It's been too long since the Grand National blog so from now on I'll be updating on a weekly basis as the flat season moves into top gear. Moreover, I'll be writing a Derby preview this week and will put up my current notebook thoughts.
Haydock
13.35pm - Handicap (Class 2) 2m 45y
Masquerading like his name may indeed be unseen here until the final furlong, the mask may well be fully on here as his current price is showing value. Yes, the trainers are a mixed bag of flat and jumps which adds to the excitement over this stamina sapping trip and that's why I'm siding with Jonjo O'Neill. He has his team in fine fettle at the moment and this Singspiel gelding will need every yard as his previous performance showed that a step up to 2 miles looks the way to go. It seems he hated the hurdles game and being raised only a 1lb for his last performance at Kempton looks like today could be his day against horses who are of a similar level. The pick of his form was at the same track behind Cat O'Mountain over a shorter trip, finishing 3rd that day 4 lengths or so behind him. Trainer in form, good each way price and many people criticise Graham Lee but I think the transition he has made from jumps to flat is simply sublime.
14.05pm - Handicap (Class 3) 6f
Fifteen sprinters go to post here and any rain which looks likely will only help my selection. Grissom ran a very creditable race at Chester last time out and hasn't been raised by the handicapper. He's a winner over a variety of trips and can stay further. A winner off a higher mark of 90 puts this Desert Prince gelding in with an each way squeak. With the ability to show form over a variety of trips and loves soft conditions, I foresee a solid performance in the making.
14.40pm - Temple Stakes 5f (British Champion Series)
Hot Streak won't allow the ground to blunt his speed and looks clearly the most progressive in this field. He ran to within a length of Sole Power and has shown plenty to give him a solid shout here. I think the Haydock track will suit him much more than Newmarket and if he can track the pace in behind rivals then a timely burst of speed a furlong out should put this to bed. The ground is key, he'll take all the beating. NAP!
Haydock
13.35pm - Handicap (Class 2) 2m 45y
Masquerading like his name may indeed be unseen here until the final furlong, the mask may well be fully on here as his current price is showing value. Yes, the trainers are a mixed bag of flat and jumps which adds to the excitement over this stamina sapping trip and that's why I'm siding with Jonjo O'Neill. He has his team in fine fettle at the moment and this Singspiel gelding will need every yard as his previous performance showed that a step up to 2 miles looks the way to go. It seems he hated the hurdles game and being raised only a 1lb for his last performance at Kempton looks like today could be his day against horses who are of a similar level. The pick of his form was at the same track behind Cat O'Mountain over a shorter trip, finishing 3rd that day 4 lengths or so behind him. Trainer in form, good each way price and many people criticise Graham Lee but I think the transition he has made from jumps to flat is simply sublime.
14.05pm - Handicap (Class 3) 6f
Fifteen sprinters go to post here and any rain which looks likely will only help my selection. Grissom ran a very creditable race at Chester last time out and hasn't been raised by the handicapper. He's a winner over a variety of trips and can stay further. A winner off a higher mark of 90 puts this Desert Prince gelding in with an each way squeak. With the ability to show form over a variety of trips and loves soft conditions, I foresee a solid performance in the making.
14.40pm - Temple Stakes 5f (British Champion Series)
Hot Streak won't allow the ground to blunt his speed and looks clearly the most progressive in this field. He ran to within a length of Sole Power and has shown plenty to give him a solid shout here. I think the Haydock track will suit him much more than Newmarket and if he can track the pace in behind rivals then a timely burst of speed a furlong out should put this to bed. The ground is key, he'll take all the beating. NAP!
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