One last chat with Nigel in 2017 and we started with the dreaded question first – whatever happened to Bristol De Mai last weekend? The phrase “desperately disappointing” was used and they are looking in to everything possible to try and unearth a reason for a massively below par effort – but at the time of writing, nothing has come to light.
The New One ran well in second and was anything but disgraced to be beaten by Champion Hurdler Buveur D’Air and he is back home bouncing as usual ahead of his next target, while Blaklion was described as 100% at home, and with others blotting their copybooks Nigel is seriously mulling over a Cheltenham Gold Cup entry, which may surprise a few.
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……
Crievehill 2.45pm Haydock Saturday
“He won nicely enough over shorter on the soft ground at Lingfield two races back and I think he is going to improve significantly for the step up in trip this afternoon. The heavy ground ought to suit him better than most as well and I think he has one hell of a chance of coming home with the first prize this afternoon.”
If Crievehill wins we’ll donate the winnings to the Injured Jockeys Fund!
Saturday Selections:
Ravensdale 1.00pm Haydock
“I very nearly made him the charity bet and he also has a very decent chance. He won nicely last time out here over further but won’t mind the drop back in trip or the expected going, and he very much looks the one they all have to beat again today.”
Belmount 2.10pm Haydock
“His recent efforts have been a bit of a let-down to be honest but he is working and schooling well at home and if he can put that to good use back on the track this afternoon he has a sporting chance. A big strong sort, he won’t mind the heavy going or the three and a half mile trip and if he gets round cleanly, I think he will take a lot of stopping.”
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