Grand National Day

Well day two was horrible for the blog as well, we went from 4 fallers on the first day to having two non runners yesterday. The runners we did have weren't much good either with My Tent Or Yours hosing up in the first, however his jumping left something to be desired. The same could be said for Sprinter Sacre who couldn't have won easier, however compared to his usual slick self, he was a little lack lustre. Saying that both have absolutely huge engines and the writing was on the wall from a long way out. Flemenstar disappointed me a little, but for the first time in his career he looked a genuine three miler as we saw him staying on at the end very takingly. He was still quite distant from Cue Card in second but his jumping was awesome and often he took off from outside the wings clearing the fence with ease.

I grew up in a racing family, my parents were always in love with racing, in fact they met at Cheltenham during festival week. It's fair to say that I didn't have much choice whether I liked racing or not, as if I would change that if I could! But I had been surrounded by stories of triumph and some of losses, but the stories that stick with me were the favourites that had been fatally injured on course. My Mum had always told me stories of horses that upset her when they passed away but I never understood the emotion of it. Yesterday I felt that feeling for the first time in my racing life.

I understand many non racing people will be reading this today and may not understand what I am about to say, but all racing fans will be able to relate with this. Along with many others real racing fans Little Josh was one of my all time favourites with his devastating front running and bold jumping performances. His gorgeous white face often lead the way in many handicaps round Cheltenham, most memorably when winning the Paddypower. He also jumped his rivals silly on this very course when winning the Grand Sefton in heroic style on very tiring ground. It was rare that he ever missed a beat in any of his races, for that he earned his way into the hearts of every spectator that witnessed him race. In the Topham over the National Fences yesterday, Little Josh took a fall surrounded by a few other horses, it took a while for him to refind his feet after his tumble. When he did rise he tried running off with the rest of the field, but something wasn't right, he was running in a different manner than he should be. It soon became clear that Little Josh had broken his shoulder in the fall which meant the worst for such a Beautiful creature. I usually hold myself as a fairly emotionally strong 20 year old, but I would be lying to you if I said I didn't shed a tear to see him in this state. Along with many others I watched the race unfold ahead and even though having a bet on Walkon who came second, really didn't feel like cheering him on. The only saving grace from this tragic incident is that after a bit of treatment Sam Twiston-Davies rose from the turf shaken but nothing more. One last thing before I say my final goodbye to Little Josh is a thank you, to Ruby Walsh whom was bought down aboard There's No Panic during the fall. He got up from the turf straight away and saw an injured Little Josh trying to run off, without a moments doubt he took off after the horse. Whether it was himself or ground staff that caught him I'm not sure as the camera moved on from the fence, but they prevented him from being in any more pain. On Thursday we said our final goodbye's to Fair Along, today we say goodbye to Little Josh. So once more I ask you all to join me and say farewell to a well loved racehorse, R.I.P Little Josh, you will never be forgotten.

Little Josh - 11/5/2002 - 06/04/2013

But from that sad note we must go on with the days racing and begin Grand National day.


1:45 - Mersey Novices Hurdle - Eduard

Nicky Richards has had two very good novice hurdlers this year, Duke Of Navan and Eduard, the former hasn't made it to Aintree. But the selection today tackles a trip that will definitely be in his favour and is something he has been crying out for all season. He also gets good ground which he doesn't need but is much more effective on after his bumper form and first two hurdles. He has two very smart pieces of form, the first is second to Ifandbutwhynot on his hurdling debut, the winner has gone on to compete at a much higher level. The second bit of form is from his last race in which he was just held when staying on late behind Mwaleshi who is much improved this year. Those efforts have earned him a rating of 140 and is only one pound off the top rated horse in the race, Up and Go. With the step up in trip sure to suit and ground also to his liking Eduard can land the opener. (11/2)

Eduard (Near Side) Battles Ifandbutwhynot (Far Side)

