AP could make the difference aboard Merry King in Grand National Trial
IF tomorrow’s meeting at Haydock gets the green light, the ground is certain to be bottomless and the only things that will matter in the Grand National Trial (2.55pm) are stamina and fitness.
There are plenty with realistic chances, but the one that screams out to me is MERRY KING for Jonjo O’Neill and AP McCoy.
The seven-year-old was a decent fifth in the Welsh National two starts ago and was running on at the death to claim third in the Peter Marsh at this course last month.
That three-mile trip wasn’t far enough for him and he will relish the extra five furlongs here. McCoy, who hasn’t ridden him since the beginning of last season, is the perfect pilot and the 9/1 with Star Sports is a very fair each-way price.
Ascot will also be hoping it beats the weather and if it does, the highlight is undoubtedly the Betfair Ascot Chase (3.50pm).
I can’t get away from CAPTAIN CHRIS here. He is miles better going right-handed and was perhaps unlucky not to win this race 12 months ago. Riverside Theatre, who claimed this prize in 2011 and 2012, is a threat, but I have a feeling his best days are behind him.
The RSA Trial Novices’ Chase (2.05pm) can go the way of Oliver Sherwood’s MANY CLOUDS. The seven-year-old is progressive and the form of his last win was franked in no uncertain terms by Indian Castle at Cheltenham.
Pointers…
MANY CLOUDS 2.05pm Ascot (tomorrow)
MERRY KING e/w 2.55pm Haydock (tomorrow)
CAPTAIN CHRIS 3.50pm Ascot (tomorrow)
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