After the ‘highs’ of Cheltenham, normal service is resumed on Saturday. Uttoxeter racecourse hosts the Premier Raceday meeting in the UK, with seven National Hunt races on the card and the first due off at 15h15.
Track conditions are posted as heavy at the Staffordshire venue.
Uttoxeter Racecourse (Pic – Great British Racing)
The day’s feature is the Bet365 Midlands Grand National Handicap Chase (17h00). Run over a gruelling four miles and two furlongs on testing ground, prominent runners with proven stamina could be the answer.
The top weight is a rare raider to these parts by Irish supremo Willie Mullins in the form of eight-year-old Mr Incredible. Brian Hayes retains the ride on last season’s Kim Muir third at Cheltenham.
That’s strong form here, but this gelding has not been too dependable in four of his six last starts, not completing in those races. He also has to carry a hefty 12 stone on Saturday.
Jonjo O’Neil saddles Iron Bridge and this eight-year-old comes here with a fair chance. He receives 10lb from the top-weight and goes well on testing ground. He also has run at the course finishing runner-up to the re-opposing Autonomous Cloud a year ago. He was hampered in-running on that occasion, beaten a head, and is now 7lbs better off with the Fergal O’Brien runner.
However, a chance is taken with the mare My Silver Lining. A ‘mudlark’ who only carries 10 stone, 9lbs, the Emma Lavelle trained runner is in great form this season. She should give the boys a run for their money.
Later on the card, the Mel Rowley trained Val Dancer could capitalise on her low weight and deny gutsy top weight Marsh Wren and Irish raider Evies Vladimir in the bet365 Novices’ Handicap Chase (17h35).
These three runners are all mares in the eight-runner contest, run over three miles. All three-love heavy ground and are in great form, with Val Dancer a winner over the trip. Her weight advantage could swing it in her favour, and she would complete a four-timer.
UK Horseracing Guide For Saturday:
