Good evening from the Major who writes from the house of a good friend, the night is long, the body weary. The evening weather is still and close, warm for the season, after some ale, the Major shall keep things brief.
The company of good friends can ease the minds worry and tonight has proven such, the valve opened, somewhere deep in the system, the central boiler gives a command, through the lengthy network of pipes, steam hisses, anxiety is distributed, the pressure releases. Wonderful.
For once I feel tired and so few thoughts spill from my mind for your delectation, I have less time to regale you with tales of Victorian military adventure; tonight you receive less, than usual, glimpse of my dark mind, the vortex is sealed. This is probably not a bad thing. Just have a healthy day.
The Thursday Aintree card was a triumph, Friday, a dog. The Grand National is laid before us… courage, hold your nerve, still now, be still, wait, I will release the order in time, until then, keep that finger still and your shoulder tight, feeling the warmth of your brother in arms.
To the Grand National Card:
Saturday Aintree Tips
The opening novice hurdle is a challenge, the Supreme form is starting to look superior with Josses Hill and Sargeant Reckless clear of the rest; this could be a frightening prediction of the sheer excellence of Vautour, let us hope a new national hunt star is born. Wilde Blue Yonder was in the chasing pack and is booked for a place here you would think. Lac Fontana was relentless if not spectacular as a winner of the county and while this trip might be suitable, he needs a test and I do not trust that he is the best horse.
I did like Volnay de Thaix who was an impressive winner in handicap company last time, has some nicely tied form with Iriving and is proven on the ground. However, yesterday, I liked the chances of Tistory for the same connections but ignored the fact that Barry Geraghty had voted against and I face the same issue here. Once bitten. I am following Geraghty and picking Oscar Hoof who can be sniffed at 11/2 in a few places.
Trifolium ran well in the Arkle, a race in which a few eyebrows were raised on the entrant Ted Veale, that proved a good entry as he ran well. However, I make a strong case for Hinterland. He was rerouted to the Champion Chase after the defection of Sprinter Sacre and against that better company he was performing with credit before parting company with the rider. Balder Succes rates a danger but I am lumpy on this one.
In the stayers hurdle, At Fishers Cross gets a fine chance to take a Grade 1 but I am not currently a fan. He has suffered with back issues , as has the Major; allowing me to empathise with my equine friend. He has not looked as fluent at the obstacles and I attribute this to his physical issues. As such, if he were mine and allow me to offer this advice with the surety it deserves, as I am a far greater judge than his day to day work riders, jockey, trainer and owner who parted with real money to acquire him; he should be in a field, thinking about whether he goes chasing next year. Not for me.
The market has differing ideas about Whisper who can be backed at 13/2 and 4/1. There is a lot to like about the way this horse travels but I thought his winning effort in the Coral was both excellent and draining. Melodic Rendezvous surely needs heavy ground, which leaves me the uncomfortable choice of Zarkander a general 3/1 shot. I am not the biggest fan to be honest but as Holmes suggests, eliminate the impossible…
Holywell has done a lot of advertising for the chances of Victor Hewgo – I would not put anyone off but feel we can find some value. Unioniste has an excellent course record and I prefer that one of the two at the top of the market. Yet while he won his only start on good, he is one from four on good to soft and I am not convinced that this rattling surface is ideal. I am out on a limb though and backing 25/1 (Sportingbet) shot Our Mick who is in excellent hands to overcome a period in the doldrums and at least has been targeted at this race.
I am not a national fan, read the post two back to see my view but I am abstaining on this piece of tradition. Good luck to you if you play, my own position is weak and hypocritical but alas.
When I ponder the unlucky ones in the festival such as Calipto and The New One; Katgary is in the same file. He was almost bought to a standstill before rallying home and failing only by a whisker. Get on at 3s.
I went to the Grand National meeting a few years back and had no joy all day. Being part of a group of chaps who were planning a full frontal assault on the delights of Liverpool city centre that evening, I felt bad that I had provided them no additional ammunition. One uncouth gentlemen in the group had been betting under his own steam and had made a couple of pounds and had the vulgarity to gloat. Thankfully, we loaded up the kitty again and had an on the nose bet on the bumper winner, Steps to Freedom who had a superb Carberry special to come scorching wide and late to win at 12/1. Our £100 had been secured at 14s after an extensive walk up and down the pitches, there were scenes.
There is going to be some pace in this and I am backing Ballybolley who is OK with the good ground, if he is a shade of the last Twiston Davies Aintree bumper winner, The New One, we are in luck.
In the football, Man City are a snip at 4/11, that should be in the acca, Wolves are 7/10, that should be a founding block too. Too add the spice, QPR at 21/10.
The Martin Hill bet is an each way trixie (weak I know) on Oscar Hoof, Hinterland and Katgary.
Courage and roll those dice.
UK Horseracing Tips - The Major 