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Remind me next time

Of course the big betting attraction for punters today is the Crabbie’s Grand National (see my preview) and as usual on a Saturday, Angus Loughran will deal with the Channel Four races. This enables me to peruse the other cards and be more selective and pick out my best bets on Saturday as you can read below.

Aintree Tips –

5.10 – Aintree – The majority of the races on Grand National day will be no betting affairs as the best wagers are away from Liverpool, but this ultra-competitive handicap hurdle does interest me.

I was happy, but left slightly disappointed by the runs of Utopie Des Bordes and Spirit of Shankly in the finale on Thursday. The former ran really well as I expected and I traded out low, I hope you did as well, but Noel Fehily’s ride on the latter was below par. Maybe with a doubt over the trip he rode him too conservatively and I am sure he would have been in the four with a more positive ride.

John Quinn won this race last year with the progressive Cockney Sparrow and I have a feeling that he has aimed KASHMIR PEAK at this race all season.

An above average juvenile before a poor run in the Triumph Hurdle, his run behind Thomas Hobson on the flat at Doncaster last backend confirmed he handles a softer surface and he has run well on the flat on the sand this winter. Now 2lbs lower than when disappointing in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham, sent off a well fancied 12/1 shot that day, I expect him to make his presence felt in this competitive field.

If the rains come I am not sure it will suit Leviathan so bigger dangers to our each-way pick could be former classy novice Vasco du Ronceray and Roman Flight, the latter staying on strongly behind Kudu Country last time out at Haydock Park.

BET NOW - KASHMIR PEAK

Lingfield Tips –

4.45 – Lingfield – This valuable seven furlong handicap could represent the best each-way bet of the day if at least eight of the nine declared runners stand their ground.

Purcell will have to defy top weight and a new mark of 91 to follow up his course and distance win. He is respected as he only seems to just do enough to win. Talented Kid turns out quickly after blowing the cobwebs away in midweek, while Stonefield Flyer returned to form last time out, but I am keen to give the enigmatic BORN TO SURPRISE another chance. The five-year-old has moved onto Lee Carter this season and considering the deep ground and a galloping eight furlongs I think is beyond him, he wasn’t totally disgraced finishing in midfield in the Spring Mile.

Down to a handicap mark of 85, as low as he has been in his short career and back to his optimum distance, he could run a massive race if Amir Quinn can get him covered up off a fast pace and deliver him late. I know there isn’t much margin for error with the five-year-old but he is capable of going close here if everything falls into place for him.   

BET NOW – BORN TO SURPRISE (e/w)

Wolverhampton Tips –

5.50 – Wolverhampton – This struck me as the most interesting race on the twilight/evening card at the Dunstall Park track and a really good opportunity for POINT NORTH to deservedly return to the winner’s enclosure here again.

A good second behind course specialist Powerful Pierre in February, the selection just didn’t have the run of the race last time out when having to race wide, switch inside and then not quite get to Go Far in the closing stages just over two weeks ago. This if anything looks a slightly easier race with the penalised Cadmium Loch grabbed by the handicapper and Top Cop arguably a better horse on turf.

The biggest danger could come from Haadeeth, a victim of his own consistency from a handicapping point of view and set to hit the frame again at the very least.

BET NOW – POINT NORTH