Nigel Twiston-Davies Stable Update 16/02/18

With the Grand National weights published this week Nigel reported that there were no surprises as far as he was concerned (though like all trainers, a few pounds less was the call), and it is all systems go with Blaklion as things stand ahead of the Aintree fences in April, though he has to come through his trial unscathed this weekend of course.

Nigel’s Charity Bet

As always, we’ve given Nigel a £25 charity bet to place on a horse of his choice – and this week it will be on……

Blaklion 3.15pm Haydock Saturday

“Now the weights are out we can continue with our Grand National plan and he comes here with every chance of a success. Last season he was beaten here by Vieux Lion Rouge (who he was giving six pounds), but he misses the race this season which can only increase our chances. Of course he will improve for the run after a couple of months off but I still think he should be more than good enough here, and I couldn’t be happier with him at home.”

If Blaklion wins, we’ll donate the winnings to the Injured Jockeys Fund!

Saturday Selections:

Count Meribel 1.15pm Ascot

“Count Meribel ran just too badly to be true last time out at Warwick which left me scratching my head for a while, but I have looked after him at home since and he looks ready to repay my kindness. He would just about win this on his best form and is bouncing at home and showing me all the signs he is ready to win again, so a big run is expected in a poor turn out of just the five for the prize money.”

Crievehill 2.40pm Haydock

“Crievehill just loves the heavy going expected here and is more than capable as long as I find the right races for him for the rest of the season. Just the four runners go to post here so we will be picking up £715.50 regardless but I think he is good enough to win this under these conditions and am hoping I have placed him pretty cleverly this time round.”

Nigel Twiston-Davies will be back each and every week with his thoughts exclusively for myracing.com as well as every day over the major meetings! To see what our tipsters are backing in all the weekend’s races, check out our free daily horse racing tips!