2:15 - Maghull Novices Chase - Sire De Grugy

Gary Moore doesn't have many runners at the highest level but Sire De Grugy is certainly one with plenty of class about him. He has been off since November but comes here a fresh horse against main rivals that had hard races last time out at Cheltenham. He also brings arguably the best form to the table from his second start over fences and also his only defeat over fences. That day he ran into Captain Conan who beat him but not too easily, the margin between them was 2 lengths that day. Of course Captain Conan has gone on to be a very high class novice since then and franked the form repeatedly, even Third Intention back in third has been high class. The ground is pretty much perfect for him today and he can provide a big winner for Gary and Jamie Moore. (7/1)

Sire De Grugy winning his chase debut at Kempton

2:40 - Liverpool Hurdle -African Gold

Team Twiston-Davies can land a winner here after their tragic day yesterday with the improving novice African Gold. Certainly the least exposed runner in the field he was beaten for only the second time in his career at Cheltenham when behind At Fishers Cross who is top class himself. The faster ground will pose no threats to him today and still remains a nice prospect despite tasting defeat last time. There isn't a lot more to say about him other than he is consistent, will like the ground and represents a big stable. Could well be underrated amongst his elders. (9/1)

African Gold (Near Side) takes on his elders for the first time today

3:25 - John Smith's Handicap Chase - Planet Of Sound

Philip Hobbs' yard have been going along quite nicely this week and Planet Of Sound is one that is beginning to look well handicapped on his old form. He hasn't won since 2010 when winning the Grade 1 Punchestown Gold Cup, take note that injury kept him out for a while though. At his peak he was rated 166 and is now down to a mark of 147 which is extremely workable, especially on this ground. On good ground he has been posting good performances, it is his softer ground runs that are lowering his mark which is great for today. Until the second last in last year's National he was up in the field travelling well, until stamina gave out and he tailed off to finish 12th. If returning to anywhere near his best he will take a lot of beating today and stands a huge each way chance. (12/1)

Planet of Sound (In Lead) winning the Punchestown Gold Cup 2010

4:15 - John Smiths Grand National - Quiscover Fontaine (40/1)

Click on the link below for a runner by runner guide of all 40

http://lukeelder.blogspot.ca/2013/04/grand-national-runner-by-runner-analysis.html


5:10 - John Smiths Handicap Hurdle (Conditionals and Amateurs) - Cockney Sparrow

Cockney Sparrow was a useful horse on the flat earning a mark of 81 at her best when running for Peter Chapple-Hyam. Since going hurdling however she is 2 from four with both her losses ending with her as runner up. Her form was franked here in a big wayon Wednesday when L'unique won the 4 year old hurdle, she was 12 lengths behind L'unique here in December on hurdling debut. She has only encountered good ground once when hurdling, an outing which she won with ease at Doncaster last month. Off a very low weight today which is furthered by the 7 pound claim of Dean Pratt she is one to really take seriously today. (7/1)

Cockney Sparrow faces a step up in class today

5:45 - Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race - Quickpick Vic & Wilde Blue Yonder

Quickpick Vic entered my notebook when he won with ease last time at Naas on his fourth attempt. He represents the Tony Martin stable and is one of two horses bought over for this week (his stablemate Pires was unplaced) and is held in high regard. Last time was a bold front running display topped with a fantastic turn of foot, however it will be much harder to dominate today in the much bigger field. The second from that race has recently franked the form by winning but there is a doubt, that is the fact he has never run on anything better than soft and that is an unknown. He still remains one for the future and has a great chance today (10/1)

One for Alan King with the second time out Wilde Blue Yonder under Wayne Hutchinson. Usually that would mean he is playing second fiddle to a stronger stable mate but with Choc injured he gets the main ride. He will be looking to build on his debut effort when narrowly going down to Champion Bumper fifth Purple Bay from John Ferguson's yard. Those two were 9 lengths clear of the next horse and clearly have a bit of talent about them representing two powerful yards.  Id also like to wish my two friends I met at Cheltenham last week the best of luck with him as they own part shares in the horse. (10/1)

NAP - Eduard
Nb - Sire De Grugy

I wish everyone the best of luck today, whether you are following my tips or not today I hope you find a winner and have a profitable day.

Happy Punting Guys