Best Of Bets

Tag: horse racing tips

  • 33/1 Victoria Cup Pick: The Top Three

    33/1 Victoria Cup Pick: The Top Three

    Welcome to a new weekly column of mine where I talk about my three best bets for the weekend’s action.

    Alongside my ante-post analysis piece that is released on Wednesdays looking at any potential early angles into marquee races, this regular content will be released on Fridays with all the confirmed weather and declarations information available to me to make my final judgments.

    12/1 Chester Cup Fancy: Ante-post analysis

    I’ve given myself a ‘points’ staking plan to keep track of how I have done and how confident each play will be, all of which will be recorded and put at the bottom of every article. No pressure then!

    So with the admin out of the way, let’s get into the action.

     

    ONEMOREFORTHEROAD 12/1 – 3:15 Haydock – 0.5pt EW

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    It may be the Flat season right now, but the Swinton Handicap Hurdle at Haydock has taken a small amount of my interest as I will be having a 0.5pt EW play on ONEMOREFORTHEROAD for Neil King and Jack Quinlan.

    Although his last win came in December 2021 in the Intermediate Hurdle, the eight-year-old has only raced seven times since and his third to Anna Bunina in the 2022 Scottish Champion Hurdle reads well considering John McConnell’s mare has improved 16lbs since.

    Although his last two efforts on Good ground have been poor, he has been dropped six pounds for them and he did most of his winning on Good ground in the early parts of his career.

    With a rating of 127, which is nine pounds below that third at Ayr in 2022 and his last winning mark, King’s charge in the highlight handicap hurdle is my main fancy in the contest.

     

    TOIMY SON 33/1 – 2:40 Ascot – 1pt EW

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    My second biggest play of the weekend comes in the ever-tricky Victoria Cup and I’m giving the rank-outsider of the field, TOIMY SON, a chance at 33/1 with William Hill.

    I backed this four-year-old Twilight Son colt last time out in the Spring Cup at Newbury over a mile and he looked to be too keen which ultimately downplayed his chances of winning the race.

    I was quite confident of a big run last month, unfortunately, the market was not in agreement with me as he drifted out on the exchanges and was sent off at an SP of 40/1.

    So, why am I giving him a chance this week in the Victoria Cup?

    Firstly, there is only a small window of opportunity to run this horse as he needs soft ground, something he will get at Ascot this week, but as the summer rolls into full view, that chance of rain and slower conditions will diminish.

    Secondly, he is back down in trip to seven furlongs, the distance he was last seen winning at in Longchamp last May and hopefully, he won’t be so keen over a shorter trip.

    And finally, French jockey Cristian Demuro is jocked up on the bay for his only ride of the day which is a big jockey booking from David Menusier as he was the pilot that guided Toimy Son to success in that Longchamp race last year, a race where he beat Txope who went on to win the German 1000 Guineas on her next start.

    Taking this all in and harking back to his runners-up effort behind Mangoustine, a future French 1000 Guineas winner, as a two-year-old, I think he can run a big race off a workable mark of 102 in the Victoria Cup.

     

    ANGEL BLEU 15/8 – 3:50 Haydock – 3pt Win

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    This position was taken by Sea Of Roses for the Lingfield Oaks Trial but the switch to all-weather has meant she was not declared, however, ANGEL BLEU is a more than worthy substitute.

    If you can ignore his last run in France, I think he should be odds-on and not just a shade below 2/1.

    Firstly, the ground at Haydock is set to be the best in the country as the official going description is Good to Soft with no rain in sight.

    Despite his win at Saint-Cloud in October 2021 on Very Soft ground, I think his best form comes on better surfaces as his four-length fifth to Baaeed in last year’s Sussex Stakes and third to Perfect Power in last year’s Greenham Stakes would suggest.

    His pedigree would back this statement up being by Dark Angel (the 2007 Middle Park winner on Good ground) out of a Galileo mare.

    Now a four-year-old and still at somewhere near his best as shown by his unlucky runners-up effort to Berkshire Shadow at Wolverhampton two starts ago, Ralph Beckett’s contender is best at the weight by six pounds to his nearest market rival, Al Mubhir, and with a sounder surface under his feet than his run last time out, I think he will be tough to beat at 15/8.

