My conclusions on tomorrow's races:
NWB 1.15 If the yard were in better form I’d be keen on Bravemansgame since he looks like he’s got plenty more to come based on his hurdles ability. Other than that, I’m happy to leave the race alone.
NWB 1.50 This isn’t much of a race. Polish won it last year and has probably been primed for it but Whatsupwithyou has better older form and entitled to preference if he could be guaranteed to run his race.
NWB 2.25 I’ll probably just watch this race but I’d love to see Royale Pagaille win, which is possible given the form of the Nicholls yard. I’ve backed De Rasher Counter at 66/1 for the Grand National so he can afford to run well here but still drop a pound or two. He’s currently on the same mark off which he won the 2019 Hennessy and his sole run last season over hurdles suggested he was as good as ever.
NWB 3.00 I think I’ll wait until the first race or two before getting involved in this. If the Nicholls horses appear to be in form again I can follow in on Hitman, otherwise it’s just a race to watch.
WAR 2.05 This should be a good race. Third Time Lucki is still to prove he is 10lbs better over fences than hurdles but I expect him to do so. That might not be good enough to beat Edwardstone, though. I liked the way Brave Seasca travelled last time but this is classier opposition. All four hold Arkle entries but Brae Seasca and For Pleasure have marks that would make them of interest in the Grand Annual. If I owned them I’d be wanting that mark preserved or slightly lowered for the handicap. Barring misfortune, I see the race going the way of the market so I’m happy to watch.
WAR 3.15 Cheddleton has to prove himself at this trip. Lieutenant Rocco was mooted for top staying novice races last season after impressing heavy over 3m at Ffos Las but has changed yards a couple of times and blew on his reappearance. Riders Onthe Storm looked to be going places a couple of years ago and ran well on his reappearance. He probably bounced last time. I prefer to look at the other novices, Falco Blitz, Our Power and Celebre D’Allen, with preference for the last-named as he is totally unexposed over fences and could have the winning of this if he makes the notional 10lbs’ improvement for the switch. This is his first run over fences in this country but was rated 139 in his younger days in France, running in Listed races. I just wonder if the ground will be soft enough for him. At slightly longer odds, Falco Blitz might be the percentage value.