Nigel Twiston-Davies – My Runners for 9th April 2016

One more day of the three day spectacular that is Aintree, and with a Grand National runner we couldn’t wait to talk to Nigel Twiston-Davies this morning about his chances on Saturday afternoon – especially after a winner and a third on Friday afternoon!

Nigel’s Charity Bet

Little Jon 4.20pm Aintree at 28/1 Each Way

If he wins, a donation of £462.50 will be sent to the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Saturday’s Runners

Flying Angel 2.25pm Aintree

“Stepping out of handicap company for the first time in a while today but he has been running well with a win at Sandown and a very solid second to Ibis Du Rheu last time out when stepped up to this trip at Cheltenham. We like him a lot and I think he has a decent each way chance this afternoon.”

Ballybolley 3.00pm Aintree

“I can’t honestly say I expect to beat Douvan today but mine is a decent enough horse and arrives here in good form. The place money is exceptional, and I’m happy enough picking up a chunk of that today.”

Little Jon 4.20pm Aintree

“I’m stepping the eight-year-old up to three miles for the first time today and I’m pretty hopeful it will bring about some improvement. He had a pretty torrid time of things at Cheltenham when he didn’t jump anywhere near as well as he can before eventually falling after being badly hampered earlier in the race – it just wasn’t his day, but he has shown no ill effects since at home and I think he has a race of this sort in him.”

Double Ross 5.15pm Aintree (The Grand National)

“It’s the Grand National so its impossible to be confident about anything, but he is a better horse than his recent form suggests and I ma hopeful he will get round at the very least. He has got a chance but will need everything to go according to plan to give me another winner of everyone’s favourite race.”

Thunder Sheik 6.10pm Aintree

“This one just keeps on improving and has won his last two at Haydock and Newbury though we would be a lot happier if we have some nice weather and the going dries out a bit – he really wouldn’t want it too soft but should run well if the rains stay away.”

Ballymalin 6.35pm Chepstow 

“He has already won a point to point and then a bumper here at Chepstow before another good run when second to Informationisking at Towcester where the concession of four pounds just about proved too much. He may have been flying too high in the Cheltenham bumper when never able to land a blow but back in this sort of company he should go well – I do like him and think he has a decent future over hurdles.”

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!