Two major races for us this afternoon both dominated by horses from the major Irish yards. As I have touched on previously, the power of such stables has been contentious in Ireland in recent years and is now starting to have a similar effect in Britain.

3.45 Newmarket 2000 Guineas Stakes (Group 1)

Air Force Blue chance is reflected in his price and offers little value. The Dewhurst winner is a general 8/11. First time tongue-tie.

The form of Marcel’s Racing Post Trophy win is solid. Ease in the ground is fine and I would expect him to go well. At a best price 11/1 he looks a decent each way prospect.

3.50 Punchestown Mares Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

Limini is short in the market on the form achieved. Raced keenly at Aintree last time and that exertion told in the final stages.

As we continue to witness, the Mullins’ horses can improve significantly, but I would be wary of taking short odds about Limini. Gets a general 11/10 quote from the layers, I go 9/4 the field. Jennies Jewel is now a non-runner.

As the trainers title race goes right to the final day, two races for us this afternoon at Sandown. The going is good and a dry afternoon is forecast.

 2.20 Sandown bet365 Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (CLASS 2)

Voix Du Reve held every chance when falling at final hurdle at Cheltenham. Has been put up 5lb in the handicap, although David Mullins can claim 3lb. Must go close, but that is reflected in the market. Currently a best priced 3/1 and a general 9/4 – 5/2 elsewhere.

At bigger odds a case can be made for Wolf Of Windlesham, who was last seen winning on the flat. Lightly campaigned over the winter with two victories from three starts over hurdles, including winning the JCB trial at Cheltenham.

I price the market leaders as follows:

Voix Du Reve  5/2

Tommy Silver 4/1

Wolf Of Windlesham 8/1

Ashoka  8/1

12/1 bar

4.10 Sandown bet365 Gold Cup Chase (Handicap) (Grade 3) (CLASS 1)

Southfield Theatre is well handicapped on his second in last year’s RSA. Hard to know what form he is in after being brought down before the race had really began at Cheltenham. The £84,000 winners prize would be a significant step towards the title for Paul Nicholls.

Henri Parry Morgan had looked exposed, but has reached a new level in form since being fitted with a tongue tie. He finished an excellent second in a Grade 1 at Aintree two weeks ago and still looks progressive. I expect him to run a big race.

Wide open race, the  8/1 on offer for the two mentioned looks about right.

Another winning bet for us yesterday to make it four from five on the week. For more details about my work, go to the website: www.slh.co.uk

On Thursday I posted my Grand National preview. This morning I would like to narrow things down.

The forecast at Aintree is sunshine and showers this afternoon with light winds. After the overnight rain the ground has eased to soft.

Crabbie´s Grand National Chase (Handicap) (Grade 3) (CLASS 1) (7yo+)

• Winner: £561,300
• Maximum runners: 40
• Distance: 4m 2f 74y
• Going: Soft

Holywell’s latest Cheltenham form was let down yesterday with Un Temps Pour Tout being well beaten. Carrying top weight he finished a creditable second at the festival with a number of today’s rivals behind him. The 9y.o. carries a stone less this afternoon.  Currently a general 16/1.

The class horse is Silviniaco Conti who is handicapped to win if he stays the trip. Has won at this meeting for the past two years.

The Last Samuri could have done without the overnight rain, but I still expect him to go well. Comes here fresh having not raced since his easy victory over The Druids Nephew at Doncaster in early March.

Whilst I respect the chances of Many Clouds to win here again, the 8/1 on offer represents no value.

Plenty of competition amongst the layers. Many go 5 places with some firms going 6 places. It pays to shop around.