David Marshall’s Blog, March 18
18 Mar
Saturday’s Midlands National looks like having a massive rollover for its Tote trio. Already over thirteen thousand in the pot, though surely with better marketing, and obviously with the results to suit, we could be looking at a 50 grand pot for something like the 28 runner County hurdle on Friday. A golden opportunity missed by their public relations people.
Another success story since its inception the Jewson opens todays six race card on the new course. Virgin ground on the inner of the chase course, that has to be the prefered route. It looks likely to be run at a brisk pace, it has the look of a target race with several contestants lightly campaigned. Dave’s Dream and King’s Forest my two against the field, though I could name half the field. I made a note of Ainama way back in November for this event after his run in the qualifier. With his connections he was never going to be quoted at ridiculous odds, he still looks attractively weighted though.
After putting it up to the two highest rated chasers in the country, Barbers Shop must have every chance to land a grade one event, over what could be his ideal distance, the shortest priced favourite of the week. Big Bucks is the third of the four bankers to run this week, two nil to the layers so far, it may become tactical but the new course layout is right up his street.
Two maximum field chases to close the card, Aigle D’or one of five novices who failed to make the cut in the Jewson may well respond to the magical touch of Paul Carberry. I imagine there will be bundles of pace on in the Kim Muir to close the card, again there are plenty in the field who have not raced since the turn of the year, second in last years Jewson, Isn’t That Lucky, has the look of a plot.
Makes a change that the four miler at Hexham is to be run on decent ground. Simply Smashing was well backed last time but ran poorly, compensation awaits. One time Arkle fancy will probably take the three runner novice chase before heading for Aintree. In the last Tully Hill ran well at Catterick last week and dropping back half a mile could take a hand in this off his low weight.
Today’s Tip
14.40 Cheltenham – Barber’s Shop
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