  • 12/1 Chester Cup Fancy: Ante-post analysis

    12/1 Chester Cup Fancy: Ante-post analysis

    So, about last week. A story of hard luck.

    The best bet of the week, GET AHEAD, probably saw his best chances diminish when the lashing of rain came down though his sixth behind the runaway winner Vadream was still good and the handicapper has dropped him two pounds for the run. One to watch on better ground.

    And with LITTLE BIG BEAR, the Guineas experiment, plus the fact he was struck into and found to be lame post-race, saw his chances of a Classic disappear as well. A shame, but that is horse racing.

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    Despite that, we kick on into the Chester May Festival that is on ITV this week, and alongside Lingfield Derby and Oaks Trials on Saturday, this week is one to be excited by.

     

    No Bluff with his chances

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    I’m starting with the Chester Cup this week and although it may not be an ante-post play by the time this goes up, it still warrants me putting him up as CALL MY BLUFF at 12/1 is top of my shortlist.

    For starters, he is a proven horse around Chester thanks to his second in the Watergate Cup behind Emiyn last September on good to soft ground and his win at Chester in June 2021 also builds on the idea that he can handle the course well.

    That form on Good to Soft from September is also useful information as it is set to be slow ground throughout the meeting thanks to the rain expected on Thursday and Friday.

    Furthermore, his run last time out behind a Novel Legend, the ante-post favourite for the race who has missed out on a run by one place, reads well as the winner was race-fit coming into the contest while the six-year-old was coming off a 195-day break.

    His trainer, Dominic Ffrench Davis, has a 25% strike rate currently and John Egan, his rider when second at Chester three starts ago, is booked to do the steering.

    Taking that all in, 16/1 is a fair price.

     

    Sweet as a Rose

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    I have just the two horses to highlight this week and I’m going to Lingfield for the Oaks Trial on Saturday for my final fancy as SEA OF ROSES at 5/1 holds lots of interest.

    The field is full of unknowns and this Sea The Moon three-year-old is one of them having finished a good second behind the exciting Pensee Du Jour at the start of April in the Group 3 Prix Penelope.

    That run was very encouraging over 1m2f and she was running well to the wire on soft ground, hopefully meaning the 1m3f on Saturday in worsening conditions should be fine.

    Furthermore, she beat Infinite Cosmos at the backend of last season at Doncaster over a mile, form that looks very good after the Sir Michael Stoute three-year-old bolted up at Newmarket on her next start and is now the 7/1 second favourite.

    The Andrew Balding team like this three-year-old, who is very closely related to Chris Waller’s Group 3 winner Desert Icon, and with the in-form Oisin Murphy set to get the leg-up, SEA OF ROSES is a good play at 5/1.

  • Four To Follow Tahiyra the Talent

    Four To Follow Tahiyra the Talent

    A special Sunday Four to Follow as we take a look at 1000 Guineas Day. Last year Cachet ran them ragged, but this year we could see a return to the dominance of Ireland and Dubai. Here are four to watch out for on Sunday afternoon.

    1:15 – Gordon Richards Stakes (Group 3) – Adayar @ 6/5 (General) & Migration (W/O Adayar)

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    Everyone is looking forward to welcoming back Adayar to the track. It seems an age since he won the Derby, given that we have only seen him five times over two years. Charlie Appleby has said the aim for this horse is the Prince of Wales’s at Royal Ascot, and this could be a good starting point. Clear on ratings, the question is the ground. It turned to soft ground before the 2000 Guineas and there is a chance of a light shower today too. Watch out for bottomless ground.

    One who can handle the soft and the heavy is Migration, who kicked off the flat season by winning the Lincoln in testing conditions. He’s usually a handicap horse, but has run in open company before. It might look a stern test on paper, but he’s the one with the proven stamina on testing ground. No problem with stepping up in trip, particularly on soft ground.

    1:50 – Howden Handicap – Berkshire Rocco @ 11/1 (William Hill)

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    It’s another wide-open handicap over 1m 6F. It’s a tough call but I’ve gone for Berkshire Rocco. He’s ben starting to get the hang of things over on the all-weather, but 1m 6F over soft ground is ideal. And despite being third highest in the weights, he’s down to his lowest mark since the 2019 Zetland Stakes, racing as a two-year-old. It will be interesting to see how he fairs on his first return to the track in three-and-a-half-years

    I also fancy the chances of Legendary Day. He seems to be on the drift, but cleverly avoids the five-pound penalty with jockey Jamie Powell taking 5lbs off. He reappeared winning over 2m on soft ground at Ripon and is versatile on any ground. He’s been turned out quickly, but just like Kitty’s Light last week it could pay out.

