Grandads Horse Off To Doncaster
The Skybet Chase formerly The Great Yorkshire Chase (which does sound better) is the most competitive chase of the day. Easter Day was been redirected to Cheltenham which is bad news for us each way thieves as that reduces the field to 15 runners and just 3 places pay out.
Therefore, it’s all or nothing as we pick one against the field in a wide open contest. There are question marks against all runners with some out of form, outers high in the handicap and the rest lacking experience but on an upward curve. I like the form of the win by Grandads Horse when accounting for course specialist Night in Milan last time out over course and distance.
On that occasion Grandads Horse travelled easily the best and pulled clear of Night of Milan into the final fence looking sure to win easily. In the end he idled badly and just held on to win a head for Daryl Jacob. Today another top Jockey Noel Fehily takes over having own on Grandads Horse two runs ago. Noel will be advised to wait as late as possible before hitting the front this time round.
A 4lb turnaround at the weights would usually see us side with Night of Milan but having watched the race more than once I expect Grandads Horse to confirm placings with the Reveley trained and ridden Night of Milan. Alan King pair are interesting with Godsmejudge sure to come on for the run and Medermit a big danger with 5lb claimer Tom Bellamy aboard.
Vino Griego has been dropped significantly by the handicapper to a rating of 146 but runs today without a visor which is surprising. Fairy Rath has stamina to prove and it’s the novices from Philip Hobbs that could prove well in on current ratings. They are progressive but this race is a major test against battle hardened chasers and might be a step too far too soon.
There you have it, a right mixed bag of horses in this valuable 75k race. The ground will be similar to Grandads horse previous two course wins & I expect this inform chaser to run a career high and rack up a hat trick of victories. He may have turned nine years of age but is in cracking form and travels and jumps well.
Selection – 1 Point Each Way Grandads Horse Doncaster 15:15 @ 12/1 Totesport & Betfred else 11/1 generally
Best of luck,
Nicky