Cheltenham 2018 is history but life goes on regardless and we move straight on to Uttoxeter and Kempton on Saturday afternoon. Before then, Nigel reports that The New One seems fine this morning but ran too badly to be true and although nothing has come to light yet connections are yet to be convinced that it was purely a stamina issue, while Wholestone ran an absolute blinder to lead the British runners home in the Stayers hurdle and Nigel is looking forward to picking up plenty of races with him at the meetings the Irish are inclined to ignore over the months and years ahead.
Nigel’s Charity Bet
As always, we’ve given Nigel a £25 charity bet to place on a horse of his choice – and this afternoon it will be on……
Arthur’s Gift Each Way 2.40pm Kempton
“A race put on for those balloted out of their preferred Cheltenham engagements and one that my horse has a pretty good chance of winning. He only missed his place at Prestbury Park by one spot each time but is in great form at home and has already had a great season with wins at Worcester, Market Rasen and Cheltenham in November and December, and I think he is back to something like that sort of form at home on the gallops. ”
If Arthur’s Gift wins or places, we’ll donate the winnings to the Injured Jockeys Fund!
Midlands Grand National:
Benbens and Ballymalin 3.35pm Uttoxeter
“I would love to say we are going to get a stable one two here but the truth is it looks as if the ground has gone against them both here and I just can’t see it drying out enough by race time even if the rain and snow stays away. Benbens has run well on heavy going before but I don’t feel he is at his best on it while Ballymalin won his bumper on it but that was over two miles and this is more than twice as far. Both have won off higher handicap ratings so they should go well again but a win may well be beyond them both on this ground.”
Nigel Twiston-Davies will be back tomorrow for his views on his weekend runners as well as on a daily basis for all the major festivals! To see what our tipsters are backing in all the weekend’s races, check out our free daily horse racing tips!