Normal service seems to be fully resumed finally after all the weather we've had recently. Hope you all managed to not 'bend the fender' ! We have an exciting weekend of action upcoming with Sandown only managing to race by staging an all-chase card and also we have the West Wales National at Ffos Las.
Before we move onto a quick preview of tomorrows action, we have some exciting news about our linkup with connections of Grand National entry, Across The Bay. We will be following his build-up and will have interviews etc. over the coming weeks. Watch this space. His next intended target is the Haydock National trial in 2 weeks time. Just to report that following his run at Chepstow where he came to challenge a mile out before fading, he has had a breathing op. Jason reported he 'gurgled' badly and was still trying to go but was struggling with breathing. Without this he would almost certainly been in first four. He also had the problem to a lesser extent at Aintree when just touched off by Wayward Prince (also giving 6lb). Hopefully he will be back to normal and having finished at Chepstow, he has been dropped 3lb by the handicapper. He's in good order and the plan is Haydock then Aintree.
Whilst on the subject of Aintree, it was the first declaration stage this week. 84 horses have been entered with no real surprises. Prince De Beauchene deserves to be one of the market leaders. He won very well in a conditions hurdle over the festive break, showed good form winning the Bobbyjo before injury last year and won the competitive h'cap preceding the National a few years back so appears a spring horse. He is still potentially well treated due to his low mileage. I still think Ballabriggs has a say and Cappa Blue will be tiptop come the day. I hate speculating before the next stage as racing's Simon Cowell, Mr Phil Smith has to have his say, though it is good to see his recent trend of giving the old-timers a chance.
Onto Sandown ... in the Masters chase there are 3 National entries, the potentially classy Roberto Goldback, Summery Justice and the frustrating Viking Blond. Cases could be made for the former and latter here but Keppols Hill is certainly the one to beat (owned by the very good Timeform Betfair racing club, worth a look if you'd like to be an owner without all the expense, contact @Matthew_booth from Betfair, good guy I had the pleasure of sharing a table at Aintree with a few years back ... no nonsense!)
Meanwhile over at Ffos Las we have a National ... the geographically accurate West Wales National has our interest. Only Summery Justice (2nd preference) has an Aintree entry which is surprising, given that Junior, Cannington Brook and Alfie Spinner are in the race. Cannington Brook probably needs softer ground than likely at Aintree. Alfie Sherrin has time on his side and his Sandown disappointment probably ruled him out. For me, Junior is a surprise omission rom Aintree although he probably missed his opportunity 2 years ago after bolting up at Cheltenham but then missing out due to being too low in the weights. Given a run, I believe he would have been in the top 6 home that year. His win in the softlooking Rehearsal at Newcastle and a further 3lb rise certainly hasn't helped. As its a National though we feel compelled to preview. We think Alfie Sherrin has a great chance if bouncing back. Cannington Brook is probably best on the ground. Shaking Hands may improve but we really like Our Island (picured) at the price. Can't see anything outside those 4.
Over in Ireland tomorrow its interesting that no National entries are running in their trial but 2 go in the cross country race, Bostons Angel and Shakervilz. The one to watch may be Jessica Harrington's charge who has been very disappointing since winning an RSA. His spark is slowly returning.
Happy punting and enjoy the action.
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