Our tipster is back with his selections ahead of the Scottish Grand National.
Newbury 14:05 The Fred Darling: Relief Rally
Three-year-old filly out of Kodiac, Relief Rally had a brilliant two year old campaign. She won four out of five races including two Group 2 races. The only race she didn’t win was the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot losing by a nose.
She stayed on strongly in all her 5f appearances so the up to 6f in her latest win at York on August 24 was no surprise. The further increase to 7f for her seasonal reappearance is of no issue, and with course conditions expected to improve, with no rain forecasted. There is no reason why she shouldn’t return to winning ways now as a three-year-old.
15:35 Ayr the Scottish Grand National: My Silver Lining e/w
With there being 26 runners at time of writing confirmed for the race there are many different possible angles for prospective punters. Such as top weight and previous Grade 1 winner Stay Away Fay dropping into to a handicap, Kim Muir second Git Maker who stayed on well for his remote second and Midlands Grand National winner Beauport. But the preference is for the horse that finished third in that Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter, My Silver Lining.
The eight-year-old mare is a consistent performer and jumper, who proved her stamina at Warwick January 13th, staying on gamely to win the premier handicap when upped in distance for the first time. The subsequent second at the Haydock in the Grand National Trial and third at Uttoxeter cemented that ability and remains unexposed at this longer distance and is taken to reverse that Uttoxeter form receiving a further 3lb pull from that aforementioned rival.
16:55 Thirsk: Never So Brave
Three-year-old gelding out of No Nay Never, Never So Brave remains a maiden after coming second on both of his two-year-old starts. However in those races he was up against subsequent Group 1 winner Ancient Wisdom and subsequent multiple Group 1 winner Vandeek, who he lost to by less than length. None of his opponents in here are of that same level and provided he’s ready and raring to go after his nine month absence he should break his maiden tag in emphatic fashion.
