Aintree - 28th Oct

The second day of Aintree’s 2 day meeting might not have quite the quality or depth of day 1 – but it still has a couple of very interesting races…

1:10

I’ve been waiting a long time for Wyse Hill Teabags to run over hurdles…

Last time he was sighted over the smaller obstacles, it was at this course last December, in a race won by Featherbed Lane, from Reindeer Dippin.

That was really strong handicap hurdle form – and Wyse Hill Teabags was sent off a well backed favourite.

Unfortunately, he picked up an injury during the race and was not seen out again until making his chasing debut at Perth at the back end of last month.

He unseated his rider in that event, when still going OK – but at least the run should have served to blown away the cobwebs.

In fairness, tomorrow’s race looks pretty competitive – and the favourite, Vendor, really could be anything. That said, everyone is fully aware of his potential – and so I suspect he will be over backed.

There are other potential dangers in the race – but the bottom line is, that Wyse Hill Teabags has very strong form and if he is back to his best tomorrow, I think he will run a huge race.

Selection: Wyse Hill Teabags 11/1

3:25

This is another fiercely competitive race – but I think it might be worth taking a chance on Falcon Island…

He was progressive for Colin Tizzard last season and as a 7 year old, there is reason to believe that progression will continue this season.

He will be better suited to the 2 mile trip on decent ground, than will be many of his rivals – and it is worth taking a chance on his fitness, as his stable could hardly be in better form.

Dangers abound; with both well handicapped horses and progressive horses, making up most of the field.

However, at a best price of 16/1 Falcon Island is worth a small risk.

Selection: Falcon Island

There is a second domestic NH meeting tomorrow, taking place at Wincanton.
The racing there does not have the quality of the Aintree meeting, but the Desert Orchid chase, off at 1:55 is a fair race.

I’ve mentioned my desire to include a few shorter priced tips, when the service gets underway (the likes of Pasco, today) and there is a potential ‘shortie’ in this race, whom I could be interested in…

The horse in question is Minella Stars – and I would price him up a little shorter than the 9/2 on offer this evening.

However, it is a tricky race – in which it is difficult to categorically rule out any of the runners. I have therefore decide not to make Minella Stars a selection for tomorrow.

I’ll be intrigued to see how he performs, all the same…!

TVB.