3 minute read

Saturday could just be the most memorable afternoon for members of the Axom ownership syndicate with Shotgun Paddy and Ziga Boy holding claims in the Betfred Eider at Newcastle and the BetBright Chase at Kempton respectively.

Shotgun Paddy has been aimed at the Gosforth Park highlight since a creditable run to finish third in the Welsh National, while Ziga Boy has really turned a corner of late with two wins at Doncaster, most recently in the Sky Bet Chase.

Both horses are entered for the Crabbie's Grand National yet Dan Downie, racing manager for the syndicate, thinks Aintree is unlikely for the pair of them.

"I will be at Newcastle to watch Shotgun Paddy rather than Kempton but nothing should be read into that because I only live about three miles from the course," said Downie.

"Both are intended runners and it's great for us they both appear to have sound claims.

"The pair of them are reportedly both in good health. I think Ziga Boy just needs to work this week but everything has gone to plan with both of them.

"I can't see them running in the National, to be fair. Shotgun Paddy would need a Red Maurader year to keep up. These days you get Gold Cup horses in the race and on good ground they'd take him off his feet.

"We've had a chat and the Irish National came up in conversation but the Eider has been his aim for some time as £85,000 is not to be sniffed at.

"Aintree will possibly come a year too soon for Ziga Boy, we're a bit lukewarm about it this year. We'll see."