Paul Ferguson has two selections for us on Saturday; Flying Angel in the 13:05 and Virgilio in 14:45 both at Aintree. Compare odds and bet.
It’s a big day at Aintree for both Nigel Twiston-Davies and young jockey Ryan Hatch, with Algernon Pazham and Double Ross holding sound each-way claims in the races over the Grand National fences, while Flying Angel (1:05) should regain the winning thread in the 2m novices’ hurdle.
The Arcadio four-year-old was an impressive winner on debut at Worcester, pulling clear in the closing stages, before proving himself on softer ground when runner-up here last month. The drop in trip shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience on today’s testing ground and he is taken to defy his 6lb penalty. The selection was trading at 5/4 (Bet365) overnight.
Later on the card, it is hoped that Don Poli makes a winning reappearance in the extended 3m Listed chase, but at the odds the race is best watched, given that some of the Willie Mullins-trained runners have looked in need of their return. I still believe this six-year-old will develop into a leading Gold Cup contender this winter.
Fort Worth is a horse I believe can land a nice prize at some stage and is, therefore, respected in the handicap hurdle, but he has yet to encounter ground this soft, whereas Virgilio (2:45) handled it in France and can complete the hat-trick.
Dan Skelton’s son of Denham Red bolted up in soft ground on his British debut at Warwick in May, before defying a 7lb penalty over this course-and-distance just six days later. Up another 13lbs since, the six-year-old needs to step forward again here, but looked on a sharp upward curve when last sighted and can continue his progression. Ian Popham’s mount was a best price 3-1 overnight.
Later on, I’m looking forward to the debut on the Flat of Sign Of A Victory, in the concluding maiden at Wolverhampton. Nicky Henderson’s classy hurdler should have too much for tonight’s eight rivals, but he was already trading around 8-11 at the time of writing. Again, he is one to watch with the future in mind and next season’s handicaps.
Saturday’s selections:
1:05 Aintree Flying Angel 6/5 Betvictor
2:45 Aintree Virgilio 5/2 Bet365
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