With the Cheltenham festival now so close, it is no surprise to see a lack of top performers in action at Newbury and Doncaster this weekend. The exception is the Grimthorpe Handicap Chase where several Grand National entries are put to the test.
The one that stands out is Monbeg Dude who was due to run in the Haydock Grand National Trial a couple of weeks ago. He was pulled out at the last minute due to an unsatisfactory scope. I believe that will prove to be a blessing in disguise as the race was run in atrocious conditions. It resulted in a 1-2 for Venetia Williams with Rigadin De Beauchene coming home clear of Emperor’s Choice.
Had Monbeg Dude taken his chance there, it may well have set him back for Aintree and he will be far happier at Doncaster. I fell into the trap of having him down as a mudlark after his wins at Cheltenham and Chepstow last season but he proved me wrong in some style last time out.
I supported Theatre Guide on the strength of his excellent third in the Hennessy Gold Cup and he looked to be travelling best for most of the race. That was until Monbeg Dude moved up to him approaching the last and made him look very ordinary. He has been raised 8lbs for that victory but looks attractively priced at around 6-1 on Saturday.
Michael Scudamore’s nine-year-old is clearly being aimed at Aintree but Paul Carberry can produce him late to capture this valuable prize. I’ll also be keeping an eye on Godsmejudge who I have backed at 33-1 for the National. The Scottish National winner can be forgiven his poor Sandown run as Alan King shut down his yard shortly afterwards due to a virus.
Emma Lavelle’s Court By Surprise is the early favourite after finishing second to There’s No Panic in the London National. The form for that race has been torn to shreds with the third, fourth and fifth all running badly next time.
Newbury’s Greatwood Gold Cup has attracted a modest bunch and I’m inclined to take a chance with the veteran Dashing George at 8-1. He is old enough to run in the veteran’s race earlier in the card but looked on good terms with himself when winning at Fakenham last time. He almost unseated his rider at the first but settled into a good rhythm and a similar effort might prove good enough against some in-and-out performers.
Monbeg Dude at 6-1 Bet Victor (Grimthorpe Chase)
Dashing George at 8-1 Paddy Power (Greatwood Gold Cup)
