Newbury clash for National runners
With the Grand National fast approaching the fancied runners and riders are taking advantage of the limited opportunities for preparation whenever possible.
Both are well-backed National challengers with horse betting punters, and are expected to take to the course at Newbury this Saturday with many watching with their notebooks ready. Niche Market and Big Fella Thanks are set to meet in the Grade Three Wiltshire County Show Supporting Greatwood Gold Cup Handicap Chase along with fifteen other runners.
The race over 2m 4f should give us some clues about the relative strengths of both horses with each due to carry top-weight of 11st 12lb, while a fair share of horse bets have gone the way of Take The Breeze and Mahogany Blaze, who come in at the same weight.
Also of interest on the day will be the fact that Niche Market is due to be ridden by Ruby Walsh. Just back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury, Walsh will be hoping to get some races under his belt before the Cheltenham Festival and the Aintree meeting. He is reported to be feeling well and his presence is likely to attract some decent money into the betting ring.
Graham Lee has been booked to ride on the Ferdy Murphy-trained Big Fella Thanks, winner of the race last year, whilst Sam Twiston-Davies rides Mahogany Blaze.
The National is being viewed as a very open affair this year by the racing professionals and this appears to be reflected in the ante-post betting markets with some decent prices available at present.
