Scottish National

[Posts: 1118Joined: 16 Jan 2003, 19:24Location: Birmingham / London]

I know we haven't got Saturday's race out of the way yet but the current card has possible runner Denman in with 11-12 meaning Madison can run off 10-1.

I know there's always the risk that Denman swerves the race for Punchestown but if I were the owner and I had the choice between letting my horse carry top weight in an ultra competive Grand National or allowing him to skip round with a feather weight in the Scottish equivalent it would be difficult not to opt for the latter.

Given that the horse is currently available at 14/1 I would be on the phone to Findlay a.s.a.p .

Surely he'd be sending the tank to Ayr and availing himself of some of the 14s about the Pipe horse.

It could be money down the drain if Denman defects and/or MDB completes the Aintree race but what a price it will look if neither happens.

Lee

[Posts: 210Joined: 25 Sep 2009, 03:12Location: Birstall West Yorkshire]

Very good point. I'm not sure the National course will really suit MDB either.

In all honesty Denman heading to AYR will simply set it up for a lightly weighted up and coming horse down the bottom of the weights (I'm assuming MDB goes the Aintree route).

[Posts: 1074Joined: 25 Nov 2009, 12:56Location: Wrexham]

Denman ruled out due to likely fast ground, Killyglen a big springer in the market today, now 10/1. Ground will suit Gone To Lunch.

[Posts: 1083Joined: 26 Nov 2009, 09:44]

That's Rhythm was absolutely cruising when coming down at the 20th in this last year. Will give him another go I'd imagine

[Posts: 3324Joined: 20 May 2009, 03:40]

Can't see likely favourite Silver By Nature running, not on the likely good/good to soft ground. 5 of his 6 victories have come on soft/heavy.

I've had another £20 on Halcon at 21s/22s on Betfair, can't see him being more than 10/1 in the morning. Running off a mark 19lbs lower than 2 years ago (when 2nd), been off for a while. I've only backed him to win and I certainly won't be doing each-way, perhaps foolishly...King had Sir Harry Ormesher come in on Thursday so perhaps a glimmer of form from the stable.

[Posts: 338Joined: 17 Jan 2008, 19:03Location: Tonbridge, Kent]

If Strong Gale's woeful influence in four mile + races is to continue then Silver By Nature won't be winning anyway.

Presenting's isn't exactly much better (though he does have more placed horses such as Out The Black) so Denman and Killyglen were off my list anyhow.

I am hoping the record of NH Chase winners/runners in major staying races is upheld by Poker De Sivola, so I have availed myself of some 17.5's and have also got some 46's in respect of Any Currency.

[Posts: 1074Joined: 25 Nov 2009, 12:56Location: Wrexham]

I too like Poker de Sivola, can go on most ground but probably prefers good, this was his target last season and has strenghtened up a lot this year so will include on my shortlist.

[Posts: 5238Joined: 31 Aug 2007, 23:42Location: derby]

I'm keeping an eye on Faasel if he runs. Seems to have been around forever but is still only 9; ran really well last time at a track he hates..seems in general to like flatter tracks.

[Posts: 1083Joined: 26 Nov 2009, 09:44]

Halcon top weight.

[Posts: 6539Joined: 21 Oct 2008, 00:37]

Halcon top weight.

[Posts: 1083Joined: 26 Nov 2009, 09:44]

Aye.
That's Rhythm and I also like Merigo, only 2lbs higher than when winning the Eider and has beaten Ballabriggs on good ground (at Ayr) in his novice days. Early days yet though.

[Posts: 6539Joined: 21 Oct 2008, 00:37]

I like the look of last years runner up Gone to Lunch!I would like to see a quick National double for AP,i hope he rides! 14"s on the machine looks about right for a horse who looks attractively weighted!

[Posts: 4505Joined: 05 Dec 2008, 01:34Location: Ashford]

Both Abbeybraney and Killyglen are out. That was the intention anyway, or is it the aftermath of last night?

edit: Killyglen in in, and is topweight, not Halcon.