Well, well, well. It’s tough to fathom the magnitude of what has happened in the last 24 hours, but in gambling terms, history has been made.
For those of you who have been under a rock today, Timeform radio described the proceedings as “a nationwide gamble”. Four horses across Catterick, Lingfield and Kempton were subject to monumental gambles which all landed. Not since the Barney Curley coup of 2010 has the likes of today been seen. To suggest the Fermanagh punting virtuoso was directly involved is still, at this point, merely speculation. However, strong links can be made between the four horses and the architect of the legendary Yellow Sam coup of 1975.
I could go on forever about this but, for what it’s worth, here are my abridged two cents. The choreographed gamble landed today, regardless of Curley’s involvement or not, is, in fact, an act of heroism and, in my opinion, a win for the punting public. The mastermind behind today worked the system without breaking any rules in the eyes of the stewards. The horses were ridden to the best of their ability in the eyes of the law. To lay one horse out is difficult, but to lay four out in a manner such as today is, without a doubt, heroic. If anyone has a problem, it should be with the handicapper.
So I tip my cap to you Sir, whoever you are! You really have brightened up what could have been just another Wednesday.
Gowran Park takes centre stage on what is so much more than just another Thursday! The feature meeting of the year kicks off 2014 at the Kilkenny track. With big crowds expected and a pretty sharp card on offer, it’s going to be a cracker!
Thyestes Day in one of my favourite meetings of the year! The atmospheric parade ring can be described as a slightly more rustic version of its Longchamp contemporary. The sunlight dapples the crowd below, through the ancient trees, as an air of expectation builds before the start. Single toll of the bell. Last instructions. Leg up. Magic.
I will be there tomorrow so if I can find a few winners you’ll find me in Connolly’s of Dunbell enjoying a pint of plain and a hang sandwich. It’s not just a great day’s racing, but a great day to meet old friends that perhaps only meet up on the second last Thursday in January every year.
Enough of that auld jabber, lets have a look at the card!
13:15 Nugent Spirit 25 Horsebox Hurdle – This is a two mile contest for juveniles and would appear to be a bit of a penalty kick for the owner of the great Florida Pearl, Mrs. Violet O’Leary. Abyssial looks to be the one here even though he doesn’t seem to be a Triumph type, more a stayer in the making. The value here is in the forecast. I feel Arzembouy Premier will be the best of the rest and chase home the fav.
13:45 Four Star Langton House Hotel Maiden Hurdle – An interesting maiden. I’m going to go for two here. The Doorman was subject to a “late injection of money” as opposed to a gamble on debut at Naas but was beaten. He has a decent bit of point form with a close second behind Minella Foru who has won a grade 3 hurdle. Mouse is also a man to not have them 100% first time up. I’m hoping he has him buzzed for this. I also may have an each way nibble at The Winkler trained by Eoin Doyle. I backed him on his bumper win and was impressed by his attitude. I think Gowran could suit.
14:15 John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle – Again, I’m of the opinion that this could be reasonably straight forward for Zaidpour. He has mixed it with and beaten some of the best and just has too much class. The forecast is the value here again (potentially revers forecast if you fell so inclined). I expect Robbie Colgan to be pushing and shoving in second on Mala Beach. Thats the 1,2.
14:45 Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle – A race for pro riders who not yet lost the right to claim under rule 52, but I doubt you’ll be too worried about that. Plenty of unpleasant form figures here but the one I’ve gone for is Cassels Rock who runs off a feather weight. Ran a good second from a not very tactical ride at Limerick last time. I fancy the Rock of Gibraltar gelding to at least place.
15:15 Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase – The big one. If the handicapper has done his job I should be able to make a case for every single horse in the race. However, I am not. I fancy two strongly and one less so. Panther Claw and Hunting Party are my preferences. The Gigginstown horse in particular. Third in this last year, loves the ground, carries 5lb more this time but still has a chance. The latter has track form and potentially has a big handicap win in him at some point. The third I may or not have a small bet on. Rich Revival if he is right can be a sharp customer. The question is: is he right?! All each way.
15:45 PMF Accountants Beginners Chase – Not really one I’m excited about but I’ll have a stab at it. Dogora will be fancied but is obviously vulnerable and the one I’ve gone with is Ring Ben. Connections have tried very hard to get his head in front in maiden and handicap hurdles but alas the Beneficial gelding has not obliged so this move to chasing may be viewed as more of a last resort rather than a progression. However, the champion jockey is booked and his agent, Frostie Kelly, is trying very hard to get winners for his man after the recent cabinet reshuffle at Gigginstown. There must be ability there and Davy is riding well of late.
16:15 P.J. Foley Memorial Flat Race – Black Hercules is the market leader and has been very well touted by the Closutton team. Too well touted perhaps. I haven’t seen enough to warrant even money or odds on. I think he may win but I can’t have him at the prices. I may keep the money in the pocket here. If I am having a bet I will tweet it at the track so keep an eye on twitter (@turftalktom).
So that’s that folks! Best of luck with your selections and see you at the races!!
Slán tamaillín,
T
Turf Talk 