Well, well, well! We pulled that one out of the fire. Each way money on Rajdhani Express at 20’s was looking like all it was going to be on a very black Thursday at Prestbury Park. However, Robbie McNamara Esq with balls the size of the Naas Time Capsule was very handy on Spring Heeled in the lucky last and won by 1& 3/4 lengths. P Mullins also stayed on into fourth on Balnaslow for some more each way shekels. What was looking like being a nightmare of a day turned out to be a very pleasant surprise.
So now we turn our attention to the final day of the festival and hopefully can find a few tasty ones to end the week on a high!
JCB Triumph Hurdle 13:30 – It’s a well known trend that Irish horses have a poor record in the juvenile depart and Our Conor ended an 11 year Triumph drought for the Irish. With that in mind, there are still a number of horses that can have cases made on their behalf. Credit to Tim O’Mahony (otherwise known as number 2) here who talked me into having a look at Pearl Castle. I have my suspicions about the Royal Irish Hussar/Guitar Pete form etc. Quinns horse is potentially being disrespected in the market because he only emerged on the jumps scene in January. You could do worse than back this fella each way. Thanks Tim!
Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle 14:05 – Important to note PP are paying 5 places. Two for an each way chance in a wide open renewal here. The first is Never Enough Time with the talented Ger Fox claiming weight. Coming into the race on an upward trend and could be still ahead of the handicapper. The other each way squeak lies with Flaxen Flare who carries a lot of weight but is extremely talented and, perhaps more importantly, consistent. He’ll run his race. 18/1 currently.
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle 14:40 – The Mullins novices seem to be firing on all cylinders and Briar Hill (nap) is thought to be the best of the bunch. Moss Park is a huge price for a live place chance – my each way saver.
Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase 15:20 – Im stupid enough to take on Bobs Worth here, but I just think he could be beatable. Silviniaco Conti travelled strongly when falling in last years race and was a good winner of this seasons King George at Kempton Park. If he can stand up he should put Bobs Worth to the pin of his collar.
Cga Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup 16:00 – I love this race so much. A shame we don’t get to see Slasify attempt the hat trick but I’m sure the Sweeney family will try and have him back next term. Tammys Hill at his price is superb value to get the better of On the Fringe. Oscar Delta will attempt to right the wrongs of last year but this years form is very weak with the Mangan charge. Im on the Lennon horse each way.
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle 16:40 – Two for each way chances here again. Don Poli has been progressive and beat a good horse in Goonyella last time. Hopefully the ground suits. Im also a big fan of The Sky Farmer who should go close for the Hobbs yard with James Best claiming 3 lbs. 16/1 for him is big.
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup 17:15 – Mr. Mole has a solid chance here for the Nicholls team. Very consistent and has a good chance. Each way claims lie with Changing The Guard trained by one of the shrewdest trainers in the UK, Dr. Richard Newland.
So thats it for Day 4 and for the festival! Heres hoping we come out on top!
And for those of you who thought we were under pressure at one point today, never fear – Turf Talk’s here. Pressure’s for tyres!
Slán tamaillín,
T
Turf Talk 