Tom Scuadmore Aintree Blog: ‘I just think he could spring a surprise’
Published:
Ahead of the 2024 Grand National, the first instalment of the 2024 Tom Scudamore Aintree Blog sees the retired jockey preview all the action and give his picks for the first day’s races.
Tom Scudamore Aintree Blog
1:45 Aintree
It’s always tricky trying to weigh up how the Cheltenham form is going to carry over to Aintree, but I’d suspect Grey Dawning will confirm the form with Ginny’s Destiny on this flatter track. Most of Ginny’s Destiny’s good form has come at Cheltenham, so it might just be that that stiffer test suits him, so I’m not surprised to see Dan’s horse at the head of the market.
I’m going to take a swing at one who skipped Cheltenham here though, and that’s Blow Your Wad for Tom Lacey. His two wins at Kempton this season have really impressed me, and coming here fresher than the ones who ran at the festival, I just think he could spring a surprise.
2:20 Aintree
I’ve been a big Sir Gino fan for some time now, and the market support behind him would give you plenty of confidence with regards to his wellbeing. Kargese ran very well at Cheltenham, so you’d have to respect her, and Kalif Du Berlais has clearly had this in mind for some time, so he’s another you can’t rule out, but Sir Gino’s performance last time blew me away, and I just think he’s the best horse in the race.
2:55 Aintree
As I’ve said before, I would always just favour the fresher horse who didn’t go to Cheltenham in this sort of race, so while I’d respect Gerri Colombe, I’m going to side with Shishkin. It was an excellent performance from him to win this last year, and if he can put up a similar performance then I think he’ll take all the beating.
Corbetts Cross is a fascinating runner, because although he’d have quite a bit to find on ratings, he was so impressive in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham last time, and providing that hasn’t left its mark, I could see him running a big race.
3:30 Aintree
It’s pretty obvious, but I’d be coming down on Bob Ollinger here. He turned into the straight in the Relkeel looking like he had a bit of work to do, but he suddenly hit the overdrive button up the straight, and I think the long straight at Aintree will definitely suit him.
You’d have to respect Impaire Et Passe, but he was well beaten behind Bob Ollinger in Ireland last time, and I expect Henry De Bromhead’s horse to confirm that form.
4:05 Aintree
Its On The Line ran a cracking race at Cheltenham, and as his form figures suggest, he’s a tough horse who takes his racing really well. He did fall in this last year, but he’ll surely go close with a clear round this time. Having said that, I’m going to take him on with last year’s runner-up Benny’s King, and although he’s one of the old boys at the age of 13, it wouldn’t surprise me if he goes very close once again.
He won in really good style at Leicester last time in really testing conditions, so the ground should be perfect for him, and if he turns up in similar form, he could run a massive race.
4:40 Aintree
Although he’d much prefer better ground, I’m just going to take a chance on Homme Public in this. I’d definitely be worried about conditions, but I think the manner of the race will really suit him, and the fact he skipped to Cheltenham to come straight here will be a massive help to him.
He’s a tough horse, and he won very nicely at Doncaster last time, so although this demands more, I don’t think he’ll be far away.
5:15 Aintree
You’d have to respect Baby Kate for Willie Mullins here, but I think I’ll just take her on with Ben Pauling’s mare Diva Luna. I was very impressed with her win at Market Rasen last time, and while this clearly demands more, she’d have a solid chance if she handles the more testing ground she’s going to encounter at Aintree.
All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.
