Tips – Page 2 – Hawkinsport

Haydock Group 1 Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes Verdict

Possible Bets

To Win

Minzaal

Verdict

MINZAAL gets the pick here after an impressive performance finishing a respectable second to Highfield Princess in the Arc Prix Maurice De Gheest late last month. The winner went on to win another group one in the Nunthorpe at York in simplistic fashion. When the two met at Deauville, Minzaal had to come from further back in the field and still managed to gain many lengths on the eventual winner, before being held in the last half-furlong. Ultimately the places don’t look too defined here, and a straight win seems the best pick as Minzaal’s recent form stands out. He has been a consistent performer, only finishing outside of the top three once in his career. NAVAL CROWN also finished behind Highfield Princess in France where he finished fifth. He tried to go with the winner when she initially broke from the pack and appeared to lose stamina in the closing stages. The rest of the pack mounted a later challenge and a few horses unexpectedly overtook him. Rohaan was one of those late challengers who finished ahead of Charlie Appleby’s horse, but he hasn’t been as consistent as Naval Crown in group one company and subsequently finished seventh in the Nunthorpe. GO BEARS GO was disappointing in his last group one contest at Ascot in the Commonwealth Cup. However, he has since placed second behind Minzaal in the group three Hackwood Stakes and won the group three Phoenix Sprint Stakes at Curragh. His recent form includes a promising run, finishing second behind the predicted winner here and his front-running style could see him make up the places.

My Picks: Ebor Meeting Day 4 & Sandown

14:05 Sandown – JRL Group Atalanta Stakes (Group 3) – Fonteyn – Win

THIS horse already boasts listed winning form ahead of the favourite for this race, Grande Dame. Fonteyn showed honesty in the final two furlongs, fending off the challenge of Grande Dame when they met at York in May. Grande Dame has possibly earned favouritism here by beating Oscula in a listed race at this course over the distance of a mile. This came after she finished a disappointing 11^th of 12 in the group one Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. Oscula has since gone on to win at group three level twice so it is entirely possible Grande Dame could win here. Fonteyn on the other hand finished fourth in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood last month. This was a promising run in a group one contest over a mile and one furlong. This would suggest she has the stamina to make it up the hill at Sandown over a mile and she coped better at group one level. What didn’t help her in that run is she didn’t settle well in the first furlong but considering the level of the competition fourth was impressive. Being a three-year-old filly, Fonteyn also carries six pounds less than the majority of the field, who arguably have worse form.

15:00 York – Sky Bet City Of York Stakes (Group 2) – Pogo – Each Way

AT the time of writing, Pogo makes for great value each way and if the weather forecast is correct he will get preferred conditions of good or quicker here. He will face the likes of Sandrine and Jumby who have finished ahead of him in his two previous outings, both being group two contests. Sandrine was carrying ten pounds less than Pogo at Goodwood last month and only beat him by just over a neck. With the weight difference eight pounds in her favour this time, Pogo might be able to reverse the form. Jumby’s victory in the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury last week was more convincing and it saw Pogo finish out of the places. He has however placed in group two contests four times in his career, twice over the distance of seven furlongs and even placed third in the group one Prix D’ispahan in July 2020. He is a front-runner who fights hard to hold his position in the late stages and has proved he can challenge at this level. He could be in the picture again here and a placing would be enough to see returns.

16:45 York – Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed) – Rocket Rodney

ROCKET Rodney steps back down in class to listed level after a special performance by Trillium denied him a group three success at Goodwood in the Molecomb. he led two furlongs from home and was unlucky to face an incredible turn of foot by the eventual winner to overtake him. George Scott’s runner still finished second and he is the only horse in this field who has had success at listed level. That earns Rocket Rodney a three pound penalty he should be able to overturn. He is also straightforward for a sprinter and is normally well behaved before races, which would explain why he has been first in the stalls in his last two races. This is a small detail but very important at York as it is easy for temperamental runners can get too worked up on their way to post. This is a field of two-year-old sprinters and this could be an important factor.

