Course Pick
| SATURDAY 2-40 NEWBURY | CARRUTHERS |
| SATURDAY 2-55 DONCASTER | SIMPLY NED |
| SATURDAY 3-05 KELSO | MISTER NIBBLES |
| SATURDAY 3-30 DONCASTER | NIGHT IN MILAN |
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
NEWBURY
2-40 GREATWOOD VETERANS HANDICAP CHASE – 3 M 2 F 110 YDS
Carruthers made a more than pleasing reappearance in the Betfred Chase at Warwick back in January. He was ultimately beaten by a far less exposed type in Shotgun Paddy and was also giving him five pounds. To finish second in a race as competitive as that shows that he retains plenty of ability despite being an eleven year old. He returns to the scene of his brilliant Hennessy win and if in the same rich vein of form that he showed last time out he looks the one to beat.
Pigeon Island is certainly thrown in on his old form and is dangerously well handicapped. If he is in the mood he could make light of his featherweight and serve it up to Carruthers.
Pete The Feat pulled up in atrocious ground when last seen at Sandown a month ago. A return to better ground and this track shall certainly be in his favour. It remains to be seen as to whether he is fully over those exertions and he is best watched for now. Summery Justice, Master Overseer and Burton Port have all become frustrating to follow and none can be trusted to go close. Carruthers and Nico De Boinville get on well together and they are taken to see off the opposition.
PUT YOUR MONEY ON: Carruthers
DONCASTER
2-55
WILLIAM HILL – IN THE APP STORE HANDICAP CHASE – 2 MILES 110 YDS
Simply Ned is a most progressive type and bids to follow up a recent course and distance win. Nicky Richards has his yard in excellent form and despite having to shoulder top weight this afternoon he is less exposed than many of his rivals. He is yet to finish outside of the first two places on all completed starts this year and Brian Harding seems to have found the key to him.
Prince Of Dreams likes to race prominently and showed his wellbeing when runner up to Cloudy Joker at Catterick last time. He can take a few runs to get fully fit and if coming on for that run he can play a leading role here.
Swift Arrow comes here very much at the top of his game having won two of his last three races. He likes to attack from off a strong pace but he does have to turn around a thirty three length beating by Prince Of Dreams on their most recent clash and he may struggle to do so.
Lucky Landing has to defy a near five month lay off in order to figure in the finish here. He may just need this outing to put him spot on. Simply Ned is race fit and remains on the upgrade.
PUT YOUR MONEY ON: Simply Ned
KELSO
3-05 SCOOP6 PREMIER KELSO HURDLE (GRADE 2) – 2 M 2 F
Mister Nibbles has been making quiet but quick progress this season for Stuart Crawford. Since finshing in the midfield at Newcastle on his seasonal reappearance he has been mixing it in large fields at Fairyhouse and Down Royal. He then defeated the well touted Champagne James at Leopardstown to finally get off the mark for the year.
He has won over further than today’s trip and will be staying on when others have relented.
Clever Cookie is the obvious danger to the selection. He travelled ever so smoothly when winning at Musselburgh last month and the only doubt hanging over him is whether he will see out this extra couple of furlongs.
Franciscan in turn has beaten Clever Cookie in the past but the former looks more progressive. Donald McCain’s charge does not look to be in love with this game and he may be best saved for cup races on the flat later in the year.
Fergall shall ensure a true test of stamina as he loves to front run. A return to decent ground will suit the Seamus Mullins runner and if left alone, he may prove difficult to catch. He is another that is proven over further and is certainly capable of making the frame. Mister Nibbles can make his trip across the Irish Sea worthwhile and give a very decent account of himself.
PUT YOUR MONEY ON: Mister Nibbles
DONCASTER
3-30 WILLIAM HILL GRIMTHORPE CHASE (HANDICAP) – 3 M 2 F
Night In Milan failed to cope with a significant rise in class when contesting the Skybet Chase at this track back in January. He was no match for the likes of The Rainbow Hunter, Baile Anrai and Unioniste. He should find things more to his liking this afternoon and now that the ground is once again in his favour, he has to be high on any shortlist.
James Reveley knows him inside out and he has been on board for all of the gelding’s career wins to date.
Golden Call came right back to form on only his second start for Jennie Candlish. That success came on this track and he will certainly appreciate the good ground on offer. He has never won over as far as this though and that would be a major concern. Harry The Viking is a dual course winner and is proven at the distance.
His most recent effort suggested that he was on his way back from the wilderness and he is back down to his last winning mark. Part owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, he is always well supported on track and he could prove to be a threat to the selection. Court By Surprise can go well fresh and has won at this track in the past. The main concern with him is the current wellbeing of Emma Lavelle’s yard. Night In Milan is taken to have recovered from his most recent run and he can get right in the mix here.
PUT YOUR MONEY ON: Night In Milan
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