Talking Horses

I'm afraid I can't get too inspired about today's racing where the main action is at the Curragh in Ireland in races that look horribly difficult. Sunday racing in this country is on the whole incredibly ropey and the sooner the British Horseracing Authority realise that the Sabbath is a day of real potential for the sport the better.

I do have a suggested bet though and it is at Aintree on Friday where 3.45pm Gwanako is very much one to be interested in for the Topham Chase run over the famous Grand National course. Hill's have started betting on this race and Gwanako certainly catches the eye at the 7-1 on offer.

The selection ran a terrific race when second to runaway winner Mister McGoldrick at the Cheltenham Festival and is still very well handicapped on the form he has shown over hurdles. Ruby Walsh has been booked for the Paul Nicholls' runner and everything looks in place for a big run.

Aintree will dominate all thoughts this week and there will be some choice betting opportunities during the three-day National meeting. 2.35pm Tazbar, whose trainer Keith Reveley shrewdly re-routed here instead of targeting the Cheltenham Festival, should go well in the extended three-mile novice hurdle on Friday.

I also like the look of Song Of Songs at this fixture. The James Fanshawe-trained runner was travelling supremely well at Cheltenham in the Coral Cup until his stamina gave out. He is entered on Thursday in a two-and-a-half mile race but watch out if he is targeted at a two-mile event this week. If connections go for longer race take the hint as they obviously would have no fears on the stamina front. However, there is a race over two miles that opens the Grand National card on Saturday and that could prove just the ticket for Song Of Songs.

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