My Picks: York Ebor Meeting Day 3 Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes Verdict

Predicted Finish

Possible Bets

To Win Or Each Way

Highfield Princess

Tricasts

1st Highfield Princess

2nd Raasel, Khaadem, Royal Aclaim

3rd Raasel, Khaadem, Royal Aclaim – 6 Combinations.

HIGHFIELD PRINCESS is fresh off the back of a very impressive group one victory in the Arc Prix Maurice De Gheest at Deauville earlier this month. There, she beat Naval Crown and Perfect Power who have both won at group one level, with group three winners Minzaal and Garrus making up the places. She steps down in trip to five furlongs here. RAASEL was last seen finishing in second place behind KHAADEM in the group two King George Qatar Stakes at Goodwood last month. This form could easily be reversed, as Raasel made impressive progress late on after being short of room and reduced a gap of three lengths to only a neck on the line. ROYAL ACLAIM should also be in the picture. She is unbeaten in three starts and won a listed race at York in July. She will carry two pounds less than Highland Princess and five pounds less than Raasel and Khaadem. This does represent a big jump up in class and that is why she is included here but not to win, but she appears to have a lot of ability. Highfield Princess offers some value at the time of writing and works each way, while the other three mentioned will make up the places in the tricasts. The different combinations offer some cover as all three are good runners and it could be very competitive for the places.

My Picks: York Ebor Meeting Day 2

13:50 York – Sky Bet Lowther Stakes (Fillies’ Group 2) – Dramatised

KARL Burke’s unbeaten two-year-old filly shone bright two months ago when she ran out an impressive winner of the group 2 Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot. This was a field with 21 runners and quality in depth, with the likes of Love Reigns finishing in behind, and could be considered on par with the field that ran in the Albany Stakes where Mawj finished second. Mawj is the other runner here that receives a 3lb penalty for winning a group two at Newmarket last month but I believe Dramatised has the edge on form and is the rightful favourite here.

15:35 York – Darley Yorkshire Oaks (Fillies’ & Mares’ Group 1) – Alpinista

THIS Frankel filly ran out an impressive winner of the Grand Prix Saint-Cloud last month in France. She travelled brilliantly in a class field featuring multiple winners at group level, including Hurricane Land and Lone Eagle, before accelerating impressively to pass her rivals. This victory lengthened her win streak to an impressive six and now Sir Mark Prescott’s mare returns to British soil in search of another group one win. Her main rivals include French raider Raclette who is fresh from a group two win at ParisLongchamp, Epsom Oaks winner Tuesday and Irish Oaks winner Magical Lagoon. She won’t have preferred conditions here with no rain forecast but providing the ground doesn’t firm up she should be able to show her class again here.

Forecast Pick

1st Alpinista

2nd Magical Lagoon

With both likely to be in the picture, Magical Lagoon and Tuesday appear easily interchangeable for second place and is a decision that boils down to personal preference. Considering that Tuesday’s previous effort in fourth in the Irish Derby was a bold attempt to take on the colts, it can easily be seen as a more competitive race than the Irish Oaks Magical Lagoon won, explaining the worse placing . Tuesday’s Oaks winning form means she finished ahead of Concert Hall, a horse that beat Magical Lagoon in her first run of the season in a close finish. Magical Lagoon gets my pick here however, with my preference for the horse who won in her previous run and appears to be an improving filly who has battling qualities late on. She is yet to have finished outside the top two this season and she might be a bit fresher than Tuesday who has taken on such grand tasks throughout the season already.

Aintree Grand National Festival: Grand National Day 3 Tips

14:25 – Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – Walking On Air

This horse was last seen winning a novices’ hurdle at Newbury, pulling away emphatically and was a similar path Nicky Henderson’s star two miler, Shishkin, took in 2020. This horse however, gave Cheltenham a miss so goes into this race fresh and will get good ground which can only benefit his speed. He will face tough competition from multiple graded winners with more form to reference. Nicky Henderson said he missed Cheltenham because he wasn’t ready and is a “big baby” but he could be anything. This horse is fresh and appeared to have excellent finishing speed last time out and could be a lightly raced, quality horse.

