With a strong run from Balthazar King and a few each way returns on Deep Trouble and Sew on Target we can go into day two of the meeting with a few beans in the poca and drive on tomorrow.
It’s late so without further ado I’m going to plough on ahead!
12:40 JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial – This race is pretty hot looking through the form. Royal Irish Huzzar, a former Ballydoyle recruit, is the current short priced fav at 11/10 and is rated 142….pretty high for a novice with two runs over fences under his belt….although he did win by 14 lengths the last day. Look….lets be frank….the fav looks to be a sharp enough juvenile but at the price in a race like this he surely can be taken on. Cases can be made for several. I’m happy to take an each way chance on the 8/1 Hughes trained Cooper ridden Guitar Pete. I won’t be getting stuck in in a major way but just think he could at least run into second even though his flat form is disappointing.
13:15 Roy Blandford 65 Years At Cheltenham Novices’ Chase – Pretty strong on the favourite here and he is one of my ten to follow for the season. I think African Gold could develop into a sharp enough chaser. Hopefully he’s nice and sharp and full of beans!
13:50 Murphy Group Handicap Chase – The Twiston-Davies charge is pretty highly thought of and with a decent prep behind Balthazar King last time out at the same track he should go well. 7/1 is tantalising. The selection is Tour des Champs.
14:30 Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase – Important to note Paddy Power are paying 5 places in this…if you have an each way bet anywhere else you need your noggin examined. I could go on all day here. I potentially think that the handicapper has him held but my gut feeling is to side with Rajdhani Express. He very much fits the profile and 10/1 seems fair.
15:00 Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Hurdle – I fancy two here in what is a fairly open contest. Silver Eagles form got a nice boost with Thomas Crapper coming home in front on Day 1. Acts on the track and only up 4…6/1 is ok. If Victrix Gale runs again I am most definitely having an each way saver. Tony Martin is fairly good at this quick run lark…see Busted Tycoon three wins from three runs in three days at the Galway festival. Take note.
15:35 Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle – No great opinion here. Emma Lavelles (trains fav) are hot at the minute….I might leave this one alone.
16:05 Ukash Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race – It’s 14/1 bar the top three at 3/1, 7/2 and 5/1 respectively….a story in its self….Mullins and Townend present the fav, Supreme Ballerina, for the Supreme Racing Club…I won’t be diving in….an each way saver on Flementime will be enough to see me home. No great interest otherwise.
That’s it for day 2!! Beir bua!!
Slán tamaillín,
T
Turf Talk 