    One to consider at a price is Torcello. A soft ground specialist and dour stayer. With age, he’s stepped down in trip to 1m 4F, but on soft ground he has licence to go further. He ran a strange race on reappearance this season, so hopefully we see the best of him today.

    3:00 – Dahlia Stakes (Group 2) – Astral Beau @ 11/1 (Boylesports, BetUK)

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    Astral Beau is the soft ground specialist of the field. She annihilated the field at Doncaster in a listed contest and her rating allows to make the big step up in grade. And despite being surrounded with horses who are more than capable than her, she loves the mud, and at double figure prices she’s the one to have.

    3:40 – QIPCO 1000 GUINEAS (GROUP ONE) – Tahiyra @ 7/4 (Betfred, BetUK)

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    I’m on the Tahyira train. She is a talented filly, and it showed when she won the Moyglare on soft ground. She may be inexperienced on form, but the talent she has from both sire and dam have merged into this one and there is no reason why Tahiyra cannot win. Meditate is good, but she has some ground to make up on the favourite.

    I also feel that Mawj deserves a big chance here, but has the bookies quoting her at double-figure prices. She had a fantastic Winter in Dubai, stepping up to the mile trip without hesitation and taking to it brilliantly. Mawj is also a half-sister to Modern Games and Modern News, who both gained blac-type over the mile trip. You could say, she’s bred for a race like this.

    The very best of luck!

  • Four To Follow A Royal Guineas at Newmarket

    Four To Follow A Royal Guineas at Newmarket

    The first big classic of the season is upon us. The 2000 Guineas always gives a good race, and some great winners. Whilst we celebrate the new King in London, there could be a royal winner at HQ. Here are four horses to follow on 2000 Guineas Day.

    2:50 – Howden Handicap – Celsius @ 20/1 (General)

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    Given that the field is around 7/1, this is a wide-open contest for the first of the big sprints of the season. It’s worth looking down the market for one at a good price and Celsius has grabbed my attention. A great record from long layoffs, including 4 wins and a second, he has the talented amateur jockey Harry Davies on board, claiming 3lbs which brings Celsius’ mark down to a winning one. He’s had one run over the Rowley Mile, finishing second, and the firm ground is a big plus.

    Paul and OIiver Cole may have a fantastic Saturday at Newmarket and have Leap Abroad running in this one. His record fresh isn’t bad, and the firm ground will also play a key role in how this horse runs. It’s also his time of the season to be backing him as he only ran three times last year between April and June.

    3:25 – Howden Suffolk Stakes – Majestic @ 5/1 (General)

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    Last season he scooped the big prize of winning the Cambridgeshire of C&D, but he performed well in difficult conditions to finish fourth in the Lincoln on reappearance this season. He stays at the same mark, with George Bass taking 3lbs off him, and in better conditions it’s hard not to see this horse finishing in the frame again.

    Turntable is my next best in the race. It’s his first run for Harry Eustace, and on his record he should fare well. His record fresh has improved throughout his career, winning first time out last year. His record on the Rowley Mile is phenomenal with three wins and a second under his belt over C&D. Kayia Fraser knows this horse well and is bidding to make it a hattrick.

    One with an outside chance is Magical Morning, formerly with the Gosden’s. He joins Amy Murphy and has wintered over in Dubai, before being narrowly defeated at Saint-Cloud. His mark has now fallen below 100, which gives him room to perform and in a field of 17 suits him well, rather than fields larger than 20.

    4:00 – Palace House Stakes (Group 3) – Twilight Calls @ 100/30 (Boylesports)

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    I can’t look past the favourite for this one. A great record fresh, and a class jockey booking in Ryan Moore. He finished fifth in last year’s contest, but hasn’t been seen since narrowly losing out to Nature Strip since Royal Ascot. I feel that that’s the target for the Henry Candy sprinter this season, and can get off to a good start here.

