Lion To Roar In National Trial

Last weekend it was Nigel Twiston-Davies and his son Sam that teamed up for feature race success.

But this Saturday Nigel could be amongst the winners again, this time with younger son Willy doing the steering.

Lion To Roar In National Trial
Unlike Ballyandy last week, Blaklion wouldn’t appear as well handicapped as his stable companion but the eight-year-old can defy top weight to set up his Grand National tilt at Aintree later in the season.

A graduate of trainer Colin McKeever who was responsible for Flemenshill, the horse sold for massive money during the week, Blaklion was a surprise winner of the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last season.

The son of Kayf Tara didn’t go on to hit the top level again with a Grade One win since, but…

he wasn’t disgraced with a couple of decent efforts behind Native River and he looks capable of justifying favouritism.

Houblon Des Obeaux is usually a consistent yardstick in these type of races and Vicente could run well at a big price for Paul Nicholls, but Blaklion is the selection for the Twiston-Davies family.

Time For Another High Five
Ronald O’Leary’s 10-year-old Lets High Five It has only managed one career win in 16 starts but at Gowran Park this weekend he may be able to double that tally.

Lets High Five It has been lightly raced and has only appeared twice since winning at Thurles almost a year ago but his effort in December was always going to be open to improvement and next time out at Naas was certainly a better showing.

Last month, Lets High Five It was sixth, beaten six-lengths, by subsequent winner Yaha Fizz and the form of that run doesn’t look to be too bad.

Experienced rider Paddy Kennedy takes off 3lbs to leave the selection with just 10st2lbs on his back.

That makes him very appealing in a competitive enough looking contest.

Recommended Bets:
Blaklion – 3.15 Haydock
Lets High Five It – 4.15 Gowran Park

*Prices correct at time of publication.