GG Editor Rob Plumbridge runs you through his selections across 11 live ITV Races on Saturday.
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12.40 Wincanton – Wynne House (7/2)
For me it all points to last year’s winner WYNN HOUSE who can gain back-to-back victories here off the same mark as last season. She’ll get the same conditions as this time last year, and has a brilliant record on seasonal debut – winning three times and placing once – which all points to a big run. I expect Rose Of Arcadia to run a good race with the Tizzard’s going well at the moment. Sabrina is also interesting off such a light weight but needs to find plenty of improvement.
12.50 Doncaster – Art Power (2/1)
I think ART POWER is a very worthy favourite here, and will take all the beating. He might be better over the minimum distance, but he’s dropped so far down in class here it shouldn’t matter. He’s a proper Group 1 performer, and although only 8th last time, that was in a really classy field. There’s nothing remotely of that ilk in this. He’s the class act in this, ground not an issue, and I expect him to make light work of this.
1.01 Aintree – Lisnagar Oscar (11/1)
Not a big punting race for me here, this is a bit of a minefield in all honesty. I’m going to take an outside chance on former staying hurdle Champion LISNAGAR OSCAR and hope he can rediscover some love for the game. He’s been a great servant for the yard and surely has a race like this left in him. At double figure odds he’s a small each way play.
1.15 Wincanton – McFabulous
MCFABULOUS makes a long awaited debut at fences and I think this could really be his game. He goes right-handed which will suit, and gets Good ground which is another major plus. He’s got it all in his favour and is rated higher than all of these over the smaller obstacles. Paul Nicholls will have schooled him meticulously and he’ll be ready to fire.
1.30 Doncaster – Moon De Vega (15/2)
It might pay at this stage of the flat season to side with a horse who has had a bit of a rest and might be fresh for this. TheHeavy ground is also going to be a factor so those were my two main considerations. MOON DE VEGA looks appealing on that basis having been off since the summer. He’s won well on Soft ground having done so last year at this course. Ralph Beckett does well at this time of the season and he can ready one as good as any so Moon De Vega has a lot going for him in an interesting race.
1.50 Wincanton – Frodon (7/2)
Enrilo will have his supporters, but the price of FRODON really caught me by surprise. He might be another year older, but he’s still the class horse in this race having won at the very top level. More importantly this horse goes so well fresh. He’s won superbly on his last two seasonal reappearances – both times in better races than this – and 5/1 at the minute is an absolute stand out. Bryony Frost will look to jump them silly from the front and if they can get a lead here, are gonna be very hard to pass.
2.11 Aintree – Senior Citizen (15/2)
Last year’s runner-up in this SENIOR CITIZEN appeals most, up just 1lb on last year and he surely must go close again. The Aintree fences are marmite and he is one who definitely falls in the ‘love’ rather than ‘hate’ category. If Adrian Heskin can get him closer, earlier, than he will be cruising late on and will have every chance. He’s won and run well on Soft going so that shouldn’t be an issue either. Everything points to a good run.
2.32 Down Royal – Galvin (11/10)
This looks perfectly set up for GALVIN here who should take this without any issues. He’s already on the board this season and showed his class winning comfortably at Punchestown last month. He will be a force across the division this season and can go in again here. The main danger appears to be Conflated, but that rival looks like he needs a run in him to be seen at his best. A fit Galvin will be too much for him you’d imagine. And the rest have potentially seen their best days behind them. It’s hard to imagine Gordon Elliot’s charge being beaten here, and he can go on to better things this season.
2.45 Aintree – Brewin’upastorm (6/5)
This is BREWIN’UPASTORM’s for the taking you feel. He’s clear on ratings, getting weight from his main rival who needs a run traditionally, and Olly Murphy’s charge goes well fresh. He won at this meeting last year, and Aintree is a track that really suits him. It’s hard to see any of the others barring Langer Dan laying a glove on him here and he’s a confident pick.
3.00 Wincaton – Sceau Royal (11/10)
Another unoriginal choice I’m afraid by SCEAU ROYAL won this last year and should do so again. He gets everything in his favour, just as he did last year and had a good tune up ahead of this showing he retains all his talent. Knappers Hill has a lot to find with the selection but looks the only credible alternative.