RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE PICKS OUT HIS BEST RACING BETS OF THE WEEKEND
THE presence of Neptune Collonges in tomorrow’s Scottish Grand National means that more than two thirds of the field will be running from out of the handicap. Paul Nicholls’ stable is flying at the moment and it has to be of interest that Ruby Walsh is doing 10st 1lb on THE MINACK. This seven-year-old has to prove he can handle a big field, but he could be very well-handicapped and is worth a small each-way interest at 9/1 with Victor Chandler.
There are plenty of others with chances, including last year’s impressive winner Merigo, who has been kept fresh for this. However, I still have the feeling that he would be better suited by some cut in the ground. Philip Hobbs has his string in fine fettle and Fair Along is capable of running a big race following a decent fourth at Cheltenham last month.
Frankel, or ‘The Second Coming’, as he’s regarded by his legions of fans, reappears at Newbury tomorrow afternoon in the Greenham Stakes. He is certain to go off a very short price and can be backed at no bigger than 5/6 with Paddy Power for next month’s 2,000 Guineas. However, there’s no guarantee yet that he has trained on and a number of Henry Cecil’s runners have struggled this week. I’d be tempted to lay him on Betdaq, as well as backing Richard Hannon’s STRONG SUIT who will relish the likely quick ground.
The Queen is at Newbury tomorrow and plenty of her horses will be running. Roger Charlton has put DISCOVERY BAY in the maiden at 4.50pm and the son of Dansili is reportedly very well regarded at home. Hannon then runs GENERAL SYNOD in the last for Her Majesty and this is another who could break his maiden tag.
Finally, for those of you who can’t wait until tomorrow, don’t miss out on SCORN in today’s 4.30pm at Brighton. She is yet to win in 12 starts, but has gone well fresh in the past before and today could be the day.
POINTERS…
SCORN 4.30pm Brighton (today)
STRONG SUIT 3.10pm Newbury (tomorrow)
LAY FRANKEL 3.10pm Newbury (tomorrow)
THE MINACK e/w 3.25pm Ayr (tomorrow)
DISCOVERY BAY e/w 4.40pm Newbury (tomorrow)
GENERAL SYNOD e/w 5.25pm Newbury (tomorrow)