Gaelik Coast my best chance at Aintree on Friday
I’m heading to Aintree on Friday where Gaelik Coast in the 2m4f handicap chase (5:30pm) looks like the pick of my rides.
We were expecting a big run from him in the Red Rum at the Grand National meeting, but for whatever reason he never fired. He ran a much better race when second at Perth last time out and now has every chance of getting his head back in front.
The forecast looks pretty dry and the quicker the ground the better for him.
Taragrace in the mares’ handicap hurdle (8:10pm) is another one with very solid claims. She’s been running consistently well all year and should be there or thereabouts once again.
Empire De Maulde isn’t without a chance in the 3m1f handicap chase (7:55pm).
He won at Aintree last year, has continued to run well since and you’d like to think he’d have a decent each-way chance back over fences. Hopefully his run over hurdles the last day was enough to blow away the cobwebs.
Of the others, I’d like to think Theatre Legend is low enough in the handicap now to win a race, but the 2m4f (7:00pm) looks very competitive.
Bangor, Saturday 14th May
I’m over at Bangor on Saturday with a few nice chances. Blakeney Point (2:25pm) is a very hard horse to work out.
He’s been a good Flat horse in his time and does well over hurdles too, but you just don’t know what side of the bed he’s going to get out of. He does everything well at home but doesn’t always put his best foot forward at the track.
On his best form he’d be winning races like this, but there’s the danger he’ll throw in an ordinary run too.
In the 2m4f handicap chase (2:50pm) I’m back on Armattiekan.
He’s a grand old horse who should be suited by the step back up in trip having found 2m1f a bit sharp the last day. We think he’s handicapped to win a race and the small field will suit.
Good luck, Buckley
Best of luck to Kieren Buckley, who’s taking the more unusual route of riding in Ireland having learnt his trade in the UK.
The job with Gavin Cromwell, who’s a very good trainer with a growing yard, looks a good opportunity so fair play to him. You don’t normally see many lads going from England to Ireland, but I hope it works out for the both of them.
Prices could be putting crowds off
It’s not hugely surprising to see crowds a bit down at York this week. I don’t know the solution, as York is a fantastic place which offers top quality racing, great facilities and a nice track.
Obviously, prices are rising due to inflation and maybe that’s taking its toll, I don’t know, but I suppose it could be playing a part.
Whether you were there or not it was hard not to be impressed with Emily Upjohn in the Musidora. She looks the one to beat in the Oaks for sure, but the one question mark would be whether she has the best conformation.
Epsom is a huge test of a horse’s balance and it’s hard to know if they’ll handle it unless they’ve been tested on the more undulating courses.
I’ve ridden Epsom a couple of times and it’s a track like no other
