Is it just me or is this the most miserable Winter ever, good it’s not just me. Our old friends the Clerks of Courses can’t resist the old grounds not too bad here surprisingly before admitting it’s very bad just before the first race. It must have been a tough Winter for many courses and no racing means no income but it’s best all round to tell it how it is. I struggle to believe it was good to firm at Musselburgh yesterday but as punters we have to make judgements on what we are told by those at the track.
As we hurtle towards Cheltenham the top trainers are left with the dilemma of running horses to get them right for the festival but being weary about exhausting them by running on heavy ground. I personally would keep them off track and work at home but even Nicholls and Henderson will tell you that the best facilities in the World are still not the same as having a race.
The Grand National weights were out this week and the handicapper has been true to his word and encouraged the better horses to enter. In reality this means that by allowing Tidal Bay to race with 11 stone 10 it is not conceding the weight it should be to the others. So does that mean it’s a bet at 16/1 well yes I wouldn’t put you off because it’s a class act off a good weight however before you smash the piggy bank remember it’s 4.5 miles and no horse since Rummy has won with this big a weight. It’s the kind of horse that will either take to it and win easy or not fancy it and be nowhere so I’ve backed it to win. This was the race that won Nicholls the Trainers title last year. He may well need it again if he is going to stop the all conquering Henderson this year but you wouldn’t bet against him doing it.
Have a great punting week and stay warm.
Back next Thursday.
Simon Holden
Power Naps
http://go.betfan.com/1000/60
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