15:00 – Poundland Maghull Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) – Edwardstone

Edwardstone is the reigning Arkle winner and has been the star novice two miler this season. Currently on an unbeaten run of five wins, with four at graded level, this horse has shown exceptional consistency all season. His trainer Alan King has said he has no concerns ahead of the race after giving the horse a two month break after Christmas. He already holds form where he finished ahead of For Pleasure and Third Time Lucki who run here. The most threatening rival here is Gentleman De Mee but he doesn’t have the leading form claims of Alan King’s stable star. This is a great chance for him to complete a rare Cheltenham-Aintree double.

15:35 – JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) – Thyme Hill

Thyme Hill won last year’s renewal of this race and comes into this race as a very respectable runner-up of the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last month. With the likes of Clan Des Obeaux, Ahoy Senor and Fakir D’oudairies all claiming victory so far at the festival, course and festival form is at a premium. If Flooring Porter turns up at his best the reigning Stayers’ Hurdle champion will take some beating, but he can be quirky and Thyme Hill only has about 3 lengths to make up based on the Cheltenham form. He also has form ahead of many of the runners here, from last year’s renewal of this race and the Stayers’ at Cheltenham.

16:15 – Betway Handicap Chase (Grade 3) – Killer Kane

This horse has made five starts this season but has won both starts since the application of a tongue-tie in February. He was last seen achieving a career best by winning a listed success at Sandown last month. He comes into the race carrying the 2^nd lowest weight in the race and the jumping test at Aintree will suit this horse if his last run was anything to go by. He faces tough opposition in winner at grade one level Shan Blue, but he will be carrying 1 stone 3lbs more than Colin Tizzard’s runner and is winless since Boxing Day last year. Shan Blue has been competing at a higher level than this horse, but this horse showed a lot of promise at Sandown. He also has a win over the three mile trip which makes this horse less of an unknown quantity.

Randox Health Grand National Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

Longhouse Poet

This horse made a good impression when winning an ungraded event at Gowran Park in January. Escaria Ten, Death Duty, Coko Beach, Brahma Bull and Class Conti all finished in behind and all run here. His best results have come over long distances, having run twice over trips that were three miles one furlong and he won both. He will carry 11lbs more than Death Duty here who is a well fancied runner for Gordon Elliott but the winning margin when they last met was over 20 lengths in this horse’s favour whilst 6lbs worse off in the weights. Longhouse Poet also has form ahead of Run Wild Fred, another fancied runner, in a beginners chase in December 2020. Longhouse Poet has had two months off the racecourse and will be relatively fresh. His last run he finished a disappointing 7^th of nine runners in the Boyne Hurdle at Navan. This is a race that Tiger Roll often won in the build up to the Grand National and although he lost, this will have acted as a good prep-run for Martin Brassil’s runner. The return to a longer trip and fences will suit his strengths and he is in with a great chance in the big one.

18:20 – Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open NH Flat Race (Grade 2) – Henri The Second

This horse was last seen winning a listed NH flat race at Ascot in December. The race produced two smart winners in Authorised Speed and Top Dog, with many of the others finishing in the places in their following races. Paul Nicholls has kept this horse fresh with a three month lay off. Paul Nicholls told Betfair that he could be his best chance on the day but has stated that if the ground gets too good it could be a worry. Henri The Second has followed the same path this season as Nicholls’ Knappers Hill, who completed the hattrick last season and this horse has a good chance of emulating that success.

