The Grand National Trial at Haydock Park is a race Venetia Williams has a very good record and she has two runners entered today. Of the pair I like the chances of Rigadin De Beauchene winning best with regular pilot Robbie Dunne in the saddle.

Rigadin De Beauchene is a horse that takes a leap of faith to back with his recent race record of 2nd, PU, PU,1st,PU,PU,PU not inspiring at all. However, the 2nd and 1st in that race sequence took place in this race with him placing in 2013 and winning the 2014 renewal. It’s pretty obvious he is a horse that likes Haydock Park and this race is his annual target.

Rigadin De Beauchene has won twice from three runs over the 3m5f distance and has a good record on soft ground so heavy going is not essential. He has dropped down the handicap ratings since winning this race last season from a high of 147 to 138. That is still 7lbs higher than when winning last season but leaves him with a good chance of collecting again if on a going day.

He will need to be on a going day as any further drop in the ratings will see him drop out of contention to get a run in the Aintree Grand National. Last year a rating of 138 was the minimum required to get into the Aintree Grand National. That is the tricky thing about today’s Grand National Trial. Horses rated in the 140’s do not want to land themselves with a ratings hike that could cost them victory in the Grand National while horses rated in the 130’s do indeed need to win or place to get a welcome hike in the ratings.

Of course the 42k winning prize for today’s Grand National trial is well worth winning but maybe not at the risk of ruining a chance to win over 600k in the Grand National! Broadway Buffalo was the last horse off the shortlist but he let us down badly last time out most likely due to the quick turnaround. He arrives here a fresh horse but can run freely and will need to settle to have any chance of lasting home going over an extra 4 furlongs.

 

Selection – 1 Point Each Way Rigadin De Beauchene Haydock 14:55 12/1 Betvictor, Stanjames & Ladbrokes else 11/1 generally, use *B.O.G

 

Compare odds available on race at http://www.oddschecker.com/horse-racing/2015-02-14-haydock/14:55/winner

Best of luck,

The BetAlchemist

Bet Alchemist Recent Winners

 

Bet: 1 Point Each Way | Horse: Rigadin De Beauchene