Nigel is now set up comfortably in Liverpool and will be staying there until the end of the meeting, and seemed remarkably relaxed ahead of the biggest race of the year when we spoke to him this morning – this is what he told us about Friday’s entries.
Nigel’s Charity Bet
As always, we’ve given Nigel a £50 charity bet to place on a horse of his choice – and this weekend the money will be on…..
Aintree 1.40pm Friday – Crievehill at 33/1 Each Way
“His run in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham wasn’t really as bad as it looks at first glance with a thirteenth of twenty-five below expectations, but tempered with the fact that he was only beaten thirteen lengths in one of the most competitive races of the season. The handicapper has dropped him two pounds for that run which can only help, but more importantly I feel the step up in trip could be just what he needs to improve further. He has only had the five starts over hursles nad there is more to come and I am hoping he can run a huge race and raise some money for the Injured Jockeys Fund this afternoon.”
If Crievehill scores, we’ll donate the winnings to the Injured Jockeys Fund!
Friday’s Other Runners:
Calett Mad 2.50pm Aintree
“He ran far too freely in the four mile National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham which ended any chance he may have had that day, but I am hoping Daryl Jacob can get him to settle this afternoon in which case he will be a much better proposition. The drop back in trip to three miles and a furlong is also in his favour, but I am a realist and beating the Henderson beasts will not be easy.”
Ballykan 4.05pm Aintree
“I am quietly confident of a decent run from Ballykan this afternoon who jumps well and may take to these fences at the first attempt. He won a couple of races last year at Perth and Southwell so knows how to battle when needed, and with trip and going right up his street he may surprise a few at a big price today.”
Ballymalin4.40pm Aintree
“He is another of mine who just ran too freely for his own good at the festival when finishing seventh in the Pertemps Final but again fi he settles, he is a lot better than that. This is a seriously hot race so if he can place I will be more than happy but her has won four races over hurdles and is no mug and he could possibly pull off a shock here.”
Bomber’s Moon 5.15pm Aintree
“Ran really well on his debut at Warwick to finish a neck second to Mance Raider with some well regarded sorts in behind, and he deserves a run here though it does look one of the better bumpers of the season and he will have his work cut out in the company. It is all a learning process for the moment and he will get better with racing, and I am looking forward to sending him over hurdles next season.”
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!