I've had a shocking couple of days but that normally means the good times aren't too far away and I'm hopeful the tide will turn in time for the weekend. I've got the opener at Chester down to two tomorrow but I'm hoping BOARDMAN can edge out Revich with a slightly better draw in his favour. Tim Easterby's charge has started the season in good form and he will be keen to get a win under his belt before a mid season break. The softer ground suits him better and he ran well at Haydock last time considering how quick the ground was and how much a positional bias there was also. He can gain compensation here.
In the big one itself I'm keen on CALL MY BLUFF who should be primed to run a big race. Dominic Ffrench-Davis has started the season in magnificent form and his string could not be in better form. The horse itself has some really solid form to it's name, especially around this track and I will be disappointed if he isn't in the places at least. Euchen Glen will run his race but I do worry how far back he will be turning in.
Chester 1.30 – Boardman
Chester 3.15 – Call My Bluff
Saturday
I'll be watching the ground on Saturday as an indifferent forecast could send the ground either way all over the country. Down at Ascot, my pick in the Victoria Cup at the 48 hour stage would probably be RIVER NYMPH who tends to run best fresh. Clive Cox's lightly raced 6 year old loves the straight 7f here and any ease in the ground will not be an inconvenience to him. The draw will be key I'm sure so maybe keep an eye on today's racing to see if there is a definitive advantage.
Up at Haydock I've developed a fancy on two at a price in both the big hurdle races. In the 1.35 I'm hoping MERRY POPPINS is overlooked despite her being in rude health recently. Two seconds to two good mares will look good in the form book but both were Mares only races so the step into an open handicap here may see her go off a tasty price. I expect the good ground and 3 miles to really suit and with a low weight on her back I can see her running a big race.
In the Swinton itself I'm sticking with NIBIRU who ran no sort of race at Aintree last time out when fancied. His earlier form on better ground is very good and plenty good enough to win this. His trainer is a shrewd man and he will be undoubtedly keen to bag a big handicap with him sooner rather than later.
Haydock 1.35 – Merry Poppins
Ascot 2.40 – River Nymph
Haydock 3.15 – Nibiru
