Sam Turner’s big race selection: Now make most of the good Times… and take Rachael Blackmore to write herself into Grand National history by partnering Minella Times to a famous triumph at Aintree
- Sportsmail expert Sam Turner predicts Minella Times to take an historic victory
- A victory would see Rachael Blackmore write herself into Grand National history
- She also became the first woman to be top jockey at the Cheltenham Festival
- Turner predicts hot favourite Cloth Cap to make the top four of the famous race
Take Rachael Blackmore to write herself into Aintree folklore by partnering Minella Times (Aintree, 5.15) to a famous victory in Saturday’s Randox Grand National.
Three weeks after becoming the first woman to be crowned top jockey at the Cheltenham Festival, the 31-year-old bids to break down another notable barrier by becoming the first female to ride the National winner.
In Minella Times, Blackmore appears to have an accomplice equipped for the challenge and a light preparation and two creditable efforts at Leopardstown since Christmas in well-contested handicaps should have ensured he is well conditioned for Saturday’s unique assignment.
Rachael Blackmore could make history if she takes victory at the Grand National on Saturday
Admittedly, trainer Henry De Bromhead has found winners a little hard to come by since a terrific Cheltenham but, in the hope his eight-year-old finds a good early rhythm, he possesses the class to be involved at the finish.
Having backed Burrows Saint for last year’s race that never was, it is with a heavy heart he is deserted on Saturday.
A smooth winner of the 2019 Irish National on good ground, conditions look sure to be in his favour and he looks to have enjoyed an excellent preparation.
Hot favourite Cloth Cap is going to be tough to beat granted a clear round, but he does race enthusiastically and there is a chance he may run out of petrol late on.
Kimberlite Candy has been my long-term fancy for this event but the drying ground precludes him from being the number one pick.
Henry de Bromhead might have a winning pair in Rachael Blackmore and Minella Times
