Friday, 14th April 2023
Today is Day 2 at Aintree’s Grand National meeting….
…. which means the William Hill Handicap Hurdle, the Topham Chase, and the Abersoch Land And Sea Handicap Hurdle….….
I sent out my betting advice for these big handicaps yesterday. If you missed it, you’ll find it here….
I go out early doors with my betting advice in the hope of bagging the best of the prices about my race selections….
Sometimes it comes off. Other times it doesn’t….
… but because I go out early with my selections, we are always a little ahead of the game here at ATC….
The flag hasn’t been raised on Day 2 – and I’m already thinking about Day 3….
…. which means the Village Hotels Handicap Hurdle, the William Hill Handicap Chase, and the big one – the Grand National….
I’m already on GABBY’S CROSS ante-post at 66s – read the reasoning here….
There’s an element of sentimentality in my second pick – OUR POWER at 22s & 20s….
You’ll probably know what I mean when I say that some horses kind of become more your horse than others….
…. and Our Power is one of mine. I couldn’t have him winning a Grand National with me not on him….
…. but there’s rationality in the mix too – and plenty of it….
On a mark of just 141 I reckon he’s as well handicapped as anything in the race – with the exception of Corach Rambler – and he carries just 10-2….
He’s a small horse – which might put some punters off – but his fencing is economical and fluent….
…. and – despite his diminutive stature – he has plenty of scope….
He’s untested beyond 3m1f but so are plenty of others
…. and he shapes in his races like a proper test will bring out his absolute best….
…. he’s always doing his best work at the end of a 3m trip….
He’s fresher than most having raced just twice this term – both appearances producing big handicap wins….
…. and I reckon he’s the perfect type for tomorrow’s race. I expect a big run….
The other one I’m backing is the Willie Mullins-trained CAREFULLY SELECTED. I just think he’s a big price at the 50s….
As an 11yo he doesn’t fit the most recent blueprint of a Grand National winner….
…. but he’s pretty unique in that he’s only raced 7 times over fences (thanks to injury)….
…. and he was described as ‘still learning’ ahead of his run in the Bobbyjo Chase in Ireland….
He was under-par that day – but it was always going to be a prep for tomorrow….
…. and the time before he’d won the Thyestes at Gowran Park in fine style on his second run back from a long absence….
There’s more to come. I expect Mullins to have him spot on. And talented apprentice Michael O’Sullivan is an eye-catching booking in the plate. He’s a big price….
I’m backing MEXICO at the 14s in the Village Hotel Handicap Hurdle at 2.25….
He improved significantly for a step up to the 3m trip last time out at Uttoxeter….
This is different again – he’s up significantly class – but the way he won his race earlier this month, he deserves to have a crack at this big pot….
I’m taking a bit of a flier on the ground being right for him. But I’m willing to take that chance – because they’ve been running him over the wrong trip….
…. and now he’s proved himself a stayer he can continue to thrive….
…. and I reckon he can prove a fair bit better than tomorrow’s mark of 129. He’s a nice each-way bet….
In the William Hill Handicap Chase at 4.15 CASTLE ROBIN is an interesting participant at the general 16s….
He’s back to a mark of 136 – just 2lb higher than when he won at Sandown in February….
He’s got a good strike rate over fences and I think there’s more to come from him yet….
…. and he’ll certainly appreciate a bit more cut in the ground tomorrow than he had last time at Doncaster….
He’s another one that’s a nice each-way price in a competitive race….
The pick of the prices….To recap on my bets for tomorrow…. In the 5.15 @ Aintree….
e/w terms = Sky Bet, Betway & Livescore are 1/5 the first 7. It’s 1/5 the first 6 generally…. In the 2.25 @ Aintree….
e/w terms = Sky Bet are 1/5 the first 7. bet365 & Livescore are 1/5 the first 6. It’s 1/5 the first 5 generally…. In the 4.15 @ Aintree….
e/w terms = Sky Bet & William Hill are 1/5 the first 5. It’s 1/5 the first 4 generally…. Advised prices are correct at the point of publication – but prices are subject to fluctuation. Consult Oddschecker – you may find better quotes and terms than advised…. |
That’s all for today….
I’ll be back next week….
Until then – enjoy the racing….
Stay tuned.