The less said about day 1, the better. A howler from yours truly. Although, Labaik did put a smile on my face!
We go again.
I’m tight for time so I’ll plough ahead.
13:10 Neptune Novices’ Hurdle: Neon Wolf has looked very, very sharp this term and is the obvious choice here, although the favourites did struggle on day 1!
14:10 RSA Novices’ Chase: Taking on the favourite in Might Bite here and give a shout to Alpha Des Obeaux. Has had a mixed start to his chasing career, but is top class on his day. Mouse is coming in to a bit of form too.
14:50 Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle: Tombstone’s Supreme Novice’s form was franked not once, but twice on Day 1 and I can’t help but sit up and take note. He’s probably been one of the most frequently tipped up handicap horses in the run up to the festival, so it’s not the most original angle, but he does look well handicapped now.
15:30 Queen Mother Champion Chase: Douvan‘s a freak. Pass it on. God’s Own to come second.
16:10 Cross Country Chase: This doesn’t really tickle my fancy as a race to have a punt in, but if I had to… Cause Of Causes has been very well touted in the run up to the festival. Warmed to the task quite well over this course and distance in January and looks to mae it a festival hat trick!
16:50 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle: When asked ‘Give us one for the Festival, Tom’, which didn’t actually happen too often, to be fair, the one name that I pulled out was Divin Bere. A tough performance when winning on British debut, form has worked out particularly well, recipient of a “Wind Op” since that run, and a bang in Nicky Henderson combine to make this a strong fancy. Long Call and Dolos are the worries, for me.
17:30 Weatherbys Champion Bumper: Someday gets the nod here for me. Got the better of a sharp Mullins horse in Leopardstown the last day and should progress. UPDATE: Someday now a non-runner, take a flyer with Bakmaj ew.
So that’s it for Day 2, folks.
Hopefully we’ll improve!
Slán tamaillín,
T
Turf Talk 