This Weekends Racing – Reviewed by The Sportsman Racing

Doncaster stage the Grimthorpe Chase at 3.25. The ground at Doncaster is expected to ride very fast, with Gary Moore withdrawing his strongly fancied Fruity O’Rooney on account of the dry conditions. Zarrafakt from the Emma Lavelle yard won with zeal when stepped up in trip on his latest start at Wincanton, though carries a burdensome 12lb rise for that success; he can’t afford any jumping blemishes of the type that dogged him last term. My preference would be for Alan King’s West End Rocker who can have his supporters dancing in the stands before taking in his long term aim of the Grand National. This lengthy gelding will have no stamina problems in addition to being ground versatile and although he can race lazily, if he is in the mood, he can make the frame. Newbury’s highlight race is the Greatwood Gold Cup Handicap Chase with the market led by Aerial at 9-2. Many at the front end of the market carry question marks and it could pay to look to those at bigger odds. Mad Max is a giant of a horse who has suffered various breathing problems over the years. Now aged ten it is almost two years since he stepped into the winner’s enclosure but Mad Max made an encouraging return to the track in January and will be at home on the quicker ground. At 14-1 he holds each-way appeal despite his frailty of finishing races weakly. Fix The Rib is four points shorter in the market and looks sure to serve up a big run. Another horse to have suffered health issues, Fix The Rib is an audacious jumper who has dropped to a decent mark of 134 and represents a touch of value at 10-1.   If you sign up to The Sportsman Racing using the code SPORTSMAN you will receive a reduction of 15% from the cost of subscription.]]>