A quick review of Saturday’s selected. Apple’s Shakira obviously didn’t run her race but if this was down to the ground, an injury, the fact that she wasn’t totally ready on this her seasonal bow or she just wasn’t tickety-boo, I’ve no idea. I’m sure she remains one to follow and as a little bonus the handicapper may even lower her perch (currently 142) ahead of her next run.
Eyecatcher of the weekend for me has to be the Lieutenant’s Kilcrea Vale in the ‘Grand Sefton’. I’ve spoken about him loads in the past and it was an unbelievably effort from him to go so close when his jumping was poor, he wouldn’t have enjoyed the ground, the old boy stumbled badly after jumping the 3rd last and he was been ridden aggressively miles before the home turn. Put him in your notebook and the race for him has to be the ‘Topham’, the day before, the ’19 Grand National (4th last year). Expect him to be trained to the minute for that day.
Re Jen’s Surprise I’m amazed they are keeping her in training. Surely, after that Listed placing, she is now a very valuable broodmare prospect.