    4:40 – QIPCO 2000 GUINEAS (GROUP ONE) – ROYAL SCOTSMAN @ 9/1 (General)

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    When I watched the Dewhurst Stakes last year, I immediately said that Royal Scotsman would win the 2000 Guineas. It was an eye-catching run, from a horse who was fiercely campaigned at two. He’s by Kingman, but will get the speed from his dam’s side. Surprisingly, horses that head straight for the Guineas have a great record in recent years, and Royal Scotsman has, rightly, had no prep run. He should turn the form around against Chaldean (who ran on well despite jockey-less in the Greenham). He’s been my ante-post pick since last October and I still don’t have any doubts about him.

    Two horses that could run a big race at a big price are Craven Stakes winner Indestructible and Godolphin’s Noble Style. Indestructible has baffled Kevin Stott, in terms of how big he is in the betting. A Craven winner who; more than handled the track, has one of the most in form combinations in racing and can perform on the going is 28/1 with Boylesports. Surely the punters will back him in by this afternoon.

    Noble Style has only had three runs, and no prep run. But I’d much prefer him to his compatriot Silver Knott. He is by Kingman, a proven miler, and out of Eartha Kitt, who wasn’t a bad sprinter. And Noble Style’s damsire produced Addeybb, so breeding isn’t problem for me. The form from the Gimcrack Stakes is incredible, with winners left, right and centre. Noble Style is worth a good poke at 16/1 general price.

    The very best of luck!

    Tune in tomorrow for another Four To Follow for the 1000 Guineas.

  • Four To Follow Sandown Jumps Final Day

    Four To Follow Sandown Jumps Final Day

    It’s the final jumps fixture of the season, and what a day it could turn out to be. Kitty’s Light reappears in the bet365 Gold Cup, Hewick aims to end his season on a high and Jonbon makes an appearance too. Here are four to look out for on a smashing Sandown card.

    1:05 – Novices’ Championship Hurdle Final – Killaloan @ 5/1 (William Hill)

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    Killaloan has rather fallen under the radar for the Paul Nicholls brigade, but looks like a progressive young horse. Winning his last three, impressing last time out winning off top weight. It’s a big step up in grade, but the way Killaloan is going, he should be able to handle it. Plus, winning ground on soft is a big plus today.

    Holetown Hero also have to be given a shout for the Nicholls team. Second to Inneston last time out, he’s finished in the top four in all starts this season. He should perform on the ground after his performance at Newton Abbot, only losing by a length.

    Kansas Du Berlais is also worth a shout, after progressing through his last two runs. He turns out quickly after winning at Fontwell last week by 16 lengths. A good win on heavy ground shows this Gary Moore horse is versatile and should handle the track well.

    1:40 – Celebration Chase (Grade One) – Captain Guinness (W/O Jonbon)

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    No prices are out yet on the without market, but Captain Guinness has to finish either behind, or in front, of Jonbon. It’s the first time Jonbon is stepping into open company, but this is the time to do it. He obliterated the field at Aintree and this is going to be a tougher test against seasoned chasers. Captain Guinness has improved no end this season. Second behind Energumene in the Champion Chase and second at the Dublin Racing Festival. Soft ground won’t be a problem and may just get the better of Greaneteen into second.

    2:15 – bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase – Kitty’s Light @ 7/2 (General)

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    I’ve seen the light. Kitty’s Light is one of the best handicap horses, possibly, of the season. Winning the Eider and the Scottish National aren’t easy feats, and a slight drop in distance will not trouble him. And if Christian Williams is happy turning him out in the space of a week, then he must be trusted. He also races off the same mark of 140, five pounds lower than last year (he finished third), and a pound bigger than the 2021 run (he finished a narrow second). Escaping the penalty is a massive plus.

    Nicholls has been rather bullish about Enrilo. He says that he’s back to his best, after four poor performances, but he’s had a layoff and he could come back with a bang. He was rated 145 last year, and pulled up, but was first past the post in 2021 off 143. This time he’s way down to 137, and if Nicholls is to be trusted, he may go and beat Kitty’s Light.

