It’s a busy period for me as I’ll be at Aintree on Friday, then I’ll be going to Newcastle on Saturday for a couple rides. Even though I won’t be at Aintree for Grand National Day, I’ll still be keeping an eye on the action, and I will be giving you the horse I fancy for the famous race.
My Aintree rides on Friday
2.20 – Making Headway (Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero)
He was very fortunate to make the final field, as he just gets in at the bottom of the weights. We’re going to be stepping him up in trip to 2m4f, and he is going to wear some first-time cheekpieces, which will hopefully make it a bit easier for him to travel during the race. I’ll probably ride him a little bit differently from what I’ve done before, but we’re hoping he can run a good race. This will be his last run of the season, and he’s been a grand horse for us. I am really looking forward to seeing what he can do next year.
My Newcastle rides on Saturday
4.30 – Nights In Venice (Donald Whillans)
He ran a nice race at Hexham to finish fourth last time out, but he just didn’t quite get up the hill. If you go back to his penultimate start, I won on him at Ayr, and returning to a flatter track like this should suit. He will be running off top weight here, but I am hoping he can put together a solid race.
5.05 – Gentleman Bill (Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero)
He’ll be having his first experience of the racecourse here in the bumper. He’s a nice young horse who has done some really good pieces of work at home. He’ll definitely be a horse to follow next season, but I am expecting a big run from him here.
My Grand National Pick
4.00 Aintree – Corach Rambler (Lucinda Russell)
He ran a blinder in what looked like a really hot Gold Cup at Cheltenham last month. Some people say he had a hard race, but I don’t think he’s the kind of horse who will give himself too hard a race. He won this race last year, and I can see him putting up a big effort to defend his crown.
I hope you are all enjoying the racing at Aintree, and good luck to whatever you’re backing in the Grand National!