Aintree Grand National Festival: Day 2 Tips

13:45 – 20 Years Together, Alder Hey & Aintree Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) – Cobblers Dream

Moved to Ben Case’s yard for £85,000 and won his first start for new connections in September last year. Cobblers Dream has made six starts over hurdles this season, not once finishing outside the top three and, more recently, won the listed Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle at Kempton. He then went on to be runner-up in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham and these two results have shown smart speed in the closing stages in fields with lots of runners. The runner-up in the Lanzarote, Highway One O Two, also runs here and there will be a swing of 11lbs in the weights between these two. However, the speed of this horse proved too much for Highway One O Two late on and the subsequent run at Cheltenham showed this horse has good stamina. He should be able to defy the rise in weight and is still 5lbs below his rating thanks to his jockey Jack Andrews.

14:20 – Betway Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – Jonbon

This horse comes to Aintree after a distant 2^nd in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle behind the impressive Constitution Hill. This was a high class renewal and it was run at an incredible pace, with the winner looking to be something special. This horse does boast two graded successes so far this season. His trainer Nicky Henderson has said that he has the stamina to go two and a half miles, but ultimately has the speed to stay over two miles here. He also said better ground would suit, but this horse is a classy traveller and he claimed some impressive scalps in the Supreme despite not winning the race. He should be able to shine again in the absence of his talented stablemate.

14:55 – Betway Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) – Bravemansgame

Paul Nicholls’ star staying novice gave Cheltenham a miss last month, after some rain saw the going description change to heavy for the Brown Advisory. Having been kept fresh for Aintree, he should be in top shape to face three classy rivals from the division. L’homme Presse ran out the emphatic winner for Venitia Williams at Cheltenham and will run again here. Bravemansgame is undefeated in four runs over fences, including a grade one victory in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton in December. There he beat an exciting prospect in the Lucinda Russell trained Ahoy Senor, who runs again here after finishing 2^nd to L’homme Presse at Cheltenham. Paul Nicholls’ runner is an exceptional jumper and travels powerfully and this should see him through in such high company. Nicholls has stated that his runner’s freshness is a bonus here, one that his opponents don’t have after all running at last month’s festival.

15:30 – Marsh Chase (Grade 1) – Funambule Sivola

This horse has impressed this season by winning the grade two Game Spirit Chase at Newbury, before finishing a very credible runner-up in the Champion Chase last month. Despite being more than 8 lengths behind eventual winner Energumene, the remainder of a classy field was well strung out and this horse kept on well to the line. A touch of rain won’t hurt his chances and this horse is a likeable, reliable type. Last season only finished 3^1/2 lengths behind multiple winner at graded level and Nicky Henderson’s star two miler Shishkin. With the absence of both Shishkin and Energumene, this could be an excellent chance for this horse to shine. He faces Fakir D’oudairies who is fresh of the back of a grade one success at Ascot, but he took his time to see off Two For Gold who runs in the Grand National tomorrow. Joseph O’Brien’s charge isn’t without a chance, but this to me would suggest his turn of foot isn’t unbeatable. Funambule Sivola has the Champion Chase form behind him and his fighting spirit in the finish could prove to be a big problem.

16:05 – Randox Topham Handicap Chase (Grade 3) – Killer Clown

Since the application of a tongue tie in January, this horse has notched up two victories in three starts including a handicap at Kempton 19 days ago. He finished well ahead of smart types in Pistol Whipped and a fading Diego Du Charmil. He progressed through the field during the race ticking off opponents one by one which is a useful trait to have in a field with so many runners over the Aintree fences. Despite being 7^th in the weights he will carry nearly a stone less than some of the prominent Irish runners. He also has better form than some of those lower in the weights, thanks to that Kempton success. After that race his trainer, Emma Lavelle stated that good ground is crucial to his chances and there is no rain forecast with the ground currently good-soft.

16:40 – Cavani Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – Banbridge

Horses that complete the Cheltenham – Aintree double are a rarity, but this horse might be able to do it. He won the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle, seeing off winner at listed level Cobblers Dream by a length and a half. He did so while carrying 1lb more than his rival and here he will be on level terms with his rivals, making it a case of who is the best horse. He ran emphatically through the finish line, a positive sign he could step up to three miles with success here. He faces the likes of grade one winner Green Book, who hasn’t reproduced that form in two more recent runs, and one of those was at Cheltenham. Sam Thomas’ Skytastic also looks an exciting prospect, but Banbridge finished ahead of more proven runners than those found in Skytastic’s form.

