Leopardstown Day 2 – Off to a ‘bunking’ good start…

Evening all.

After a relatively successful day at the office, one is on rather good form. One must add that one has had one or two… so one has. *Subtly Aftertimes* Backing a handful of winners and a 10/1 poke in the last caused for celebration.

Enough of the drivel, let’s crack on, shall we?

12:15 Paddy Power ‘only 363 Days Till Christmas’ 3-y-o Maiden Hurdle: My days, that’s a very funny name for a race.  Someone needs to give that marketing team at PP a massive raise. Ahem. Anyway, the O’Brien duo dictate the market and I’ll be looking for an each way alternative in this big field. 10/1 bar the top three in the market, so we’re playing for 4th or better here, kids. Easy. Alcander is an E/W bet for me at 16/1 currently. Race fit and ready to hit the frame once again after featuring in two good maidens this term, although well held by the winners.

12:45 Paddy Power ‘easiest To Use Mobile App’ Maiden Hurdle: My exact quote when looking at this market for the first time was “Barcardys, 2/5? Goof luck and f*cking thanks.” The fav may well turn out to be a sharp tool over timber, but I couldn’t be getting involved at that price, particularly coming in to this off the back of a fall. Capital Force provides sensible opposition here. Just touched off in a warm maiden hurdle last time, should improve. 11/4 about at the minute.

13:20 Paddy Power Cashcard Chase (Grade 1): I’m not getting in to this. Douvan wins. If you want more colour, read the papers. The beast is quite clearly an alien.

13:55 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle (Grade 1): The dogs were barking before Riven Light’s Irish debut at the beginning of this month as if he is a very decent sort and I’m finding it very hard to oppose him here. Fair enough, this is Grade 1 company and a completely different caper altogether, but 11/4 seems big, and he’ll have improved.

14:30 Paddy Power ‘You Beauty’ Handicap Hurdle: This. Is. Hard. I’d find it difficult to stick with Desoto County in this type of race. He’s been ‘knocking on the door’ for far too long in my book and potentially has missed the boat, at least for a while, and is vulnerable to improvers. One such an improver I’ll be taking an E/W chance on is Veinard off a feather weight. Bang there the last day and still only off 119. That Fairyhouse form was franked by Charlie Stout at Thurles earlier this month too.

15:00 Paddy Power Chase: Listeners of the Racing Postcast (part of the day job) will have heard me laud, exalt and praise the fine specimen that is Ucello Conti. Bang there in this last year, should have won the Thyestes, ran a belter in the National… This horse has a big one in him, and showed it in the Becher the last day. Jumped (ok fine, the odd wobble) and travelled with every chance when not quite fit. Hopefully Mr. Jacob can keep his cool or I might bite… Two others that made the shortlist were Killer Miller and Stellar Notion, but I’ve decided to forgo  diversification of the portfolio, and have stuck with the lad, Conti. A very special word about the The Crafty Butcher, under the joint ownership of two good friends, Paul Byrne and Patrick Mullins, and two young upstarts from the world of the oval ball. The very best of luck lads, if by some bizarre turn of events your eyes end up on this!

15:35 Paddy Power Games ‘one For The Road’ Flat Race: Ballyward must surely be respected but I’d have Drumconnor Lad overpriced at 12/1. Granted, he’s been off for a significant period, but the profile would be of intrigue, particularly given the way the market seems to have overlooked him this evening. If the money comes tomorrow, my interest might be piqued.

So that’s it for Day 2 folks. Here’s hoping for another good day! Now, where’s that gin?

Slán tamaillín,

T