All eyes on Seeyouatmidnight as Scottish hope completes Grand National prep

The final fields are in for racing this weekend. Here we have a look at some of the contests you should keep an eye on.

Seeyouatmidnight


Seeyouatmidnight will be making the long journey down from the Borders to Newbury on Saturday after he was declared to take on eight rivals in the 2m4f handicap chase.

Such a preparation would not be normal for a Randox Health Grand National hopeful, but trainer Sandy Thomson has been left with no option but to run at Newbury following the cancellation of more suitable races in the north due to the weather.

Thomson is not alone in using the Newbury race as a sighter for Aintree with Cold March, Sametegal and Pain Au Chocolat all entered in the Randox Health Topham Chase, while Virgilio also holds an entry in the Grand National on April 14.

Kaloci
3.15 Newbury, Saturday

The Cheltenham Festival did not quite go to plan for trainer Stuart Edmunds and jockey Ciaran Gethings with their big hope Maria’s Benefit coming unstuck against Laurina in the Trull House Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

Just over a week on, the trainer and jockey combine with Kaloci in the Grade 2 EBF & TBA Mares’ National Hunt Novices’ Hurdle Final at Newbury, where they face 15 rivals.

What Kaloci lacks in height she makes up for in heart with a win and two seconds over hurdles. Her opponents include the Paul Nicholls-trained If You Say Run and Jet Set, who will be bidding to give trainer Charlie Longsdon a third win in this race in the past four years.

Third Time Lucky (near side) wins the 2015 Cambridgeshire at NewmarketCredit: Mark Cranham

Third Time Lucky
4.50 Naas, Sunday

The Flat turf season begins in Ireland at Naas on Sunday with the Group 3 Lodge Park Stud Irish EBF Park Express Stakes (4.15) and Tote Irish Lincolnshire headlining.

There will be no Rhododendron in the Park Express Stakes, but the progressive Elegant Pose and the useful Making Light top a field of seven.

In the Irish Lincolnshire, 2015 Cambridgeshire winner Third Time Lucky is being sent on a raid by trainer Richard Fahey, who also sends Carnageo for the 20-runner contest.

Read exclusive previews of Doncaster, Newbury and Thurles from 6pm tonight on racingpost.com