Don’t be fooled by the going reports. I live fairly nearby and the ground is sodden where I am, with flooding throughout Merseyside. It’s going to be heavy everywhere. Expect non-runners, slow finishes and unexpected results. The worst ground is expected on Thursday. Going stick readings are 3.1 Mildmay, 3.3 Hurdles and 3.2 National. The scale is 0-15 with 0 softest and 15 hardest. By Saturday we probably won’t have a repetition of Red Marauder’s 33/1 win by a distance in 2001 when only four finished (two remounted – not allowed any more) but it’s going to be tough going.
https://turftrax.co.uk/going_maps.html
I’m not convinced that Nicky Henderson’s horses are right yet, so all are avoided.
Here are the selections for Thursday and Friday, with Saturday to follow. Friday’s selections may well change based on what the ground reveals on Thursday.
Thursday
1.45 Il Etait Temps (3/1)
2.20 Nurburgring (9/1)
2.55 Gerri Colombe (7/4f); Ahoy Senor (14/1 e/w)
3.30 Impaire Et Passe (13/8f)
4.05 Bennys King (7/1)
4.40 Saint Roi (5/1f) – nap
5.15 Honky Tonk Highway (4/1)
Friday
1.45 Chianti Classico (7/2)
2.20 Sonigino (25/1 e/w)
2.55 Dysart Enos (5/1)
3.30 Pic D’Orhy (100/30) – nap
4.05 Shakem Up’arry (7/1)
4.40 Readin Tommy Wrong (4/1)
5.15 Zeeband (18/1 e/w)
Good luck, more than ever with the going!
On another note, Paddy Power are paying out each way on the first 10, rather than the usual 5 for the Masters. Avoid LIV Golf players who will lack the required incoming form. Remarkably, the forecast there is also dreadful with rain possibly delaying the start.