Aintree Grand National Festival: Day 1 Tips

13:45 – Super Alloys Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) – Gin On Lime

The Henry De Bromhead trained Irish raider was last seen in a memorable novices’ chase at Cheltenham in November. Gin On Lime was head to head with winner up to grade one over hurdles, My Drogo, when both effectively fell, clearing the fence but losing their footing on landing. This horse sprawled on landing and Rachael Blackmore sat brilliantly to stay on claiming victory. My Drogo still provided a good standard acid test and this horse was on terms before the incident. Otherwise, this horse has quite a prolific record with five wins from eight starts over fences, including a grade three. In that grade three she reversed form ahead of another winner at graded level, Fan De Blues, and beat the Mullins trained runner by 12 lengths. The absence of undulations at Aintree will lower the chances of another error like we saw at Cheltenham. Opponents include grade two winning Pic D’orhy who has two successes this term. It is arguable that My Drogo’s form over hurdles poses more quality than any horses in Pic D’orhy’s form. War Lord is also an interesting runner, but lacks grade-winning form, with his best effort 16 lengths 2^nd to eventual Arkle winner Edwardstone.

14:20 – Jewson Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) – Pied Piper

The Triumph Hurdle third and impressive juvenile Pied Piper is the heavy favourite here. he only finished 2^1/2 lengths behind the eventual winner Vauban, which is impressive in itself. However, he also won his maiden hurdle ahead of the Triumph Hurdle winner and had an impressive display at Cheltenham in January, which showed us that this horse can produce something special. The Triumph Hurdle form will surely prove better than the form Boodles Hurdle winner Brazil holds. This horse also has form ahead one of the more dangerous challengers this field has to offer in Knight Salute, who is a multiple winner at graded level this term.

Each-way mention – Knight Salute

Despite running a disappointing 9^th at Cheltenham, that was the first blemish on the record of this horse in six starts over hurdles. Given the class of the race it is nothing to be ashamed of and as mentioned before this horse has won multiple graded events this term. Available at 16/1 this is extremely generous considering what this horse has achieved. What runs well at Cheltenham doesn’t necessarily repeat at Aintree, due to only a month separating the two and the differing nature of the courses. Considering this horse didn’t perform last month in a tough race, he could put in a good bid for a place here.

14:55 – Betway Bowl Chase (Grade 1) – Royale Pagaille

This year’s Gold Cup 5^th won the grade two Peter Marsh Handicap Chase at Haydock in January, but that has been his only success this term. He has ran bravely in defeat, twice behind Gold Cup winning A Plus Tard and he couldn’t reach a vastly improved Eldorado Allen in the Denman Chase in February. Here he will get favoured soft conditions on a flat course with big jumps, perhaps recreating the conditions he often thrives in at Haydock. He will face tough competition in Dan Skelton’s runner and Gold Cup 3^rd Protektorat who could definitely come out on top here. He picked up the grade two Many Clouds Chase at Aintree in December where conditions were very soft. However, although a class field, the likes of Native River and Tiger Roll were arguably slightly past their best. Royale Pagaille only finished about a neck behind this horse in the Gold Cup, with conditions that suit Royale Pagaille could have a good chance here.

15:30 – Betway Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) – Epatante

This year’s Champion Hurdle runner-up kept on well behind Honeysuckle last month, only losing by just over 3 lengths. The 2020 Champion Hurdle winner will step up to a trip of 2^1/2 miles for the first time here and has looked to be near her best form this season. She showed class to fight for a dead-heat in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle last November in tough conditions, and claimed the grade one Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. Her trainer Nicky Henderson said in the build-up to Cheltenham that she was back to her best and her hurdling has been slick, which showed in the result. The likes of Zanahiyr ,who finished a length 3^rd behind this horse in the Champion Hurdle, and winner up to grade two Brewin’upastorm appear her biggest threats. However, in terms of graded results this horse is probably the most consistent performer in the field and has looked sharp so will take some beating.

