Duo of runners at Newcastle (Saturday)

Making his third appearance in a novice hurdle, The Boo Box runs in the 2m 4½f hurdle at 2.40 at Newcastle on Saturday. There's been a fair bit of rain around the country in the last couple of days so the Newcastle advance going is soft.

This is a very competitive race and a case can be made for any number of horses. On form thus far, we're not really expecting The Boo Box to be involved in the finish but are looking for another competent round of jumping and for him to gain more experience as his future lies in handicapping.

As long as the ground remains soft, Keyboard Gangster will take his chance in the 2m ½f 0-140 handicap hurdle at 3.55.

There may be a fair bit of pace on in this race. Both Aristo du Plessis and Beyondtemptation are confirmed front runners, whilst several others including Cornerstone Lad like to race prominently. Keyboard Gangster can run keenly, so we hope the expected pattern of the race pans out as this will suit our fellow.

Ben Haslam's Manamite returned to form with bang at Musselburgh last time, looks still to be improving and ranks very dangerous from a BHA mark of 124.

Our gelding has had an interrupted season, but is showing up well at home. However he returns in this race after a 10 week layoff, so may possibly just need the run.

Good luck to all connections, the lads from Denholm Park Racing and 'Mouse' Young and his cohorts of The Buyers Club.

Stainsby Girl mid div finish in Aintree bumper

Things didn't quite go to plan.......

Stainsby Girl had been a strong puller in her previous couple of races, and again yesterday in the paddock and on the way to the start was fairly well worked up.
She does have strong travelling pace, although not much acceleration so lying handy would have been the first choice. However, given how she was pre-race, Stainsby Girl was dropped in at the rear. She did settle reasonably well but the leading bunch at the finish mostly came from horses ridden prominently and Stainsby Girl was never able to get in a blow and eventually finished mid division in 12th place out of 20 runners.

Time will tell, but this felt like a hot renewal of the Grade 2 Mares bumper.

That'll wrap up the season for 'Nell' and after a couple of weeks 'rest', she'll be schooled over hurdles before heading of to green pastures until the autumn.

Stainsby Girl (post race) with Garry, Helen and Al

And best of luck to the National runners from Scotland

The Grand National. The best race in the world.

We're at Newcastle though but we'd still like to extend our best wishes to a trio of runners from Scotland.
Lucinda's One For Arthur won this race a couple of years ago of course and Kinneston Nick runs Lake View Lad for owner Trevor Hemmings, which has a real chance based on his fine 3rd at the Cheltenham Festival
And completing the Scottish entry is Captain Redbeard trained by Stuart Coltherd and ridden by son Sam.

Jimmy Moffat's Just a Par sneaks into the race as 1st reserve and this Cumbrian trainer is as near to Scotland as makes no difference, so good luck too.

And at the risk of sparking fears throughout Yorkshire of another Jacobite Rebellion circa 1745, we'll extend our best wishes to trainer Sue Smith who runs another TreverHemmingsgelding in Vintage Clouds, and Phil Kirby with 12th hour recruit Dom Poli.

Will be fantastic viewing as always!