The Scottish Grand National and Irish racing at Naas and Gowran Park takes JOE’s attention for the Weekend Fancies, in association with Boylesports.
Scottish Grand National – Ayr – 3.25pm Saturday
I would have preferred if POKER DE SIVOLA (2pts e/w) was coming into this with better recent form but a poor run at the Cheltenham Festival and a stretching of the legs at Southwell in Decmeber won’t deter me from giving Ferdy Murphy’s only Scottish Grand National runner a solid chance.
Katie Walsh pulled out all the stops on this fella to win last year’s Challenge Cup at Cheltenham over this trip and Graham Lee is no stranger to partnering the eight-year-old. His experience and stamina is clearly up to scratch and, if getting a clear round, I’d be very surprised if he’s not in the money.
Gordon Elliott’s Chicago Grey will be an outstanding horse if he can get home in front after a fantastic Cheltenham win last month but an interesting alternative is Ballyfitz, who ran a cracker in the Midlands Grand National by coming second to Minella Four Star, who can’t be ruled out either.
Prediction:
1. Poker De Sivola
2. Ballyfitz
3. Chicago Grey
4. Minella Four Star
Woodlands Stakes – Naas – 3.40pm Saturday
Mick Halford is an astute trainer who has got the best out of SNAEFELL (2pts win) with eight career wins to date. Johnny Murtagh is picking up winners with relative ease and, although this contest is not so straightforward, there’s enough to like about the top weight in listed company.
Ballyhale Chase – Gowran Park – 4.15pm Sunday
TAWAAG (3pts win) should have the measure of See U Bob at Gowran Park on Sunday. The Wille Mullins-trained course and distance winner has the added advantage of Ruby Walsh at the reins, who has only once finished second best when on his back.
Andrew McNamara’s mount Torpichen should give these two plenty of company come the business end but I reckon the in-form Ruby will take all the beating.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
