The Inside Track

National Hunt – D.Matthews

Saturday 18th February

3:20 Haydock

2pts win Giles Cross 13/2 Bet Fred & Tote, 6/1 General

A very competitive looking Grand National trial but only a handful of these can be sure to cope with the conditions and even less will relish them. Giles Cross is a horse who simply glides across soft ground and the heavier the better for him. He ran a cracker for the second year running in the Welsh National and he should get a deserved big race success today. He looks sure to run his race and the sharper track and furlong less today should be ideal for him. Fredo looked in great form last time out, and providing he handles the ground he could give the selection the most to do.

2:25 Ascot

2pt win Cappa Bleu 7/1 Generally

An open looking handicap can go to Cappa Bleu. He looked a classy horse destined for big things when he first went to Evan Williams. Things didn't work out as planned but the signs are that Evan Williams is now working his magic and after an opening win this season he ran a very eye-catching race in the stamina sapping conditions of the Welsh National. Going best of all round the home turn he couldn't make up the ground on the leaders and the jockey soon settled for third place. Better ground and back at his best trip today he should be competing for the honours in this easier looking assignment.

3:35  Ascot

2pt win Smad Place 9/2 Sky Bet & Bl.Sq.

A competitive looking hurdle but the classy Smad Place is well worth a bet. He was very impressive first time out this season and with improvement expected he can take this at the expense of Swincombe Flame. Smad Place could be seen to better effect when he goes over longer distances, he has a World hurdle entry which shows how much the trainer thinks of him. However, he was quick enough to finish just 10 lengths behind Zarkander in last seasons Triumph Hurdle and I expect him to have enough speed over to win today over 2m3f.