The Aintree Grand National meeting is just around the corner, and I’ll be banging out a blog for all three days next week. I’ll also be going head-to-head with Ruby Walsh here for the main event. But this weekend our job is to get some more cash in the kitty after a stonking time last weekend.
So Paddy. Get ready to be hammered again.
Lets’ start at Doncaster with the Spring Mile at 2.15pm as the Flat season steps up a gear. I really like the look of the William Haggas-trained PREDOMINANCE who should be hard to keep out the frame despite a doubt about the draw.
The softer the ground the better for this selection, who has been working well at home and was last seen finishing a good fourth at this track. That was over 7f and the step back to 1m on Saturday will suit.
Sprint over to all the latest odds on PP.com
The main event at Doncaster is the Lincoln Handicap at 2.45pm. I’m taking a complete chance here with STORM ROCK who likes juice in the ground and stays well. He might be drawn wrong, but if Harry Dunlop has him ready he could just run much better than his odds will suggest.
The Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster has long been one of my favourite races since a horse called Vorvados used to win it time and time again.
There’s a strong field for this year’s renewal at 3.20pm, and the one I like each-way is the odl boy MAAREK. Evanna McCutcheon’s charge is built for a Jamie Spencer hold-up ride and conditions are perfect. He’s getting on now at the age of nine, but was still running well albeit unplaced at the end of last season. This is easier.
Over at Kempton there is a 7f handicap at 2.30pm, and the one I like here is GREY MIRAGE, who has dropped down the handicap for trainer Marco Botti. He has a good draw and should give Liam Jones a good spin. Have a few quid each-way.
I’ve also taken a look at the handicap chase at Newbury at 3.05pm, and I’m giving one final chance to THOMAS CRAPPER. He’s been disappointing this season but Robin Dickin’s stable is in slightly better form now and he has the ability to win this if he wants to.
So best of luck. A tricky day. But it’s Aintree next week. So much to look forward to. Yeeehaaa!