It’s a bumper’s day racing with graded action from three tracks across the country. Plenty of clues a are up for Cheltenham, plus the Grand National with the Trial race at Haydock Park. The final Grade One takes place at Ascot and so much more in between. First stop, Haydock.
Haydock
Port The Call
2:40 – Rendlesham Hurdle (Grade Two) – Beauport @ 2/1 (General)
It’s another interesting move from Beauport not take a chasing appointment, but it’s clear that trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies wants to protect that mark. But his hurdles mark puts him in this grade and is top-rated today. A clear stayer, and with rain forecast, loves testing ground. One of the obvious choices for the afternoon, particularly placing third in the G1 Long Walk Hurdle.
Indiana Dream is an interesting selection with only five runs in his entire career. A former Willie Mullins lodger, he transferred to the O’Neill’s where he finished fourth on return from 407 days away. That run in the Fleur De Lys can be excused as a blow out, and might fancy his chances back tackling hurdles. He has a high rating and dominated on his only start on heavy ground. Surprise at 22/1 (William Hill).
Useful Git
3:15 – Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (Premier H’cap) – Git Maker @ 11/2 (BetVictor)
Git Maker is one of seven in the race who are entered in the flagship contest in April. But Git Maker along with four others need a big win to increase their chances of making the final 34. Git Maker has only had one run this season, which was a blowout over hurdles at Windsor. He’s clearly talented at the marathon trips finishing runner-up in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham followed by a third in the Scottish Grand National. He should be on song for a big race today.
Famous Bridge can be considered after two decent placed efforts this season. He finished a long distance third in the Tommy Whittle over Christmas over course and distance and has the cheekpieces applied for the first time. He holds an entry in the National and Hemmings horses and the National go hand in hand. Heavy ground will not be a problem and watch for another big performance. 9/1 (BetVictor).
Fontaine Collonges won over course and distance in a memorable 40 minutes for Venetia Williams on Betfair Chase day at Haydock in November. With the rain due to arrive, it would be silly not to back one of her horses that can handle this type of deep ground. Out of the others, he looks to have a better chance of getting in the National, but a good placed effort will see him higher on the list. 18/1 (William Hill).
Rocket On The Track
3:50 – Prestige Novice’s Hurdle (Grade Two) – Moon Rocket @ 9/4 (General)
Moon Rocket fought out a tough finish in the G2 River Don at Doncaster a few weeks ago, but lost in the photo-finish. The likelihood is that he can go one better having finished 3.25L ahead of the rest of the field. Whilst he might not be Albert Bartlett material, against some of the Irish competitors, he can put himself into the each-way picture with a good performance.
Ascot
Pic That Out Again
3:37 – Ascot Chase (Grade One) – Pic D’Orhy @ 7/4 (General)
Others will side with Cotswold Chase winner L’Homme Presse, but on clear evidence he hates going right-handed. This was the case last year, in the two King George’s and even when he won here as a novice over course and distance. Corbetts Cross is taking an unusual route to what might be the Gold Cup, and Pic D’Orhy adores this track and right-handed tracks in general. This is his Gold Cup and makes sense in this contest.
Wincanton
Ripe And Golden
1:36 – Kingwell Hurdle (Grade Two) – Golden Ace @ 9/4 (General)
Whilst Burdett Road is a worthy favourite, he has to give weight away. And a full eight pounds goes to Golden Ace, who drops in trip after surrendering her unbeaten record at the start of the season. Those runs came over two-and-a-half miles, and she should the two-mile trip here. Plus, this has been noted as a definite stepping stone to the Festival. With a big allowance and plenty of form at this trip, she can upset Burdett Road to take this at full advantage.
The very best of luck!