    2:50 – Oaksey Chase (Grade Two) – Solo @ 7/2 (BetUK)

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    Solo, in terms of the prices, is the pick of the race. Hewick is far too short and looks at tad too unreliable after falling at Cheltenham. He had a great win at Sandown last year in the bet365 Gold Cup, but with the unseat at Listowel and the fall at Cheltenham. He’s just a tad to unreialbe to be as short as he is. Solo has had a great season after winning at Kempton last time out, but he started his campaign at the Esher track, on similar conditions. Nicholls always aims and places his horses well, and loves this meeting, which draws me in to back him at a more respectable price than Hewick’s.

    The very best of luck!

  • Four to Follow Scottish National Tips

    Four to Follow Scottish National Tips

    After a successful Saturday, and a profitable Aintree, the action turns to Ayr for the third National in less than two weeks. All eyes are on the Scottish National, and I’ve four horses on the card to watch for.

    1:15 – Scotty Brand Handicap Chase – Return Ticket @ 7/1 (Betfred, BetVictor)

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    Always a good little contest and I’m looking for the value in the race. Frere D’Armes looks to be a deserved favourite, improving all the time in the season, but the price he has is far too short to side with him. Instead I’m going with Return Ticket at 7/1, who won the contest last year. He was off a mark of 137 last year and is a pound lower this time around. Conditions will suit and can provide some stiff competition to the short-priced favourite.

    2:25 – Scottish Champion Hurdle – Soaring Glory @ 11/2 (General)

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    A competitive contest, made more competitive thanks to it being a limited handicap. Colonel Mustard is the favourite, but he can be taken on due the handicap nature of the race. Soaring Glory doesn’t look fantastic on recent form, but his last winning mark was 143. He had a good run in the 2022 Betfair Hurdle, and has raced only twice since. The mark should pay dividends and conditions won’t be a problem. Milkwood, who won the 2021 edition, is 4lbs lower than her win in this race and presents the each-way value.

    3:00 – Future Champion Novices’ Chase – Balco Coastal @ 9/4 (William Hill)

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    Balco Coastal has been there or thereabouts this season, but the form from the Scilly Isles has, just about, worked out. The Grade One hopes haven’t worked out, so this seems to be more to his level Three pounds better than the next best at 150, he’s the one to beat. Telmesomethinggirl, for me, is overpriced with her weight allowance. She’s used to racing against other mares, but may just sneak into the placings ahead of Thunder Rock.

    3:35 – SCOTTISH GRAND NATIONAL – Your Own Story @ 7/1 (General)

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    Monbeg Genius and Kitty’s Light have been fancied for this race for a long time, but I think they can be opposed. Lucinda Russell and Derek Fox won the Grand National last week, and I fancy them to do the double with Your Own Story. Marathon runners are the ones to side with, and Your Own Story loves a big trip. Won a marathon race at Wetherby, and nearly won one at Haydock last time out. The handicapper has been kind raising him 4lbs, and makes him very light in the weights. He’s the one for me at 7/1.

    Manothepeople for Fergal O’Brien, who’s had a stellar season, is also one who’s been hammered in. Was around 25/1 in the week, has halved in price to 12/1 generally. He’s had a great novice season, and looks to be a marathon runner for the future. I’ve seen his two wins at Chepstow in person, and he was very eye-catching. The weight makes him appealing to back, and there’s 14/1 prices available, with BetUK.

    Half Shot could do something at a massive price. The race that catches the eye was his run at Kelso last month, finishing a head behind Bill Baxter. Bill Baxter franked the form at Aintree, the third has finished second and won on its next two starts. Fourth finished second next time out, and the fifth won on her next start. And Half Shot finished second in his next race, but was 8-and-a-half-lengths clear of the rest. His mark may have inflated, but he could deliver some good prize money for a yard who have had a terrible time of late. 50/1, with Betfred, is worth a small each-way tickle.

    The very best of luck!

  • 14/1 Scottish Grand National Tip: Ante-post analysis

    14/1 Scottish Grand National Tip: Ante-post analysis

    This weekend sees us go from Aintree to Ayr as we turn our attention to a Scottish rendition of the Grand National, a race brilliantly won last year by Christian Williams’ Win My Wings.

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    After the high-drama issues and performances both on and off the track over the weekend at horse racing’s biggest singular day, the Scottish Grand National homes into view to draw our attention away from the regular debates occurring between us and those of an opposing view.

    With that being said, I have three horses at 6/1, 14/1, and 14/1 to highlight for BestofBets.com that are set to run in Scotland on Saturday.

