2.20 A very competitive field , but the one’s to the fore of the market don’t make much appeal to me. At bigger prices Might I is down to a very appealing mark & did well to finish mid field at Cheltenham considering he was more or less laying down on the turf after an error early doors , has good form at this track too. The other runner an appealing odds is Playful Spirit who looks the type to improve going up in trip and as I have mentioned here before the Skeltons are a dab hand at placing their horses well for these big field handicaps. Advised Bets Might I 1/2 pt ew @ 18’1 William Hill 6 places & Playful Spirit 1/2 pt ew @ 33’1 William Hill 6 places
2.55 Golden Ace was a very good winner for us at Cheltenham lowering the colours of some well fancied big yards runners , she has her chance again but this see’s the return of her conquerer from last seasons bumper at this venue Dysart Enos who missed Cheltenham due to a setback , but is unbeaten over hurdles and put away Golden Ace last year with some ease. Advised Bet Dysart Enos 1pt ew @ 5’1 William Hill
3.30 Jonbon jumped like a statue last time out in January and with doubt about the yards form I can pass him over. Protektorat had a hard race to see off his rivals at Cheltenham and that was a bit of a run out of the blue form wise. Pic D’Orhy looks the solid option who is fresher, having again bypassed Cheltenham. Advised Bet Pic D’Orhy 1pt win @ 100’30
4.05 Another very large field handicap for this race over the national course and again nothing at the front of the market stands out. Kandoo Kid is very consistent ( good form last time out ) & has the run style to do well over these fences. Another with a suitable run style is Shantreusse who jumped well in front last time and could be the type to relish the National fences. Advised Bets Kandoo Kid 1/2 pt ew @ 16’1 William Hill 6 places & Shantreusse 1/2 pt ew @ 20’1 firms offering 6 places
4.40 Shanagh Bob is an intriguing runner given the unexposed profile and is obviously one for the future Grade 1’s down the line , but yard form is putting me off. Croke Park who according to Gordon Elliott wasn’t himself when well behind Readin Tommy Wrong at Naas in January and he had previously looked all about stamina in winning a 2m4f Grade 3 at Navan, the form of which has some substance & appeals as a solid ew selection. Advised Bet Croke Park 1/2 ew @ 8’1