Joe Tizzard Saturday runners blog: 'He was one place behind Madara and we saw what he did this week'

Uttoxeter 1.50 – Kasino Des Mottes

Kasino Des Mottes was in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham, but he was balloted out, which probably wasn’t a bad thing as he would have been a 100-1 shot in that.  This is a handicap, and he won’t mind if they get the rain and the ground softens up.  He would have a chance here, but he is really a horse for next year, when he’ll make a lovely novice chaser.

Kempton 2.08 – Rightsotom

Rightsotom would definitely have a chance.  He finished third at Kempton last time, and one place ahead of him that day was Madara, and we saw what he did at Cheltenham on Tuesday.  The trip and track will suit him, and I can see him running a massive race.

Uttoxeter 2.25 – Hartington

Hartington has had a good season, but that does mean the handicapper may have caught up with him.  He gets this trip well, and I think Uttoxeter will suit him, so although this has attracted a maximum field, I hope he can be competitive.

Uttoxeter 3.00 – Rock My Way

We’ve come here with this horse rather than running in the Ultima on the first day of the Festival, it does mean he has to carry top weight here, which isn’t easy over 4 miles plus, but if he gets into a rhythm early on, then I think he’s capable of carrying it as he is a big strong type.

I don’t think this is the strongest Midlands National, and his mark of 138 as top weight backs that up, so if Brendan [Powell] can get him jumping early on, he’s not without a chance.

Kempton 3.53 – Etna Bianco

I still think this horse could be good enough for a graded race at Aintree next month, but he needs to run a big race here if that’s the case.  I was initially disappointed with his run at Ascot last time, but I know they think a lot of the winner of that, and the third home that day has won well since, so it may have been a decent run. 

As I say he needs to win or go close here if we are to go to Aintree, but I can see that happening.

Kempton 4.28 – Pedley Wood

Pedley Wood generally wins a race or two each year, and he’s run well at Kempton before.  He’s back down to a mark of 108 which is his last winning mark, and I’m pleasantly surprised only eight runners were declared for this.  He should run his race, it’s just whether there are one or two too good in here for him.

Uttoxeter 5.20 – Jenny France & Marvetta

We run two in the Mares’ Bumper, and they are two nice mares.  Jenny France is the more forward of the pair, she won her point-to-point in Ireland, and I think she’s well enough to go close here, if she does we’d look at the Mares’ bumper at Aintree for her. She’s the pick of Brendan.

Jack Tudor rides Marvetta, a mare we bought as a store horse, and who needed some time to grow into her frame, which we’ve given her.  Whatever she does this year she’ll be seen to better effect over hurdles next season.

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