Scottish Grand National

What a race this could be - a typical grand national is in srote - as there are question marks and saving graces for every horse in the field as per usual. Merigo, Harry the Viking and Galaxy rock will all have there fans but I think the first three home will be in this different,

1rst: Portrait King, this horse has definitely been one of the most improved Irish horses of the year.

 he is definitely tough enough for this - after his brilliant win in a big field at Punchestown and then especially his battling win at the Eider in Newcastle he looks a guarantee to jump well and stay this tough 4 mile race. Hel be seen arriving late and will have legs and pace for many of these and with the brilliant Denis O Regan on board he should be in good hands, 2 pts e/w 8/1

2nd: Ikorudo Road another likeable sort who will give everything today - as he always does and despite the face that today needs another career best run ,I really think he is good enough to come forward with it!

He has lowered the colours of Mon Parrain and Junior this year and the simple fact that he has gone for this realistic target and not the English equivalent says a lot about how confiednt connections are and with the brilliant and underrated Charlie Poste in the saddle he should be there or thereabouts come the end as he has been all year. 1pt e/w 14/1

3rd: Mac Aeda, Malcolm Jefferson has been a man possessed this year and has all his horses in top form, so it would not surprise if this tough outsider can sneak into the money.

He has not been great this year but has shown over 3 miles that he is a stayer and may just leap forward for the extra mile. Richie McLernon is on board and nobody deserves a success in a big race like him, after being snatched on the line with Sunnyhill Boy in Aintree not too long ago. .5 pt e/w 25/1





Irish Tips
 1 win Secret Hero S.P  15.05 Naas
3 win Stunned Silence 14.30 S.P Naas
1 win Alindjar S.P  14.00 Naas

English
3win Harris Tweed 13/8 14.00 Newbury
1win Tickatack 12/2  15.00 Bangor

 Nap Of The Day

 The 17.10 Handicap at Naas
is not a race full of class and I doubt whether many of these will go on to contest an Epsom Derby or a Gold cup - but here is where my nap lies, and it is with with the John Gorman trained Three Way Sretch.

He has shown his ability in the past and last Dunday ran a great race into fourth in a big field at Fairyhouse, in this lower and more suitable level he should be more than game enough for this and should exploit his easy mark. It is interesting that they should go for this race so early after last Sunday.

The very exciting Mark Monaghan takes the ride which is a massive bonus as he is the top apprentice in Ireland in my view.

Odds of 5/1 are shortening and should be taken immediately. 

Next Best Bet Of The Day:

 The 17.10 Novices Handicap Chase at Ayr is a lively looking contest ,but a horse who may just be due a win is Lively Barron .

Overall his form looks very good, and has been running well over fences. Was only a fair fourth at Cheltenham behind Teaforthree, but that was a much higher level than this one and if No Loose change is found to be high enough in the weights he should pop up here.. 

Donald McCain Jnr is a top trainer and is in a rich vein of form and with the very dependable Jason Maguire on board it could be a good day for the duo and for Lively Barron.


6/1 should be taken

 Pic: Lively Barron should have enough about him here for Donald McCain

Each Way Selection Of The Day: 

 The 16 .40 Handicap  at Naas looks a tough and trappy Irish race but a horse who is on a dangerous mark if showing up on his reappearance is Jamesie.

He has been a great servant to the Marnane stable especially when winning similar  sprints at ?Tipperary and Fairyhouse last summer. If David Marnane has him fit and ready for today he could take some catching as is on the same mark as when running an absolute blinder into 2nd at the Galway Festival in a classier and bigger field.

The Marnane stable seems to be in good form and the controversial Fergal Lynch takes the ride..

Available at a nice 7/1 with Paddy Power. 

Pic: If an in form Jamesie can show up, he has a squeek.




Racing (tipping system pts: 1 smallest and 5 is max tips!)

3pts win Three Way Stretch 17.10 Naas 5/1 NAP 

2pts e/w Lively Barron 6/1 17.10 Ayr N.B 

1pts e/w Jamesie 16.40 Naas 7/1 E/W Paddy Power


February Points wagered: 32
 
Points won = 28.4Pts

Profit/ Loss = 3.6 pts loss