Navan 2.10 -:

 

A 16 runner Handicap Hurdle over 2 and a 1/2 miles in heavy ground on this tough stamina sapping Track.

 

The top 5 frame the market really of of them JOHNNY BLUE as a "win bet" at 4/1 looks easily the best value and the most likely option. With Mickie Angel up 11lbs, Prophets Corner up 7lbs, Driveonwill on only it's second Handicap outing and Collaborative upped 15lbs above a Course and Distance win here, I think the secure option is JOHNNY BLUE.

 

Of the remainder I want to TRACK forwards Great Island, will need this after a year off but a progressive horse last year.

 

The more speculative value here today lies very much I believe with CHOSEN DIAMOND whose Course and overall form in what look like optimum conditions jump off the page at me as enhanced place value at 14-16/1 and CHOSEN THYME who is best in this heavy ground and who has form over longer trips could use that stamina to good effect if being forward enough on its second run of the season. (Sean / Placespotter)

 

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Doncaster 3.15 -:

 

The Grimethorpe Handicap Chase over an extended 3 miles 2 furlongs on Good ground that might be a bit frost affected.

 

Some Scope was runner up in this race last year and is a danger again but I think this year's renewal is markedly deeper in depth and quality. surrey Quest will find this on the short side but is a Grand National entry who will want a place possibly to get in to the big one in terms of its handicap mark. 

 

I really think that TWIG and HYMAC towards the top of the market are very strong here, TWIG has been running over Hurdles to protect a very decent Chase mark but if he is to have serious ambitions at Aintree you'd want to see him winning this and HYMAC is on a decent mark, no excuses and cheek-pieces will hopefully just sharpen him up.

 

The one speculative outsider to consider would be previous winner MORODER, a frustrating type but one who normally throws in one big effort each season and today would not be a surprise on a Track he clearly likes (The Advisor)

 

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Kelso 3.30 -:

 

Morebattle Handicap Hurdle over 2 miles - 18 run - Good to Soft

 

This is a full on cavalry charge and a clean round of jumping is key. Conditions will suit the better horses and really I narrowed it down to three and MICHAEL thinks very adamantly that VISCIO cannot be beaten. 

 

Of the Jonjo runners I think giving a stone to WILFUL at the prices makes that one a better option than Tellherthename and if there is one at a bigger price who could outrun the price (16/1 plus) it's Skeltons ROCK HOUSE who might look exposed a little off this mark but the Yard really do get then half a stone better when the chips are down! (Northern)

 

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Newbury 3.45 -

 

The Greatwood Handicap Chase over 2 miles 4 furlongs , Heavy really deep horrible ground it would seem after yesterday.

 

Scarface, Saint Seagal and Course specialist Paint The Dream were strongly considered and the best e/w option at a price , so reserve if we have a non runner would be Paint The Dream.

 

I really do like the chances today though of KANDOO KID who has glowing Course form and who looks sure to be trained for this and stablemate the less exposed 7 year old BEAU BALKO who is also a solid and consistent runner. Of the rest I think LE MILOS for the ever dangerous Skelton yard, with the canny selection of a very decent 7lbs claimer should be one who will run to and through the line at double figure Odds (Robin)