    Let’s dive in.

     

    Sailing to success

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    My first fancy for the weekend comes in the Novices’ Champion Handicap Chase and I’ll be taking a swing at Dan Skelton’s SAIL AWAY at 6/1 to continue his progression.

    Having finished second when giving six pounds away to the future two-time Ultima winner and Grand National successor, Corach Rambler, in October 2021, this gallant grey looks like he’ll relish a good three miles at a course that promotes precise jumping, something Sail Away has locked down.

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    When receiving his correct conditions of better ground and three miles, the Martaline gelding has finished second to Dusart in a novice chase at Leicester, third in a competitive handicap chase at Aintree, and easily won a three-runner Warwick contest.

    His second to Jetoile last time out reads well considering it was over the wrong distance on slow ground and that run last month should have him 100% for Ayr on Saturday.

    At 6/1, taking into account the horses he has run into and the performances he has consistently been putting in for nearly two years, Sail Away looks like a solid proposition in the second race of the day.

     

    The former champion is back

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    I’m going to the Scottish Champion Hurdle at 2:25 for the second ante-post fancy of the weekend and it looks to be a very competitive field thanks to Colonel Mustard, Nemean Lion, and Iceo.

    Before I give my fancy, I think ANNA BUNINA at 8/1 has got a good chance. She has constantly been improving from her win in this race last year and back on better ground, her form with Gaelic Warrior and Queens Brook reads well off a mark of 142.

    However, it’s the 2021 champion MILKWOOD who gets the nod from me at 14/1.

    He pulled up on his last start in the County Hurdle on ground that wouldn’t have been too favourable and with the surface set to be quick enough on Saturday, he should get his correct conditions.

    Neil Mulholland’s nine-year-old won this race two years ago off a four-pound higher mark and was a not-too-distant fifth in the 2022 renewal of the contest off a 12-pound higher mark.

    He has been performing well this season and looked to be going well in the competitive Swinton Handicap Hurdle at Haydock in May before falling two-out, so at a course he seems to thrive off, on ground that will be suitable, and with a workable handicap mark, 14/1 seems a reasonable price for this former winner.

     

    A Steel of a price

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    And finally, following his victory over Coral Gold Cup victor Le Milos last time out, EMPIRE STEEL is the horse for me in the feature race of the weekend, the Scottish Grand National, at 14/1.

    I always thought this horse was waiting to land a big handicap event so to see him win a Listed race when beating the Dan Skelton runner at Kelso when seven pounds wrong at the weights was surprising, however, the handicapper has potentially let him off with one by only raising him four pounds for the effort.

    This gallant grey was second to the useful Potterman in March 2022 off a one-pound higher mark in a race that was run over 3m2f on good ground; he kept on at the finish that day which shows promise that he could handle a marathon trip on decent ground.

    Furthermore, not too long ago, this nine-year-old beat Protektorat in a novice chase at Kelso in the same year that he fell at the fourth-last in the 2021 Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby when clearly going the best.

    Empire Steel is in the best form of his life and off a mark of 145, he is capable of producing a career-best effort when he needs it the most.

  • The Grand National 2023: My First Five Home

    The Grand National 2023: My First Five Home

    All this week has been building up for this moment. 40 horses, 30 fences, 10 minutes. The wildest, most exhilarating, most watched race in the world is back. The Grand National. Everyone will have their own picks, from the colour of the silks, to one with a good name, it’s a lottery. Here are my five picks for the national, that I think will come home the strongest.

    MAIN PICK: DIOL KER – 80/1

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    I have had my eye on this horse for a while now. The more I read into him, the more I think he’s got a shot of finishing in, at least, the top five. His run in the Grand National trial wasn’t great, but it seemed he needed it softer. Bottomless ground is his forte, and the ground should be soft on Saturday for him. That soft ground form, and the big distance he’ll run says he will stay for the whole trip. Noel Meade, the trainer, hasn’t also said that the track at Aintree will suit better than Punchestown. He has national experience, winning the Leinster National in 2022 off a mark of 137. He’s off 149, but his weight is under 11st, which is always a good sign for a debutant in the National.

