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DAY Two of the Scottish Grand National meeting at Ayr includes the big race itself as part of a mammoth 8 race card.
Let me take you through my thoughts for each race.
1.45pm
DOLOS is one who still has potential to improve over fences abs the ground and style of track should suit him nicely here. He looks the value bet at current odds to me.
2.20pm
A solid 4th place at the Cheltenham Festival has left BARNEY DWAN on the same handicap mark in a similar race if perhaps slightly less competitive. Dingo Dollar appeals but his ropey jumping could be found out in this stronger race and Barney Dwan is the solid choice at the prices.
2.55pm
We have a brilliant race in store here and I fancy CHESTERFIELD to repeat last year’s win. He is in fine form but manages to run off a 2lb lower handicap mark this year.
3.30pm
Wuite a tricky race in terms of form because the favourite Mia’s Storm fell last time out in December and hasn’t raced since, Peregrine Run hasn’t been seen since August and Bigmartre has question marks over this 2.5 mile trip. If there were 8 runners I would be tempted to try Adrian Du Pont each way but with only 5 runners I think I’ll give it a miss.
4.05pm
Another cracking renewal of the Scottish Grand National is in store for us and once again I think Paul Nicholls is the man who holds the key. He trains both VICENTE who has obvious claims having won two years in a row and SILSOL at a bigger price and I’m going to back both of them. Vicente is a tempting price for a horse who has won the race two years in a row and horses like him and my old pal Merigo have shown that multiple winners are possible in the race.
SILSOL has been good since tried out over longer distances and I am convinced that he will be better still on the good ground he will encounter here. I am hoping that he will be the one to run Vicente close.
4.40pm
Nicky Henderson looks to have this race in the bag according to the bookies because he trains the top 3 in the betting. Although there are 15 runners I tend to agree with that assessment and it’s WILLIAM HENRY the top weight who really appeals to me the most. Young James Bowen is in the saddle for this classy and consistent horse who should be able to account for most of these despite carrying top weight.
5.15pm
This is a tricky looking apprentice race and although the favourite for Nicky Henderson and James Bowen appeals slightly there isn’t any juice in the price and giving the race a steer.
5.50pm
The eighth and final race is a bumper (flat race for younger National Hunt horses) and the fact that the two favourites in the betting are unraced tells me all I need to know. I’ll be avoiding this one rather than give the bookies a chance to win back some of my winnings.
Recommended Bets:
- 1.45 – Dolos – 2pt e/w at 8/1 with Ladbrokes, Bet365
- 2.20 – Barney Dwan – 2pt e/w at 6/1 with Bet365, William Hill
- 2.55 – Chesterfield – 2pt e/w at 13/2 with William Hill, Bet365, Ladbrokes
- 3.30 – No Bet
- 4.05 – Vicente – 2pt e/w at 10/1 with Bet365 (paying 5 places)
- 4.05 – Silsol – 2pt e/w at 25/1 with Coral (paying 7 places)
- 4.40 – William Henry – 3pt win at Marathon, Ladbrokes, William Hill
- 5.15 – No Bet
- 5.50 – No Bet
