Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Wincanton, Doncaster and Aintree Tips
SATURDAY RACING TIPS
Wincanton 1.10 – Read Meg Nicholls' Blog At betmgm.co.uk Handicap Chase
Bourbali (3/1f) for the Tizzard’s is a consistent performer and should step forward from last time, when you could evidently see he did tire from the back of the last.
He enjoys this ground, and a slight step back up in trip will be a positive. He is a consistent horse that enjoys this ground, and small fields do seem to suit him as well.
It could be pretty straightforward if he gets into a jumping rhythm early doors, and he could be the one to beat here.
Megan’s Tip: Bourbali WIN
Doncaster 1.25 – Wentworth Stakes
I’ve gone Spycatcher (9/2) who was a winner in France last time out.
He enjoys the slower ground and goes well at Doncaster too.
His form seems to be good, he’s a consistent type of sprinter, and Karl Burke’s horses are running really well.
He should run really well.
Megan’s Tip: Spycatcher WIN
Wincanton 1.45 – BetMGM Paul & Richard Barber Memorial Mares' Handicap Hurdle
Jubilee Alpha (6/4f) is a highly regarded mare who signed off last season by winning a Listed event at Cheltenham.
She has got to carry top-weight but is effectively a graded filly and has trained well at the start of this season.
She is a horse that is ground versatile and has a good turn of foot and travels well - I imagine Harry [Cobden] will be a little bit patient and get some cover on her to allow her to relax in the early part of the race.
Megan’s Tip: Jubilee Alpha
Wincanton 2.23 – Novices’ Chase
Nicholls and Cobden team up again with Blueking d'Oroux (8/11f) here.
A very talented hurdler who arguably was a little bit frustrating at Newton Abbot last time, where he jumped okay but let himself down over a couple of fences.
I think Harry wishes he had been slightly more positive, and I imagine he will bounce him out here and try to make the running, get into a good rhythm, and if he can jump with that rhythm, he will be hard to beat.
He is very tough to pass, as we saw at the Select Hurdle at Sandown at the end of last season. If he can continue to show the same progression over the bigger obstacles, he is going to be very difficult to beat in this one.
Megan’s Tip: Blueking d'Oroux WIN
Aintree 2.40 – Grand Sefton Handicap Chase
I’ve gone for King Turgeon (4/1) who has had another wind operation, which seemed to work on him last year.
He goes well fresh, and he is 9lb higher than when he won this race last year, but he is an improver, and I think connections have very much targeted this as his return.
The ground will be ideal for him at Aintree, and I expect another big race from him this year. He is a phenomenal jumper and got into a great rhythm in the race 12 months ago and continued to improve throughout the season.
With him returning after the wind operation, this could be the time to catch him.
Megan’s Tip: King Turgeon
Wincanton 2.55 – BetMGM Elite Hurdle
We have the legend that is Rubaud (1/6f) in the BetMGM Elite Hurdle.
He won on his return at Kempton, and this is a route that he has taken in the last couple of seasons.
He loves Wincanton and he loves this ground. He is pretty straightforward and will make the running.
A horse that is very hard to pass, he is a short-priced favourite but I can't see him being beaten in this one.
Megan’s Tip: Rubaud WIN
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
