Aintree, the home of the Grand National, holds a 7 race card on Saturday 3rd December, and many spectators will be interested to see how the course is looking a few months prior to the big race itself. As always, the groundsmen will have the track as good as they can get it, and so the predicted wet weather shouldn’t get into the ground too much and we can see some competitive racing. Bookmakers Betfred sponsor 6 of the 7 races and their feature race would be the Becher Handicap Chase at 2.10pm. Plenty of runners are in with a chance, but many punters will be interested in Always Waining, who loves a good test of stamina. However, despite this, he does tend to leave his best races for Cheltenham and can be a very hit and miss performer, so the percentage call is to ignore his single figure odds and look elsewhere. Nicto De Beauchene looks sure to run a decent race, as with liking the good to soft ground and surely staying this demanding 3 miles and 2 furlongs, he also comes into the race after a recent run, so fitness shouldn’t be too much of a worry. Should also improve a little on that recent run and therefore looks a solid each way bet. Paul Nicholls, Alan King and David Pipe have runners in the race, so not easy to select a winner. The 3.20pm race is another competitive race on the card, and interesting that Always Waining is entered to run in this race, too. However, the same make up applies and, although he will almost certainly go for the 2.10pm race, he couldn’t be backed if going for this race either. It’s a 2 mile 5 furlong chase, and several have chances of landing the main prize. Nacarat would be the class act lining up, so with him being fit and ready after a couple of runs already this season, he looks the one to side with. The Sawyer and Fine Parchment are also of interest and should run their races.
Sandown hold a 6 race card, with the Tingle Creek at 3.05pm being the race everybody will want to be watching. Ireland’s Sizing Europe would hold a strong chance of taking this race, as he has the form in the bag, jumps well and has won over the distance. He will be the favourite for the race, but deservedly so and should take all the beating. Gauvain would appeal to each way punters at around the 12/1 mark. Chepstow (jumps), Fairyhouse (jumps) Wetherby (jumps) and Wolverhampton (evening flat) make up the rest of Saturday’s racing action.
A quiet day for racing on Sunday 4th December, with Kelso, Warwick and Fairyhouse holding meetings. The ground at Fairyhouse is expected to be heavy, so finding winners should be a tough ask. If taking an interested, then finding runners with form on heavy ground is a must. The 2.30pm at Kelso looks a good betting heat and many will be placing a few quid on Ballyfitz running the 4 mile race in the fastest time. An out and out stayer and should run a big race for Nigel Twiston-Davies.
