DOUBLE HANDFUL

John Shaw’s racing betting column in association with

TO be a successful punter you need to have answers to questions, much like the bloke who was arrested for illegally downloading the entire Wikipedia this week.

He was let off after telling police he could explain everything.

My first question this week was to ponder which race I should make my bet of the day.

The Betfair Chase at Ascot is the best race on the card with Cyrname looking a good thing.

But odds of 2-5 don’t represent a working man’s price and I find that difficult to comprehend.

I’m not referring to the price so much as the concept of a working man.

Besides, there will be an early inspection this morning at Ascot with strong winds forecast.

Racing at Haydock has a better chance of going ahead and the going is sure to favour those who have stamina in abundance.

The winner of the Grand National Trial hasn’t ever gone on to win the big one, although the 1997 hero Suny Bay did come second to Lord Gyllene. One For Arthur, the 2017 National winner, takes his chance today but looks a shadow of his former self these days.

I can see Yala Enki coming in for some support bearing in mind he’s a strong stayer, Paul Nicholls’ yard is in good form and he won this race by a staggering 54 lengths just two years ago.

At 10, he’s by no means past it, but he has a lot of miles in his legs and I do believe his best days are probably behind him.

It’s worth noting that 12 of the last 17 winners have been aged nine or younger.

I’m really sweet on the chances of the rapidly-improving LORD DU MESNIL.

He’s won his last three races, including twice here at Haydock, and over today’s distance last time out.

He’s up 10lb in the weights, which is not ideal, however he’s young enough to defy that penalty particularly with the promising Paul O’Brien in the saddle taking off 3lb.

I can’t see him being out of the places, making him a great value each-way shot to nothing.