Good morning all,

I paid my first visit to restaurant/bar since December after racing yesterday.  A four-month break it could be a new record for me. Dare one say, it seemed ‘almost’ normal. All in all, it was a perfect end to a week of excellent and informative racing.

Yesterday we had probably the best Sunday’s racing you will see this side of the Irish Sea all summer. All due to the funeral of Prince Philip on the Saturday rather than any astute race planning.

On Sunday it was the best of both codes. At Newbury we had Guineas Trial’s Day. However, the weekend’s big betting race was the Coral Scottish Grand National.

Over the next few days, I am going to look back at events at Newmarket’s Craven Meeting and two days at Newbury. It will include a few early season juveniles who caught the eye and can win races in the coming weeks.

Inside today’s main piece I’m looking back at yesterday’s action. Plus, I have a selection from this afternoon’s fixture at Pontefract.  

Home team dominate Scottish National

You have to go back to 2012 for the last home trained winner of the Scottish Grand National. Well, this year Scottish trained runners dominated the race with five of the first seven finishers hailing from North of Hadrian’s Wall.

The race was won by the rapidly improving staying handicap chaser Mighty Thunder, trained by Lucinda Russell. The 8-year-old has been progressive since stepping up to 4m+. He's won an Edinburgh National, finished second in a Midland’s Grand National and now added the Scottish Grand National to his win CV.  He needed every yard of the 4m to prevail yesterday so the extra distance of next year’s Aintree Grand National should see him in an even better light.

It’s a case of when, rather than if, Sandy Thomson saddles the winner of the Scottish Grand National. Both his runners Dingo Dollar & The Ferry Master ran crackers in second & fourth respectably. Coming to two out I though Dingo Dollar was going to win.  He was headed on the run in by Mighty Thunder and although he rallied all the way to the line, he was just edged out by a horse who stays further than 4m.

Mister Fogpatches has potential

Irish raider Mister Fogpatches who was having his first run beyond 3m 1f ran a stormer in third. The 7-year-old clearly stays well and if his jumping had been better he may well have given the Irish another big handicap chase success. Given his age and lack of chasing experience, just six starts over the large obstacles, he’s got races in him when the emphasis is on stamina.

Aye Right was a bit of a disappointment back in 10^th. He couldn’t maintain his excellent record in major chasing prizes this season. As was the case when finishing third in the Ultima at Cheltenham he was ridden in midfield. I think he’s a better horse when ridden prominently.

Lantern's bright future

The opening race on Sunday’s Newbury card was a mile maiden which contained some nice types who will go onto win more races this summer.

Snow Lantern took advantage of the 5lb fillies’ allowance to see off Derab and Fantastic Fox with the front three pulling clear of the rest.

The winner is bred to win a Guineas. A daughter of Frankel, out of Sky Lantern the 2013 1,000 Guineas. It will be interesting to see if connections opt to send her to Newmarket for the fillies Classic or take a more patient approach with her.

Enable’s half brother Derab, by Sea The Stars, was a bit keen on his seasonal return but looks a good prospect. Given his pedigree he will improve for a step up to 1m 2f and could even be a Derby contender.

Of the rest Masnoon shaped with promise on his racecourse debut. He was too green to do himself justice but will improve for the experience. He could be a nice handicap project for Sir Michael Stoute at around 7f/1m.

More on Newbury’s Guineas Trials in Tuesday’s column.

Monday racing

The column started last week with a couple of winners. Here’s hoping for more of the same this week. There are seven meetings across Britain & Ireland today and I’m off to Pontefract for today’s selection.

Pontefract

1:30 – Mokaatil struggled from a low draw at Musselburgh last time and in a race which didn’t suit hold up horses ran a fair enough race in 9^th.  Today’s stiffer track will play more to his strengths, won this race in 2019 off today’s mark, and he’s got a decent chance provided they go an even gallop.

Monday selection:

1:30 – Mokaatil – 5/1 @ Bet365.

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Good luck with your Monday bets.

John

John Burke is the tipster behind the long standing Victor Value service you can join him here – https://victorvalue.uk