    NEXT BEST: CORACH RAMBLER – 10/1

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    He’s been antepost for such a long-time, and only was backed out of favouritism on Friday morning. But that doesn’t take away how good this horse is. Two Ultima chases, which was where the winner came from last year, and his relentless staying power makes him a fan favourite. Derek Fox will have to ride him to a career best to win the race, as usually he’s held up from the back, and sometimes you’d like to be a bit closer to the front in the National. Too far out the back can often leave you outpaced. But Corach Rambler knows his race tactics, and could deliver a performance similar to his 2022 Ultima win. Out the back at halfway, and stays on late in the day to win. The whole of Scotland will cheer on Corach Rambler in Liverpool on Saturday.

    RANK OUTSIDER: ESCARIA TEN – 100/1

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    His mark might not look interesting, but then you look at his weight and suddenly it makes for a bit more appeal. 1lb lower mark than last year, but 5lbs lower in the weights than last year, may make up for his ninth placed finish. He got round the course fine, but cracked at the second last and wandered over the line. The relaxing in the weights makes a bit more appeal, and after his debut he’ll know his way round that bit better. Gordon Elliott was tight-lipped, but said he goes better over longer trips. He’s right, in a way. He finished second as a novice in the 3m 6F National Hunt Cup and likes testing ground, showing that he is an outright stayer. His weight makes appeal for him to cross the line, and finish the race better than he did last year, for me.

    PINSTICKER: THE BIG BREAKAWAY – 40/1

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    If you know nothing about the National, or any of the 40 horses, then this horse might make appeal. He finished second in the Welsh National this year, which is always a good sign. A horse that has competed in Nationals, or longer trips, always perform well in the National. He pulled up last toe, but that could be due the big weight he was given to carry that day. In the national he’s carrying a stone less than he did at Cheltenham, and remains at the same mark of 151. A big distance and a player on soft ground, Joe Tizzard can go one better than his father and win the Grand National.

    EMOTIONAL ENDING: GALVIN – 20/1

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    Last year, Sam Wahley-Cohen announced he was leaving the saddle 24 hours before he was due to ride Noble Yeats. 24 hours later he won the Grand National on Noble Yeats. And history could repeat itself. Davy Russell announced a shock retirement on a mundane Sunday at Thurles. Jack Kennedy then broke his leg at Naas, prompting the two-time Grand National winner to come out of retirement until the end of the season. In what should be his last Grand National ride, he rides Galvin. He put in a sterling effort to finish behind Delta Work in the Cross-Country at Cheltenham, which has been a go to race for winners of this race. He seems to have the make-up of a National horse, but given that it his debut he doesn’t have a better jockey on board to win with than Davy Russell.

    Whoever you are on this Grand National the very best of luck!

    Why not check out my selections for the other races on Day Three! Click the link here

    All prices are with William Hill – Official Betting Partner of the Grand National.

  • Aintree Grand National Festival Day 3: Selections and Naps

    Aintree Grand National Festival Day 3: Selections and Naps

    Day Two was an each-way and places affair, but Inthepocket provided some good win money for Best of Bet’s viewers. Now it’s the big day. Grand National Day. Where the whole nation will have a flutter on 40 horses, jumping 30 fences in 10 minutes.

    Just to note, I’ve written a special preview of my Grand National picks, which you can find by clicking on the link here.

    NAP: DASHEL DRASHER – Liverpool Hurdle – 8/1

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    This race looks as competitive as the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. Which inclines me to go with Dashel Drasher. A fantastic run for second, he hasn’t finished outside the top two since November 2021, only being pulled up once. The ground won’t be a problem, and he is the fourth highest-rated horse. He has plenty of form in the book to overturn his anguish at Cheltenham last time out. His Aintree record is a first and second, and can add another one or two to his record on Saturday.

    E/W BET: Monmiral – Liverpool Hurdle – 16/1

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    Monmiral hasn’t been the best over fences, and this feel like the right decision from Paul Nicholls. But don’t forget who he’s come up behind. Jonbon on his debut, The Real Whacker on New Year’s Day and Gerri Colombe in the Scilly Isles’. If you want to look for Grade One form, you’ve found it with Monmrial. And don’t forget, he is a Grade One winner over hurdles, at Aintree. This is over much further and in better company. But he hasn’t come to this race for nothing. Plus, Harry Cobden has had a brilliant week in the big races.

