Hi all,
Given how busy this week has been, today's preview is briefer than usual for a Saturday. Nonetheless, we have a promising line-up of races, including the race of the day the bet365 Midlands Grand National Handicap Chase at Uttoxeter.
ITV will cover four races live from Uttoxeter and three from Kempton this afternoon. Here’s a quick look at the Uttoxeter card.
Uttoxeter
It’s heavy ground at Uttoxeter for Midlands Grand National Day. The four miles two furlongs of the day’s feature race will take some getting and not many of the 12 runners are likely to complete. It’s likely to be a case of last horse standing.
1:50 – Jagwar appears well-placed on handicap debut, while Monviel, equipped with first-time cheekpieces, could be competitive if they have the desired effect.
2:25 – With a sizable field of 17 the race has the biggest field for any of the ITV races, Saint Davy stands out after two consecutive wins this season, but heavy ground is an unknown. No ground concerns for Lord Snootie and Supremely West. The former has been backed and finished runner-up in last year’s corresponding race. Supremely West comes into the race in good form and must be of interest once more for the addition of the first-time blinkers.
3:00 – Bet365 Midlands Grand National Handicap Chase
My Silver Lining and Iron Bridge finished 2nd and 3rd in the Grand National Trial at Haydock last month and are big contenders. Of the pair I just prefer My Silver Lining who is the better jumper and should relish this sort of test. That said you have to be concerned that both had hard races in heavy ground at Haydock.
Guetapan Collonges didn’t seem to get home when fourth in last year’s race, but his trainer thinks he’s a stronger horse now and he’s shaped this season like he’s a worth another try over this sort of trip.
Irish challengers Mr Incredible and Young Dev are also big players. The first named is having his first start since unseating his rider in the Grand National. He’s talented enough to win this but has his quirks and may need the run. The big prices have gone on Young Dev who was runner-up in this race in 2022 and races off 14lb lower than two years ago. All his seven career wins have come with heavy in the going description and he’s got to have a big chance off a light weight.
3:35 – Marsh Wren was third in the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham on Friday so will be a non-runner. That leaves Irish challenger Evies Vladimir, and last time out winners Fortunefavorsdbold, and Val Dancer as the top contenders. The bookies are taking no chance with Evies Vladimir so I favour the claims of Fortunefavorsdbold, and Val Dancer.
Saturday Selection:
The odds have gone on Lord Snootie, yet today's pick hails from the stable of Christian Williams.
Uttoxeter
3:35 – Fortunefavorsdbold.
Good luck with your Saturday.
John