Looks like a bit of a pinstickers day today to some extent so here goes:
1.30 Grumeti
I'm on the same 16/1 double as stick and tbh am bloody lucky that the bet is still alive thanks to the stewards last time out. Will let that bet ride because I'm struggling to find another in the field who really appeals. Can't back anything of Nicholls at the moment and the Irish horses seem to have been beating each other all season. Could well be a big priced winner but I'll be crossing my fingers for Grumeti
2.05 Snap Tie & Local Hero
As posted above Snap Tie looks potentially thrown in on his best form and is worth an e/w play, given Phillip Hobbs decent record in the race. 5 year-olds also have a tremendous record in this, haven taken 8 of the last 13 runnings, so it makes sense to back on of those and the one I like is Steve Gollings Local Hero. He ran behind Simonsig at Kelso and just failed to land me the straight forecast, having been pipped for 2nd by Knockara Beau. That was clearly just a pipe-opener for Local Hero and I think he will go really well today, given how well last season's juvenile form is working out.
2.40 Boston Bob
Some very strong noises from respected judges in Ireland saying this is possibly the best novice they have ever had. The only slight doubt would be the ground but he has looked so authoritative all season and I don't believe good ground will count against him. In fact his most serious rival, Brindisi Breeze, has also done his winning with cut. Should be a fascinating contest.
3.20 Long Run
The reigning champ is all about stamina and will once again see off Kauto Star up the hill. Wierd Al for a place or in the "without" markets.
4.00 Chapoturgeon
Taking a risk that he will stay the trip but looked very, very good last time and didn't look like he was stopping. His sire, Turgeon, also sired the likes of Exotic Dancer, Violin Davies and Turko so has produced speedy stayers and of course Chapoturgeon already has winning festival form
4.40 Dan Breen (e/w) & Grandad's Horse (e/w)
You can bet your bottom dollar that David Pipe will be trying to win "dad's race" and I think Dan Breen has been beautifully laid out for this. He hasn't run over hurdles for over 2 years (well down the field in graded races - Supreme, John Smiths at Aintree and the Swinton) but out uo a career best effort over fences a fortnight ago when going down to Aerial by a short-head off a mark of 143. At 20/1 definitely worth an e/w dabble.
The other one I like is Charlie Longsdon's Grandad's Horse with the very capable Kielan Woods on board. Just touched off on his hurdling debut, he then rattled off a 4-timer before being outclassed behind Fingal Bay in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham in November. He's been put away since then (presumably waiting for better ground) and a rating of 134 does not look too bad at all here.
4.40 Bellvano
Just for the spectacle of watching Paul Carberry off 10-2 riding an absolute bridle horse
