Published 3.44 10/4
Grand National day is right here! Inevitably, every thing will construct to the large one, however there are a few races earlier than it that I’ve alternatives in.
The first race that makes enchantment is William Hill Handicap Hurdle (13:20). There are some very progressive and apparent varieties up in direction of the highest of the weights, however I’m venturing all the way down to the alternative finish of the racecard for a really unexposed one within the form of the Jonjo & AJ O’Neill-trained KAKA’S COUSIN.
The six-year-old has appeared a promising kind from the outset of his profession, successful two of his 4 begins over hurdles. His most up-to-date run in a really aggressive novices’ handicap hurdle at Sandown was his most promising, with him shaping nicely for an terrible great distance. That expertise ought to convey him on once more, however the principle altering variable that makes him of curiosity is the step up in journey right here. It very a lot guarantees to swimsuit him and with him having a really gentle weight, I may see him working very nicely at what appeals as being a good worth.
The William Hill Handicap Chase (14:30) is one other highly-competitive handicap chase and will nicely see the Tom Lacey-trained CRUZ CONTROL acquire his third consecutive win within the race.
He made all to win it off 136 in 2024 and confirmed his versatility by successful it underneath a lot quieter experience off a mark of 139 final yr. That latter victory got here after a 100-day absence and this yr it appears to be like like his connections need to repeat the dose by getting him right here contemporary.
Two average runs earlier within the season attracted a beneficiant 3lb drop from the handicapper which leaves him simply 1lb greater than he was when gaining his comfy success on this final yr. With Tom Lacey trying to have his group in significantly good kind on the minute, he appears to be like to have a really stable likelihood.
Where else can we end however with the large one, the Randox Grand National (16:00). So a lot has modified with this nice race over many years, but it surely stays one of many nice sporting spectacles anyplace on this planet. I went into rather more element on how the race adjustments have fully altered the profile of horse that wins the race in my At The Races column this week, so I received’t repeat all of it once more. I’ve gone by means of each runner in video kind on the At The Races YouTube however I’ll preserve it concise right here and provide you with my high 4 alternatives for the nice race.
Kevin’s National 1-2-3-4
1 – Quai De Bourbon
2 – Monty’s Star
3 – Oscars Brother
4 – Captain Cody
Best of luck with no matter you again!
Kevin Blake’s Best Bets
1:20 AINTREE, SATURDAY – WILLIAM HILL HANDICAP HURDLE
KAKA’S COUSIN (10-1 Sky Bet, Paddy Power, 9-1 Betfred, bet365, 8-1 basic)
2:30 AINTREE, SATURDAY – WILLIAM HILL HANDICAP CHASE
CRUZ CONTROL (6-1 & 11-2 basic)
