THE Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader hit the bookies on Saturday with a 9,172 accumulator – following seven winning selections.
Molly The Dolly (5-1), Wazowski (11-2), King’s Advice (6-5), Leodis Dream (3-1), Raise You (10-11), Another Reason (5-2) and Emirates Empire (3-1) returned Leader punters a ‘Magnificent 7’ accumulator!
The Leader ‘Spring Double’ big race winning tips, Auxerre in the 2019 Flat season big race opener The Lincoln, and Tiger Roll’s 2019 Aintree Grand National success followed winning tip Altior in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham – one of 11 winning selections at the Festival in March.
First Flight was a huge 25-1 winning Leader selection for trainer Ben Case during the 2018-19 campaign.
Takingrisks gained a 25-1 shock win in the 162nd running of the Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Saturday under jockey Sean Quinlan, the Nicky Richards trained horse winning by 3 lengths, ahead of Crosspark, with Cloth Cap and Blue Flight placed.
“He’s been a grand horse, very honest. We’ve had a great year – and Takingrisks will go and enjoy himself on a grass field for the summer,” said Richards.
“It’s great to win famous old races. It worked like clockwork and was a treat. Sean gave him a great ride,” said Richards.
“Takingrisks travelled superbly and jumped well. Going across the winning line I filled up – it was emotional,” said Quinlan.
“It was an unbelievable feeling. To get a chance to ride in the Scottish National – you get so much joy to ride in such a race,” said Quinlan.
“I was quite surprised how well he travelled – as at one stage I nearly fell off!,” said Quinlan.
Top NH trainer Jonjo O’Neill celebrated his birthday on Saturday at Bangor, thanks to his son, Jonjo jnr, winning on the Trevor Hemmings owned Orrisdale.
“I needed that for my birthday! Orrisdale is a grand horse and one that is pinpointed for chasing next season,” said O’Neill snr.
Leader selections for Friday April 19 at Lingfield: Betway Stakes: Amade (2.00), Ladbrokes Champions Stakes: Move Swiftly (2.30), Sprint Stakes: Kachy (3.05), Ladbrokes Conditions Stakes: Red Impression (3.40), Mile Championship Conditions Stakes: Matterhorn (4.10) Easter Classic Championship: Wissahickon.
*The Costa Blanca and Costa Calida’s ‘Voice of the Turf’ Andrew Atkinson’s weekly Saturday racing column live Online every Friday at www.theleader.info with news, interviews and tips. Make sure you’re on the Winning team. ONLY IN THE LEADER!
