Each way horseracing specialist Steve Jones has identified value selections for the best races on Saturday's ITV coverage, headlined by the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr. His analysis focuses on horses with strong each way potential in competitive fields.
Maximilian Stands Out in Scottish Grand National
Steve Jones recommends employing the Max factor for the Coral Scottish Grand National. Unusually for marathon chases, it often proves advantageous to adopt a patient riding strategy in Ayr's premier jumps race of the season.
MAXIMILIAN (3.35) prefers to take his time through races. Although he has yet to secure a victory in five attempts over fences, he has not encountered conditions close to his ideal setup until now. Today should provide that opportunity.
The step up to 4 miles represents an unknown, but he demonstrated stamina when finishing third over 3 miles 4 furlongs at Haydock last month. Prior to spending nearly two years off the track, he was a decent novice hurdler. His finest achievement came with a success in Doncaster's Grade 2 River Don Novices' Hurdle.
That victory occurred on his first run following a breathing operation, and he returns today after undergoing more wind surgery. It has been 52 years since Red Rum won this race for trainer Ginger McCain. Now, his son Donald McCain appears to have a credible chance of claiming his first Scottish National. Have 1 point each way at 28-1. Several bookmakers are paying out on six places.
I Wish You in the Novices' Champion Handicap Chase
We might well see I WISH YOU (1.45) contest the big race in future years, and he holds a good chance in the CPMS Novices' Champion Handicap Chase. He performed admirably to rally and beat today's likely favourite, Diamond Dealer, at Wetherby in February.
His stamina became evident over the final couple of fences, and the demands of this race should suit him perfectly. The runner, trained by Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore, has only had three starts over fences and looks progressive. Have 1 point each-way at 12-1. Sky Bet is offering five places.
Fifth Column at Newbury
The Gosden stable has its team in sparkling form, and FIFTH COLUMN (3.10) looks a solid bet to maintain their hot streak at Newbury. He won three of his first four starts last season, with his sole defeat in that sequence occurring when he was the first home among horses racing towards the far side in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot.
His victory in a competitive handicap at York's Ebor Festival underscored his ability to handle demanding big-field handicaps. There were valid excuses for his two subsequent disappointing efforts. Have 2 points each-way at 12-1. Numerous firms are extending to six places.
