Angus McNae's Racing UK Blog
	Saturday 21st December 2013

Can we please have our Grand National back

I have no idea what Santa is going to bring me this Christmas, but I can think of a few things he could bring to the racing industry so here is my idea of what  they should be.

Dear Santa,

This racing Industry of ours is loved by so many please could you help, make it even better.

To start with Santa we really do need these obscure things called sectional times to be wholeheartedly embraced by everyone in the sport. Those with dinosaur suits on need to take them back to the hire shop and realise that we need to take this sport forward by improving the information that is available. It’s a big ask I know but those Elves of yours are resourceful little chaps.

Secondly can we please have our Grand National back? We all love the race for what it was when Red Rum was winning it. It used to be a once a year unique test, now it is just a staying chase like any other. Perhaps if we stopped going cap in hand to various pressure groups things would not have changed so much. If this task is beyond you Santa then can you at least try to ensure there are no more changes to that once magnificent race?

Santa, we must make sure we do not rest on our laurels as far as this drug business is concerned. Just because a couple of trainers have been banged to rights is no reason for us to be less vigilant. Remember that in sport the dopers are invariably ahead of the testers. If you could keep us on our toes with this one it would be appreciated.

We have loads of really exciting Festivals in our racing calendar, but can we stop extending and extending them, such expansion only serves to dilute quality.

Do you think jockeys could start going a decent pace at Kempton Park, this crawl and quicken stuff is doing my head in. Polytrack racing is great, but a decent pace in most races would not go amiss.

Can we reverse the decision to race on Good Friday? Surely some days should be sacred. If you don’t do something Christmas Eve will be next.

Those are the main presents that I would like, of course there are a few stocking fillers such as more prize money, better mid week racing and a pay rise for me, but I don’t want to push my luck.

If you could deliver these to McNae towers I will distribute. Many thanks Santa.

I have little inspiration folks as far as today’s action is concerned, but if pushed I would recommend an each way bet on Safran De Cotte in the Tommy Whittle (2.05 Haydock).

His recent comeback effort was satisfactory and it should have put him spot on for this test. He stays really well and three miles on soft ground will suit him ideally. He often comes off the bridle at an early stage in his races, but he will keep going all the way to the line and when others have cried enough he will still be rolling. He should be backed each way.

I hope you all have a very happy Christmas.

Angus's Saturday selection:

2.05 Haydock: Saffran De Cotte each-way at 7-1 with MansionBet