Pipe’s dreaming of his own Grand slam
THE David Pipe operation have always found the Betfred Midlands Grand National a happy hunting ground. And GEVREY CHAMBERTIN (Uttoxeter, nap, 3.35) could enhance their strike rate today to follow up wins for Minella Four Star (2011), Master Overseer (2012), Big Occasion (2013) and Goulanes (2014).
Four years ago the grey ran at the Cheltenham Festival in the conditional jockey’s handicap hurdle run in the name of David’s father Martin.
Since then there have been one or two wins along the way but the nine-year-old’s career has been a shade underwhelming. There were signs he was in good heart at Newcastle last month before he jettisoned Tom Scudamore from the saddle when going well.
That display came after a positive run at Kempton, and although the selection was seemingly a disappointment at Haydock in January, the winning time of Bristol De Mai suggests it was the best handicap chase run all season.
Gevrey Chambertin is no good thing but stepping him up in trip could be the making of him.
GOLDEN SPEAR (Kempton, 2.40) could be the horse to follow in one of the most competitive handicaps of the week. The strong pace and good ground should prove ideal for Tony Martin’s charge.
Martin is a brilliant exponent of handicap hurdles and he could well have found a decent opportunity for the son of Kyllachy, who is bred to appreciate the conditions.
DUBAI ANGEL (Newcastle, nb, 3.45) was disappointing when beaten at odds on at the track two months ago but he can make amends with a win today.
Trainer Malcolm Jefferson has always held the son of Dubai Destination in high regard and the drying ground could suit a horse who was possibly undone by a real stamina test last time.