Thursday 6 April 2017

Aintree Grand National Festival Day 1

Poetic Choice ran a strange race at Leopardstown, and she didn’t enjoy the clearest of passages. She wasn’t given much assistance from the saddle, and despite a fast finish she could only manage 9th. She was well behind Bainne at the finish, and she is definitely better than that. She could be dangerous next time out off a likely reduced mark.

I have already posted predictions for the four Grade 1 races on Day 1 of the Grand National Festival for Mybettingbonus and you can read them here. I have no strong opinion on the Hunter Chase or the mares’ bumper, so that just leaves the Grade 3 handicap. You can read my thoughts on that race below.
Parsnip Pete is capable of going close. 
Red Rum Handicap Chase

The one that appeals in this contest at a price is the Tom George trained Parsnip Pete. This 11yo has an excellent record at this track, and he is likely to have been trained to the minute for this race. His form figures at Aintree from 5 starts read 11013, and off a mark of 138 he has the ability to be competitive if age hasn’t caught up with him. His last win came here off 133 last June (16d gd sft) and before that his last win came off a mark of 141 in October of 2014.

He won this race in 2014 off a rating of 134, and he is only 4lb higher today. Paddy Brennan has been on board for every one of his 7 career victories, so his presence in the saddle has to be considered a big positive. 6 of Tom George’s last 15 runners have finished in the first three (3 winners), and at odds of 18/1 hopefully Parsnip Pete can continue that good run back over a course and distance that he loves.


STEVOS’ SELECTION: 16.40 AINTREE-PARSNIP PETE E/W @ 18/1 

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