    Handicap Best: West Balboa – Village Hotels Handicap Hurdle – 7/1

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    West Balboa missed Cheltenham, which was a surprise for some. She comes here after narrowly winning the Lanzarote at Kempton. She goes well on soft ground, and the step up in trip won’t bother her. The Skelton’s have been unlucky this week, and whilst they’ll want Le Milos to win the big one at 5:15, she should provide a nice appetiser in the second race.

    Another I like is Erne River. He disappointed at Haydock, but has had a layoff and should get his ground. He’s quite high in the handicap, and has never won off a mark higher than 136. That being said, he’s always been placed. A nice couple of seconds to his name off a higher mark, makes for a good each-way appeal.

    Glimpse of Gala is way down the prices after blowing out at the Cheltenham Festival, but Bradley Roberts is back on her and claiming 7lbs. Her last appearance at Aintree resulted in a narrow second off a mark of 123, with Roberts claiming eight. Roberts’ claim, off a mark of 136, puts her down to 129, which she can more than manage. Ground is also perfect for her.

    All prices are William Hill – Official Betting Partner of the Grand National

    Selections:

    13:45 – Calico (W/O Jonbon)

    14:25 – WEST BALBOA (Erne River & Glimpse of Gala e/w)

    15:00 – Hermes Allen (Irish Point e/w)

    15:35 – DASHEL DRASHER (NAP) (MONMIRAL E/W)

    16:15 – Shakem Up’Arry (Kinondo Kwetu & Castle Robin e/w)

    17:15 – THE GRAND NATIONAL

    18:20 – Pour Les Filles (Go To War e/w)

    The very best of luck!

  • Aintree Grand National Festival Day 2: Selections and Naps

    Aintree Grand National Festival Day 2: Selections and Naps

    Day One was one of the best days of tipping. Two favourites kicked us off, an unlucky second in the third. Two blanks and then a big win in the handicap! Let’s continue that trend as we head onto Ladies’ Day at Aintree. Here’s the day two preview for Best of Bets

    NAP: FAKIR D’OUDAIRIES – Melling Chase – 9/4

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    Fakir D’oudaires will be back to his best on Friday, I’m certain. His Ascot Chase defence wasn’t great, and Joseph O’Brien has opted for the first time cheekpieces. With Shishkin back to his best yesterday, the form is franked. Pic D’Orhy is an interesting second fav, but pulled up at Aintree last year which isn’t a great sign. With Joseph O’Brien on the card, and a sterling week for one JP McManus, Fakir holds all the aces for Friday’s feature.

    E/W BET: Rubaud – Top Novices’ Hurdle – 20/1

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    A Grade Two winner, in good style, who has been purposefully aimed at this race since his Kempton win. Yes the form hasn’t worked out with Mullenbeg. But his rating is in the top 10 of the race. Four of the top 10 rated horses missed Cheltenham, including Rubaud. Good ground may be his preference, but the rain scheduled shouldn’t be a deluge and may work out for the Paul Nicholls second-string.

    Handicap Best: Gesskille – Topham Handicap Chase – 8/1

    Two runs over the big fences puts him at a massive advantage. Finishing close seconds each time puts him at an even bigger advantage. Despite his last run, his rating of 140 is perfect. He’s been treated well in the weights and puts him in a great position to turn the tide.

    National fence experience is key, and only few have competed over them. One of them is Al Dancer, who nosed off Gesskille in the Grand Sefton. He’s been kept fresh for the race, which is always a good sign. His rating is quite high at 149, but he’s won off higher at 151. Double figure price is worth a decent each-way bet.

    A lot further down the prices is Fantastic Lady. She unseated in last year’s race off , 137 and goes off 4lbs higher this term, which isn’t too bad. Kept fresh since New Year’s Day at Cheltenham, she should have a better crack at it this time.

    All prices are William Hill – Official Betting Partner of the Grand National

    Selections:

    13:45 – Bronn

    14:20 – Dargiannini (Sonigino e/w)

    14:55 – Inthepocket (RUBAUD E/W)

    15:30 – FAKIR D’OUDAIRIES (NAP)

    16:05 – GESSKILLE (Al Dancer & Fantastic Lady e/w)

    16:40 – Stay Away Fay (Apple Away e/w)

    17:30 – Go Dante

    The very best of luck!