16:05 – Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase – Latenightpass

Latenightpass came 2^nd in this race last season to shock 66/1 winner Cousin Pascal. He has won this term on heavy ground at Haydock, but was last seen pulled up at Cheltenham. Tom Ellis decided to skip Cheltenham in order to target this race after a season of point-to-point contests which has seen this horse win two and fall when two at in the other at Alnwick. Ellis has been happy with preparation despite that fall and the horse has had a wind op, leaving the horse in prime condition for his main target of the season.

16:40 – Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (Grade 3) – Frero Banbou

Venitia Williams’ charge finished 3^rd in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham last month, 6 lengths behind the eventual winner Global Citizen who runs here. Frero Banbou was delivered very late after initially struggling with the early pace. The winner carried 5lbs less than Frero Banbou, but here will be 1lb worse off than this horse and carry 10lbs more than he did in last month’s success. He finished a respectable 4^th in this race last season but reversed form with the winner Editeur Du Gite last month. He is likely to be delivered from off the pace again, with some rain forecast this should be a test of stamina and it is plausible these tactics will work here. Recent form and adjustments in the handicap see this horse in with a decent chance of making a big improvement here for an in form yard.

17:15 – Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (Grade 2) – Lady Excalibur

Rachael Blackmore takes the ride on this small and gutsy mare in her 4^th contest. She boasts two wins, with one at Aintree, and a brave effort at Uttoxeter in October that saw her finishing the quickest with the line coming too soon. She made her way around most of her rivals, having to come very wide and lost by less than a length, an unlucky finish. Her trainer Alan Jones said that the race didn’t suit her staying ability and turned into a sprint at the end but said his mare was unlucky to have lost her unbeaten tag. He is hopeful Blackmore in the saddle will benefit his mare and it would be a feel good success for a stable that only has 12 horses in training.

Racing Tips: Kempton and Fairyhouse 26 February 2022

13:50 Kempton – Coral Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) – Knight Salute

Unbeaten in four starts over hurdles this season, Knight Salute has been a star for Wiltshire-based trainer Milton Harris. He has won two races at grade two level so far, with the application of a hood working well from the very first start at the new yard. He won the Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham in November ahead of some promising types, before claiming his 2^nd grade one at Doncaster. This win was ahead of subsequent listed winner Impulsive One, who runs again here. This also confirmed form of a previous victory over Impulsive One at Kempton in October, giving this horse winning course form . He also beat Porticello, who recently picked up grade one success at Haydock. If there was an argument against the form, Porticello’s success was for less prize money than any of Knight Salute’s grade two wins, perhaps making for a less competitive field. The heavy conditions also suited him better than when he faced Knight Salute on good-soft. However, this is still form ahead of grade-level winners over hurdles that the rest of the field lacks and he justifies favouritism.

14:25 Kempton – Coral Pendil Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) – Pic D’orhy

With two wins from four starts this season, Pic D’orhy picked up grade two success over fences at Ascot in December. This came after his first attempt at graded success in this discipline crumbled with a bad fall when leading at Newbury. Millers Bank also unseated his rider in that race, something he would repeat in his most recent outing at Cheltenham. Pic D’orhy was last seen finishing a disappointing 3^rd in the grade one Scilly Isles Chase behind impressive winner L’Homme Presse. He kept on getting in close to the fences and in the closing stages wasn’t far off the winner going into the straight when he faded. The constantly changing undulations may have caused the otherwise good jumper issues, and trainer Paul Nicholls suggests the flatter course at Kempton should see improvement from him. The main threat in this race is Minella Drama who is coming off the back of a grade two success at Haydock on soft ground in January. He isn’t without a chance but the going here is going to be good with no rain forecast and that might just work in Pic D’orhy’s favour.

