Informative day of racing at Aintree who have had plenty of rain yesterday evening and provide a welcome report of good to soft ground. We go to Wincanton for two races of interest. The going there is good.

Wincanton 1.35 Wincanton Rising Stars Novices´ Chase (Grade 2)

Intriguing two and a half miler where a case can be made for all four runners. All four are progressive

On chase form achieved Master Dee looks overpriced at around 9/1-10/1.

My tissue:

Shantou Village 5/2

Frodon 5/2

Virgilio 5/2

Master Dee 11/2

Wincanton 3.20 Badger Ales Trophy Handicap Chase (Listed Race)

 A few potentially well handicapped contenders in Cocktails At Dawn, Southfield Theatre and Fingerontheswitch.

The latter fell on latest start and needs to get his jumping together.

Excuses can be made for Cocktails At Dawn failing to complete on last two starts. However, he has to prove himself at this distance.

Southfield Theatre boasts some excellent back form and looks to have been targeted at this race.

I price the three as follows:

Southfield Theatre 4/1

Cocktails At Dawn   8/1

Fingerontheswitch  8/1

 

The meeting at Warwick yesterday highlighted the problems some courses are having with the firmer ground. Plenty of non-runners before racing which was exacerbated by further withdrawals as racing progressed. We ended up with one bet yesterday, a strong and successful lay of a long odds-on favourite.