heads the market. He has however been pulled out twice in his career on good ground and with a 15lb rise will not be carrying my hard earned. There was a horse who finished behind Myretown at Cheltenham that I think is decent enough each way value mind. Mel Rowley is a more than capable trainer and her HAPPYGOLUCKY actually won this very race easily four years ago when in the care of Kim Bailey (he's 10lb lower now). He ran a 15L fourth to Myretown at Cheltenham and re-opposes on 16lb better terms when appearing to run out of puff on the run in. This flatter track may well suit better. He can be backed each way with extra places.

1 point each way 16-1 Bet365 (5 places)

3.05

I would imagine the ground will be too quick for current favourite Teahupoo and he can be opposed here. Last year's winner STRONG LEADER has a great record here which reads 121 and stands out to me as excellent value each way for the very much in form Olly Murphy stable. Back on better ground will suit and I do know the stable are bullish of a big run. Back him each way with firms offering 4 places.

1 point each way 6-1 Betfred (4 places) 

4.00

Not really my type of race but for what it's worth my two against the field are last year's winner I AM MAXIMUS and stable companion MINELLA COCOONER. Good luck whoever you're backing.

5.00

Just six run in the 2M Maghull Novices' Chase and it may well be fought out by the front two in L'EAU DU SUD and Only By Night who met at Cheltenham last time. There wasn't much between them but in the hope that the first time cheek pieces will help the former he's the tentative pick.

1 point win @ 6/4 Bet Victor

5.35

The card finishes with a wide open renewal of the 2M 1F Weatherbys bumper in which nothing stands out to me.

[black rabbit]

Regents Strool                                                             1 55A                              1/40th of a pt ew     12/1        -2nd

Hitman                                                                          4 00A                              1/40th of a pt ew     90/1

Senior Chief                                                                  4 00A                              1/40th of a pt ew    40/1         -6th

Jetara                                                                             3 05A                              1/40th of  a pt ew    33/1        -3rd

Kamsinas                                                                       1 20A                             1/40th of a pt ew     18/1 

 

 

P/L      +186 pts

Edited Saturday at 04:26 PM by black rabbit