15:37 Kempton – Coral Trophy Handicap Chase (Grade 3) – Annsam

last seen claiming the listed Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase at Ascot, with Phoenix Way finishing four and a half lengths behind in 2^nd. On this occasion, the 6lb difference in weights carried by both horses will be the same as their previous meeting, working in Annsam’s favour. After defeat to this horse at Ascot, Phoenix Way went on to beat Venitia Williams trained Fanion D’estruval at Ascot. Williams’ runner was rated 159 by the handicapper, a mark that is higher than anything running in this race, even though the weights worked massively in Phoenix Way’s favour. A runner who isn’t without a chance is Our Power who runs for Welsh trainer Sam Thomas, who claimed an impressive double at Ascot last week. His horse has taken well to fences but would probably prefer softer going.

16:18 Fairyhouse – Tote Bobbyjo Chase (Grade 3) – Burrows Saint

Finished 4^th in last year’s Grand National. Burrows Saint hasn’t won since claiming an ungraded hurdle win at Punchestown in 2019. However, he has rarely been out of the places in the six runs since. He finished 2^nd in this race last year, and his latest run was a brave effort in 2^nd behind two time Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo. The grade three Savills Chase is Al Boum Photo’s regular destination for a prep run before Cheltenham and it was his 4^thvictory in the race. Burrows Saint led in the late stages and only finished four lengths behind the winner, the smallest distance any horse has lost to Al Boum Photo at Tramore. This might suggest Burrows Saint is getting near his best form again and he will carry 8lb less than two of his three opponents this time round. One of those horses is Any Second Now who finished 3^rdin the same Grand National, but was carrying 4lb less than Burrows Saint. More form of interest was in the 2019 renewal of the Irish Grand National where Any Second Now fell and Burrows Saint was the winner. Although Burrows Saint has declined slightly since this victory, it is still something to note and as mentioned his previous run showed promise.

Racing Tips: Saturday 19 February 2022

15:38 Ascot – Betfair Ascot Chase (Grade 1)- Saint Calvados

The King George VI Chase 3^rd caught the eye in his first run for new trainer Paul Nicholls on Boxing Day. After a wind op and the application of a tongue tie, he was in with every chance at the 2^nd last when he faded. The winner, Tornado Flyer, was the horse that was delivered the latest in stamina-sapping heavy ground, so there was no shame in fading two furlongs from home. This race represents a step down in trip by three furlongs, with Dashel Drasher likely to increase the pace quite far from home. This could recreate the conditions in which he ran so well at Kempton. He is also likely to get his favoured soft conditions.

14:20 Gowran Park – Red Mills Trial Hurdle (Grade 3) – Teahupoo

Has beaten the reigning Triumph Hurdle winner Quilixios in his last two starts. The latest meeting between the two was a much closer affair, but both times Quilixios kicked for home and this horse outlasted him in the closing stages. They will also carry the same weights here as in their previous clash, where Quilixios appeared a much improved horse from their first race of the season. With confirmed form over a Cheltenham Festival winner from last season, Teahupoo has five wins from six starts, and has reversed the form of his only defeat to Jeff Kidder. Teahupoo also holds an entry in this season’s Champion Hurdle, which shows how highly he is thought of by connections. Darasso probably represents his strongest challenger and is coming off his best victory over hurdles, winning a grade three ahead of well respected runner Saint Felicien. However, with only the two starts over hurdles prior to this defeat, it might be the case that this Saint Felicien was slightly unexposed, despite still being a quality runner. Saldier, who has winning form ahead of Darasso, also runs here. He does have grade one winning form, but is coming off the back of two heavy defeats to top class opposition that were ran at great pace and this can take it out of a horse.

14:40 Haydock – William Hill Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (Grade 3) – Blaklion

with two wins from three starts this season, 13 year old Blaklion claimed both victories in chases at Haydock on heavy ground. With heavy going particularly testing at Haydock, it can take a specialist to win there in such conditions. Weight carried will play a factor and Blaklion will carry 5lbs less than his previous success here. The most notable type in the lower weights is the 2020 Welsh National winner Secret Reprieve. However, Secret Reprieve’s form at Haydock reads 2^nd of two runners and fell. There are other promising types in the lower weights, some with form on heavy going, but Blaklion has run well in three Grand Nationals giving him better jumping efficiency that could prove the difference. It would also prove a popular success for a fan favourite who appears to have regained some good form after going winless since 2017.

