Nigel Twiston-Davies – My Aintree Runners Saturday 8th April 2017

No surprise to detect a little tension in the voice of Nigel this morning as he gears up to Grand National day where he has a few well fancied runners including Blaklion in the big one, but what of his chances – read on to find out.

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 5.15pm Saturday – Blaklion at 14/1 Each Way

“This has been the plan all season and I am really hoping it comes to fruition, and the stable can land our third Grand National. We have looked after him all season to get him here in tip top condition and I see nothing in his home work to suggest anything other than a huge race barring mishaps of course. He jumps beautifully and I think he is well handicapped this afternoon, and I am already getting excited to see him run on Saturday afternoon.”

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

Saturday’s Other Runners:

Splash Of Ginge 1.45pmAintree

“Splash Of Ginge loves it at Aintree and has finished first and second in his two efforts over hurdles. The owners are local as well so expect to hear some screaming if he runs as a big a race as I hope though it does look extremely competitive and he will have his work cut out if he wants to win.”

Ballyoptic 4.20pm Aintree

“He really disappointed me at Cheltenham when I thought he would do a lot better than he did before eventually pullng up in the Stayers Hurdle. If you look at his earlier form behind Unowhatimeanharry (who misses this race), then he would have every chance if repeating that and he seems back to his old self at home, and he looks solid each way value at the prices to me.”

Robinshill 6.15pm Aintree 

“I tried him over two miles five last time at Cheltenham in the Coral Cup but that was my error and he was tailed off in the end. Dropping back in trip he should do better now off a rating two pounds lower and he is a decent horse and could run well in a very competitive race.”

Deputy Commander 4.40pm Chepstow

“Life goes on and although Aintree is everyone’s focus, I still have my responsibilities to my owners and the eight-year-old ought to pick up some prize money here. The ground was far too sticky for him at Warwick last time out when he was eventually pulled up but the better going here should be in his favour, and although top weight isn’t ideal, I’d still expect a big race today.”

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!