1.30 – This looks a shootout between stablemates LOSSIEMOUTH and Blood Destiny and I wouldn’t have too much of a strong view about this if I’m honest. The fact Paul Townend has chosen the filly probably says a lot and there was certainly a lot of chat about her prior to her defeat at DRF. The Mullins camp have been wrong this week but they aren’t wrong too often and I expect the filly to be hard to beat.
2.10 – Hunters Yarn could be the one here but he is getting skinnier and I think this is a decent renewal so I’m going to chance a few at a price. I hosted a preview evening last week and there was a lot of chat about Wonderwall for Richard Spencer and he is a decent price if you fancy an each way poke at a decent price. There was an interesting back story about WINTER FOG and the move to Willie Mullins‘ yard seems to have improved him somewhat. He won easily last time out and received a fair hike in the weights but a young claimer takes off a handy 7lb today and that could make the difference. I’m also keen to take a punt on ANNA BUNINA who is a huge price considering her record in handicap hurdles. The softer ground isn’t ideal but she does have some form on the surface and I’m hopeful she can outrun her odds.
2.50 – I tipped CORBETTS CROSS for the March magazine and I don’t see why I should change my mind now. Emmet Mullins’ horse has looked a bit special and the ability he showed to win over 2m last time was impressive. He looks a worthy favourite and I expect him to be hard to beat. A couple at a huge price worth considering are ROCK MY WAY and SAINT PALAIS. The former has some solid course form over shorter and looks the type to relish the step up to 3 miles whilst the latter was an impressive novice chaser last year but hasn’t had luck go his way this year. Having said that he’s a tough horse and could outrun his odds.
3.30 – This is a wide open renewal despite having such a short price favourite. I can see him drifting come the off but I’d rather take a punt on two at a price. First up is last year’s third, PROTEKTORAT 18/1 with BETWAY who I’m willing to forgive a disappointing run last time out. Dan Skelton said he probably undercooked him that day and admitted fault but I’m sure that run would have put him spot on for this. He won’t mind the softer ground and judging by his win in the Betfair Chase he is a stronger individual this year. I also want to take a punt on HEWICK who has been primed for this race. He would prefer better ground but Shark Hanlon is a shrewd man and I wouldn’t be surprised if he outruns his big odds either.
4.10 – I haven’t got a strong view on anything here. I’ve heard good things about FAMOUS CLERMONT but he would prefer it better. THE STORYTELLER looks a good price with BETWAY for a horse with solid course form.
4.50 – Again, no strong view on this. JEREMYS FLAME looks a solid each way play and that’s the way I’d probably play this race.
5.30 – Contrary to the last two races, I do have a strong view on this race and believe MIGHT I is the one to be on. His form last year suggests he is a graded horse but his reappearance this season went all wrong. His run last time out was purely a prep run for this and he did everything apart from win that day. The step up in trip will really suit him and I expect him to run a big race despite a big weight.