15:30 Gowran Park – Red Mills Chase (Grade 2) – Daly Tiger

Returns over fences for the first time since finishing a respectable 2^nd to classy two miler Energumene by just over eight lengths, with the winner easing down at the line. This horse then claimed an ungraded victory over hurdles at Limerick on Boxing Day, before finishing a disappointing 4^th of five runners last time out. The going report at Gowran park reads soft to heavy, with more rain expected before the off. This horse has winning form ahead of Chatham Street Lad on heavy ground over fences. Daly Tiger’s only victory this season also came over this distance of two and a half miles on heavy ground. Current favourite Melon is stepping down in class and has always ran well in defeat in top class company but hasn’t got his nose in front since December 2019. Recent victories are scarce in this field. Other than this horse’s win over hurdles on Boxing Day, Chatham Street Lad is the most recent winner over fences, a grade three at Limerick in March.

Grand National Festival Aintree: Day 3 tips

13:45 “ETF SYSTEMS HANDICAP HURDLE” – TEA CLIPPER

A young promising hurdler who is stepping up in trip to three miles for the first time.

Last seen finishing 3rd in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham last month.

Finished 11 lengths behind impressive winner Heaven Help Us, with Janika gaining late and finishing 5th by a neck.

Burbank was a few lengths back in 10th on this occasion.

the weight difference between this horse and Janika remains the same at 3lb in this horse’s favour, but he will carry 4lb more than Burbank than last time.

This is a penalty this horse should survive as Burbank faded in the finish at Cheltenham.

Tea Clipper also avoided a falling horse late on and still finished well, with Janika having a clean run on the outside.

The thinking behind the step up in trip is surely because of this horse’s travelling ability and the flat, fair course will suit.

Market rival Come On Teddy isn’t without a chance on form, but may be a horse that gains an advantage on undulating courses and he won’t get that here.

This horse has strong claims.

14:25 “MERSEY NOVICES’ HURDLE” – DREAL DEAL

Has notched up an impressive six in a row this season, with the last at Punchestown in January the most impressive.

He beat Ganapathi by 3 lengths after a massive leap at the last put him on terms, coming from a long way back to win.

Echoes In Rain was also back in 4th and she is on two wins from two starts since.

The manor of the victory did suggest he needed more distance because of how late he got going.

It was also a great display of stamina as the ground was heavy and he isn’t a horse that is dependant on heavy going.

The trip here is half a mile further and didn’t run at the Cheltenham Festival so should be fresh to go.

15:35 “THE LIVERPOOL HURDLE” – THYME HILL

In the absence of Stayers’ Hurdle winner Flooring Porter, the rivalry between Thyme Hill and Paisley Park will see a third and deciding clash this season.

In their previous results they have shown to be at the top of the staying division in the UK.

They finished ahead of the likes of multi grade two winning Mcfabulous, former Cheltenham Festival winner Summerville Boy and 2019 Mares’ Hurdle winner Roksana.

Paisley Park finished 3rd in the Stayers’ at Cheltenham, but the Paisley Park of 2019 would have finished the race off so he could be worse for ware.

Paisley did well to come back from a heart condition and snatched the Long Walk Hurdle from Thyme Hill by fine margins in December.

Thyme Hill should be fresher here after over three months lay off and could clinch the Liverpool Hurdle.

EACH WAY MENTION – DIOL KER

Representing the Irish here is Diol Ker, never outside the top three in five starts over hurdles and even beat the mighty Monkfish in November 2019. Has started in fields with ten or more runners eight times. Of those eight races has placed or won in six of them. Returned to hurdling from chasing in December, picking up a win and finishing 2nd in a grade two by^1/2 length to Sams Profile.