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13:50 ASCOT
We kick off today’s live action with our best bet of the day.
It may be unfair to Mount Mews but this, similar to a few races we cover today, looks set to be a bit of a match race.
Black Corton and Ms Parfois look the likelier winners and both have progressed well all season.
The racing public have taken to young jockey Bryony Frost and her affinity with Black Corton is lovely to see however I’m going to be a party pooper as I’m more taken with Ms Parfois. With less races under her belt this term Ms Parfois is likely to have more in the tank and it’s this that sways me towards the Anthony Honeyball trained runner.
MS PARFOIS (WIN) - NAP
14:05 HAYDOCK
Our first of two visits to Haydock and sadly this Grade 2 race looks less than competitive with the odds on favourite Agrapart looking a very likely victor.
If Zarkandar produced a performance anything like his best he’d demolish this field with ease but it looks as if Father Time has well and truly caught up with him.
Boite and Donna’s Diamond both claimed decent enough victories in their most recent efforts but they’ll certainly need to build upon that if they’re to pose any threat to the likely market leader.
AGRAPART (WIN)
14:25 ASCOT
The age of eleven is very much the twilight of a racehorses career however I’m hoping Tenor Nivernais has one last hurrah!
In this game we often hear the phrase “horses for courses” and it’s often banded around quite freely however the aforementioned Tenor Nivernais loves it here at Ascot. With four starts at this illustrious venue he’s never finished outside of the top four with two wins and a place. Now residing off his last winning mark I’m hoping he’s course form continues.
Two fellow course winners in the form of Gold Present and Minella Daddy look the most likely dangers with the Nicky Henderson trained runner a big player.
TENOR NIVERNAIS (E/W)
14:45 WINCANTON
We only have the one race to cover here at Wincanton and although connections will most likely have eyes on a bigger prize at Ascot team Henderson could bag another victory with Call Me Lord.
The only conceivable danger looks to be Ch’Tibello who comes into the race off the back of a very close finish with The New One. I hate to say it but I feel it’s safe to say but The New One is a shadow of his former self and although not a disgrace to finish behind him it’s hard to judge just how good that form really is.
Call Me Lord is a promising youngster who’s barely put a foot wrong and showed his potential when winning well at Sandown.
The big question to answer is wether a younger winner in lesser company has enough to beat a proverbial runner up of much more prestigious races. My answer to said conundrum is to side with the up and comer and hope that Ch’Tibello can remain the bridesmaid and not the bride.
CALL ME LORD (WIN)
15:00 ASCOT
Although not normally the done thing I’m opting to nail my colours to two masts in this race.
It’s hard to oppose the current favourite Dieg Man especially as top jockey Barry Geraghty only has the one televised ride at Ascot and with three consecutive wins has seen the five year old progress with each success.
A worthy favourite who, if he continues in same vein, is going to be very hard to beat.
All of the above being said however and I can’t ignore the very generous price on offer for the David Pipe trained Friday Night Light. This lightly raced jumps horse has only tackled fences on four occasions and is yet to finish outside of the top three. Of course this is a step up in the level of opposition however with the yard in form he can’t be readily ignored as a good each way punt especially if the addition of blinkers can spark further improvement.
DIEG MAN (WIN), FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHT (E/W)
15:15 HAYDOCK
The GrandNational has been a huge talking point this week as the weights for Aintree’s showpiece were announced. Many punters were sold on the chances of current favourite Blaklion for the big race come April but we’re set to see some of the National hopefuls line up here in this Grand National Trial.
Blaklion is likely to go off favourite here but I wouldn’t be as convinced about his chances here as many are for Aintree. I’d say it would be unlikely to see him finish outside of the money but I’m willing to take him on.
The Dutchman seemed to progress well when winning here at Haydock last time our and the Tizzard yard are getting their horses in to top gear.
Another course winner is Three Faces West who, despite falling at Haydock before has won twice and finished third in his last three course appearances. Trainer Phillip Hobbs is out of form at the moment but it’d be silly to discount any runner from such a strong stable.
THREE FACES WEST (E/W)
15:15 HAYDOCK
The GrandNational has been a huge talking point this week as the weights for Aintree’s showpiece were announced. Many punters were sold on the chances of current favourite Blaklion for the big race come April but we’re set to see some of the National hopefuls line up here in this Grand National Trial.
Blaklion is likely to go off favourite here but I wouldn’t be as convinced about his chances here as many are for Aintree. I’d say it would be unlikely to see him finish outside of the money but I’m willing to take him on.
The Dutchman seemed to progress well when winning here at Haydock last time our and the Tizzard yard are getting their horses in to top gear.
Another course winner is Three Faces West who, despite falling at Haydock before has won twice and finished third in his last three course appearances. Trainer Phillip Hobbs is out of form at the moment but it’d be silly to discount any runner from such a strong stable.
THREE FACES WEST (E/W)
15:35 ASCOT
Yet another contest that seems to be built as a potential match race as Top Notch and Waiting Patiently look the only conceivable favourites.
Top Notch has certainly achieved more in his career, comes from a big powerhouse yard and is adorned with the colours of big time owners but yet I’m still willing to take him on.
It would come as no surprise to see Top Notch finish with its head in front however I feel Top Notch has shown his hand where as Waiting Patiently still has more to offer.
A victory over Tingle Creek winner Politilogue was followed up by two further wins including a demolition job over the likes of God’s Own, Smad Place and Josses Hill at Kempton.
It’d be fantastic to see the Jefferson family take a big prize after the recent passing of trainer Malcolm and if the horse is able to scoop first prize will become a major player in the RSA at The Festival.
WAITING PATIENTLY (WIN)
written by Rory Paddock
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