Angus McNae's Racing UK Blog
	Saturday 5th April 2014

Repeat many times: We love you Boston, we do!

After the debacle of day one we got out of jail yesterday here on the blog with the 8-1 win of Boston Bob. 

I cannot guarantee a similar result today but at least we have a few units heading into what is traditionally a really tough day for punters.

While it is nice to back the winner of the Grand National we must all remember that it is not compulsory to have a bet.

In fact it is probably best not to bother, but for what it is worth I have three horses on my mind for the big race.

They are Burton Port, who is well treated and looks to be returning to form. Prince De Beauchene, who is trained by the brilliant Willie Mullins, will stay and has been aimed at the race. Finally Mr Moonshine, who represents last year’s winning connections, has form over the National fences and is too big a price at 50-1.

Those are my three, but in truth I could make a case for 22 and still miss the target. All I can say is good luck if you are having a dabble as you are going to need it.

In terms of playing up our Boston Bob money, I like Un Ace in the first race at Aintree. He was staying on quite nicely when eighth in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and we all know how well the form of that race is working out. Now stepped up to two and a half miles he looks set to run well for the Kim Bailey team. He should be backed each-way at a double-figure price.

My other selection today is Hinterland in the Maghull Novices Chase.

He ran in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham and was running well until brought down.

Now back in novice company he has an outstanding chance. Trifolium is the likely favourite, which means we should get a decent price. Hinterland looks to me to be a cracking win bet.

It would seem that Toast Of New York is not going to run in the Kentucky Derby. Yesterday Michael Buckley virtually ruled the race out in an exclusive interview with Racing UK.

I understand his reasoning and even though the crop of three-year-olds in America is weak, it is probably the right decision.

However what is the right decision for this horse going forward?

For me he must be kept to a synthetic surface. If he goes down the turf route he will end up having numerous hard races through the summer on a surface that does not suit his style of racing. Why not give him a break and then prepare him for next year’s Dubai World Cup?

He could maybe take in a prep race here in the latter part of the year, and then take in a round of the Maktoum Challenge before launching an attack on the richest race in the world. Once a synthetic horse always a synthetic horse, and there is no need to change or ruin a winning formula.

Angus McNae's Saturday tips:

1.30 Aintree: Un Ace each-way at 10-1 with BetVictor

2.05 Aintree: Hinterland at 3-1 with William Hill

4.15 Aintree: Burton Port at 20-1 with SkyBet