Kate Tracey

Updated 9.19 - all selections online

Well, what a Grand National that was. Before we get to Sunday’s action, I have to pay tribute to a brilliant horse, I Am Maximus, who regained his crown in fine style. A fourth Grand National for Willie Mullins is some achievement. The horse is now as short as 12/1 to give his trainer a record-breaking fifth win in the race in 12 months’ time, and if he turns up in similar form, it’s hard to see him out of the frame.

The Flat season is set to move up a notch with the Craven Meeting midweek. Today however, we have Flat action at Leopardstown and Musselburgh, while jumping takes place at Wincanton, Ffos Las and Down Royal.

No sooner has the Grand National finished than we start thinking about the Classics, which are not far away. We get to see the credentials of Pierre Bonnard put on the line, with the current Derby favourite returning to action in the Ballysax — a race his connections have farmed in recent years.

I won’t be betting in that race at the prices, but I am keen to get involved in the opener (14:10 Leopardstown). Looking at this field, Aidan O’Brien’s Purely needs the now-added blinkers to spark significant improvement. I would expect Elmakaya to improve for her first run, while Skydance was highly tried at two but doesn’t jump out at the prices.

I’ll be with Joseph O’Brien’s Frankel filly, THUNDERING ON.

On debut in October, she kept on nicely to finish fourth over seven furlongs. Next time out, she finished second when stepped up to a mile, with the winner, Sugar Island, having previously finished third in a Group 2 at Doncaster. I expect better ground to suit, given what her dam achieved during her career, and I think we’ll see her in better contests after she gets her head in front today.

One thing is certain for the Wincanton card: it will be run on good ground, which probably explains the smaller field sizes today. That said, this 5.00 has a nice shape to it with eight runners.

The market has the two top weights closely matched, but I think RIBBA HILL is the one to side with.

This ex-Flat performer was second last time out in similar conditions over slightly further and was arguably unlucky to bump into Jackomy, who went on to win again next time. The yard has been knocking on the door with recent runners, and the booking of Tom Bellamy is a positive given how well he has been riding.