Just one for me and I wanted to point it out early as I am pretty certain Hugh Taylor will put this up in the morning: 3.10 Aintree: Storm Brig 7/1- Looked to be developing up into a really smart horse last season and was not disgraced at Aintree behind Spirit Son over 2 and a half miles. It is interesting that they have upped him in trip to 3m here and he has definitely shaped as if he could be worth a try over the longer distances. He kept on well to get in front of Sam Winner for 5th in that race behind Spirit Son and is definitely worth his chance up in trip. This is a competetive race but is certainly realistic level, and the mark of 132 looks pretty fair, especially given the expected improvement up in trip.
4.15 Galway The Hard Hat 16/1 Some of you may remember me putting this horse up twice before (on fugees) as info when he's won from 3 times. One of my friend know the owner of The Hart Hat who is at out Galway tomorrow and I've been told he has a "good e/w" chance. The heavy ground should be no problem as he has won on the ground before and the 2m 6f with the steep hill run up should suit nicely. Robbie Power, who has won on him the last twice, takes the ride and with Colm Murphy having Gormanstown Cuckoo absolutely romping home at Aintree he obviously has his horses in great form. Only concern I have is that he has never run well off a break before but other than that he looks to have a great chance. I also like the look of 3.45 Galway By The Hour 14/1 too
Could not get on yesterday for some reason so posted on 606 refs " Just in From Willie "sorry danoo but no more Ruby in the land of whips, he's staying home until this is put right, any hows heres one for oddy Deutschland runs in the 1m 6f QR race. He has run well here before and didn't run too badly at the Curragh last time. The ground is a slight concern but more overnight rain might loosen it up, which would suit. On ratings he looks the one to beat and we will be disappointed if he is not involved at the business end, so no namby pamby EW get on large my good man & Stay Frosty"
2.35 Aintree Astracad (NAP) A small but select field go to post for the Matalan Novices Chase and I am backing Astracad to continue his progression up the novice chasing ranks. Nigel Twiston-Davies gelding was rated 140 over hurdles and ran some respectable races behind the like of Menorah and Bobs Worth, but ultimately wasn't good enough to compete at that level. He made his chase debut last time out in an eventful race at Perth where Champion Court (reopposes today) unseated Tony McCoy at the 3rd last when coming apparently full of running. We can only guess whether he would've got to Astracad but clearly he represents a big danger to Astracad today. McCoy has however deserted Champion Court today for the Nicky Henderson trained Bear's Affair who won a couple of novice hurdles in facile fashion last season and, given his connections, he will clearly have been well schooled for today. With Brunswick Gold and Pure Faith both having run yesterday, this looks likely to be a 4-runner affair with Tim Vaughan's Saint Are completing the quartet. The Sefton Novices Hurdle winner at a shock 33/1 has only that 1 piece of standout form to his name, the rest of his runs ranging from sketchy to inconsistent, and is very difficult to weigh up here. I am sticking with Astracad who put in a measured round of jumping at Perth and showed a good turn of foot at the business end of the race. He will have learnt alot that day and can put that experience to good use today against some very good opposition. At 100-30 he looks the value call of the race for me. Best of luck everyone
Dan have you heard anything from James on Benny Be Good today? I know he was very keen on him for Cheltenham last time before he was scratched. Looks a very, very tough race today though, really competitive handicap hurdle
Am really tee'ed off with this referee. He's giving all the 50-50 calls to NZ, and giving them longer to release too. Well done France, in the first half you were playing 16 people. Sorry, bit upset with this South African..................maybe he'll even it up in the second half....................
Cracking bumper at Aintree today as well with Sir Johnson going for the 4-timer and any number of unexposed types from the big yards
ODDY Re James and Benny they not as confident but going for it and James has won round aintree before Graham lee confident of placing his 2 runners that start with RD, decent EW prices at moment so ive crossed and doubled them
Cheers Oddy got that just watched the last 15 mins of the Rugby,,,,,,,,wow not pretty to watch but what a war well done both teams
Cyc: When I said "will be creamed" I meant, of course, "lose by 1 point".............. ...............
One of those days that I fancy loads. Aintree - L15 EW 2.35 Bear's Affair - I think this one looks a really interesting chaser in the making and I think they will have him spot on for his debut over the big ones. 3.10 Salpierre - I think this one is overpriced purely on the fact that AP rides stablemate. Salpierre is still unexposed and could be better than his mark, shame its not softer going. 4.20 Manikon Eros - Vastly overpriced. I was impressed by its bumper win and whilst it disappointed last time I can allow one bad run, I think it should be much shorter than the 33/1 on offer. 4.55 Swinging Sultan - I liked his run in his first bumper, he was green when he looked in control that day. He has been given time and I think those who have won are going to struggle under penalties Wincanton I think Nicholls could have a very good day with Rock Of Deuville, Gullible Gordon and Mendip Express. I have them in a L15 with Cloran Jack.
3.10 Aintree. Battle Group Deserves every pound of his weight. Was a good winner over course and distance in the Spring- following a great run at the Festival. 15/2 (Victor Chandler) looks attractive to me. 4.20 Aintree. Tempest River. The filly improved every run last season and, following a good fourth in Class One Bumper behind useful Swincombe Flame at Sandown, won over this course in another Class One on her final outing. Her 7lbs allowance should assist. 10/1 (Sky Bet) is worth an each way punt.
Very well done to New Zealand, the best team in the world for 8 years and finally they have scraped over the line under pressure. France put in a courageous effort, even though they were extremely fortunate to be in a world cup final. I would also like to just send out my condolences to the family and friends of Marco Simoncelli, who was tragically killed in a MOTO GP accident in Malaysia this morning, just 24 years old. An extremely tragic week for motorsport.
