RACE PREVIEW & TIPS (FRIDAY)

18:40 Aintree

Fidux was given plenty to do at Cheltenham last time, held up throughout, he was still seventh approaching the last before powering up the hill to finish a very good third. Allowed to race off the same mark here, one would hope to see him go close despite having to concede weight all round. Neverbeen To Paris won twice when trained on the flat and has proved a fairly decent recruit to Hurdles so far, up in grade today he will have to show a little more though he is chasing the hat-trick and this mark may prove lenient. Irish Roe has the form and ought to appreciate this drop in class, however, Fidux may have been a little unlucky this time and could gain compensation if ridden closer to the leaders.

FIDUX (WIN)

20:35 Hamilton

We head all the way up and North of the border into Scotland for this evenings selection. The penultimate race on the card at Hamilton sees a bunch of handicappers clash over six furlongs.

I have to start by making all punters weary of two horses that are yet to shift their maiden tags in the form of Global Spirit, who has been consistent without winning, and the lightly raced Miss Sabina who should appreciate returning to this trip. Both deserve a close eye in the betting and could run better than many may expect.

There’s three former course and distance winners who are set to lineup. Although the likes of Vallarta and Mujassam garner respect it’s Mr Wagyu that will force us to part with our hard earned cash. A horse who is unbeaten at this venue, drops down to Class 5 company for the first time in fourteen runs, has a jockey in Jason Hart that’s ridden him to success before, carries less weight than when he was last victorious and has been gifted a decent enough draw. Add to this the fact that trainer John Quinn has bagged some recent winners and the four year olds form on good to firm ground reads as 0313113 and you can’t help but stand up and take notice.

It will be ludicrous to suggest this race is going to be anything but competitive however Mr Wagyu has all the credentials and everything lined up in his favour to expect big things.

MR WAGYU (WIN)

The Cambridge News – PicksfromthePaddock.co.uk:

18:40 Aintree – FIDUX (WIN)

The Jersey Evening Post – Rory Paddock:

20:35 Hamilton – MR WAGYU (WIN)

East Anglian Daily Times – Dean Kilbryde:

16:45 Newmarket – CARADOC (WIN)

Norwich Evening News – Chris Connolly:

20:35 Hamilton – MUJASSAM (WIN)

Ipswich Star – Matt Polley:

16:35 York – TENAX (WIN)