Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips at Aintree and Yarmouth on Saturday. View selections below.
JAGWAR (4.00) can carry the famous JP McManus gold and green hoops to Grand National victory at Aintree.
The seven-year-old, trained jointly by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, has accumulated plenty of experience for a young horse, running eight times over fences since 2024 and he coped with a big field when beating 19 rivals at last year’s Cheltenham Festival.
Jagwar posted a rock-solid second to another McManus runner, Johnnywho, in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last month, with a third McManus hopeful, Iroko, back in tenth.
Iroko ran a fine race in last year’s National, finishing fourth, and while that experience stands him in good stead, he will do well to turn the formbook around with Jagwar and Johnnywho.
The 2024 winner I Am Maximus found one too strong in 33-1 stablemate Nick Rockett 12 months ago and a second Aintree victory is hardly inconceivable. Indeed, the Willie Mullins-trained top weight rates the principal danger.
Last year’s third Grangeclare West is justifiably prominent in the betting, giving the Irish another string to their bow.
The mare Panic Attack, representing dazzling Dan Skelton, can go well if her stamina lasts out while, at bigger odds, the likes of Monty’s Star and Three Card Brag can hit the frame (most bookmakers are offering six places to each-way backers).
In conclusion, Jagwar has a nice racing weight of 10st 10lb and, with cheek-pieces now applied, will surely figure granted luck in running.
The Skelton boys field a strong team in the ‘shoulder’ races, with last month’s impressive Cheltenham winner SUPREMELY WEST (1.20) likely to prove popular in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle.
The assessor has slapped 9lb on to the grey’s official rating following that success and a few of his beaten opponents renew rivalry on better terms.
Supremely West may have most to fear from Olly Murphy’s Hold The Serve, winner of all three races on the back of a wind operation.
Absolutely Doyen had won all five previous races on good ground prior to a disappointing run (eighth) behind my selection at Cheltenham but this flatter track may better serve the Paul Nicholls-trained gelding.
Skelton sends out two fancied runners in the Grade 1 Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle, with Harry taking the mount on Bossman Jack.
However, stable companion SOLDIER REEVES (1.55) outran his dismissive 150-1 starting price at Cheltenham and could well prove that was no fluke.
He finished strongly into fourth from off the pace and the step up to three miles should suit.
Gordon Elliott’s Ballyfad could manage only a midfield finishing slot at Cheltenham but the yard arrives in belting form.
Scorpio Rising, representing the Olly Murphy-Sean Bowen duo, has won all four starts this season and the grey commands respect in an open affair.
The three-mile Jet 2 Liverpool Hurdle is always a rattling good Grade 1 contest and the 33-1 Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle winner Home By The Lee is trading at much shorter odds this afternoon.
In another cutthroat Grade 1 event the nod goes to Nicky Henderson’s JINGKO BLUE (3.05), the six lengths victor of a hot 2m 5f handicap hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
He appears ready for this step up in class/distance and, with several firms advertising four places each-way, he represents a sporting bet.
Last year’s winner Hiddenvalley Lad has been thumped a total of 81 lengths on his two outings this campaign and comes with risks.
Strong Leader, runner-up 12 months ago, has had a wind operation. He remains closely matched with Take No Chances on early-season Wetherby form.
There is some competitive action at Yarmouth where Oisin Murphy has a strong book of rides. Hugo Palmer has snapped up his services for PATAGONIA GIRL (3.42) in the 1m 2f handicap and the filly was twice on the scoresheet, at Salisbury and Chester, last June.
Top weight Siouxfonic is worth a check on handicap debut, while Beach Point was beaten a neck here last April off a lower mark.
Some bookmakers provide four places ew.
Tally Ho
Alan
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NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
