The weather outside is frightful. No, Biblical! After a good days racing the heavens have open and the wind is howling. Racing is pending inspections in the morning I would imagine. Hopefully they race.
I had a nice day punting wise Day 1 so hopefully we can find a few again today.
12:20 Paddy Power Ipad App 3-y-o Maiden Hurdle – Going on flat form Ivan Grozny is the one to side with. He was last, but only 4 1/2 lengths off, one time Derby fancy Ocovango in the Prix Greffuhle. Keep it reasonable if you are having a bet. These 3yo maidens can throw curve balls.
12:50 Paddy Power Maiden Hurdle – Hmmm. I’m a bit stuck on this. I’ve decided to go with an each way bet on Rich Coast was a useful flat performer off an all time high of 105. Hopefully he will have learned from his bow over timber and comes on for that run.
13:20 Paddy Power Dial-a-bet Chase – A tasty encounter. The Mullins big guns didn’t exactly knock me for six on day one which make me think Arvika Legionaire is opposable. Sizing Europe is still by right the best Irish 2 mile chaser, and 11/4 seems more than fair. It’s going to be an interesting contest. Siding with the champ. Looking at the market I’d say Shark fancies his lad to run a big one too.
13:50 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle – I am not in the slightest bit convinced by the Tullow Tank smack talk. You’d swear he’d one the Royal Bond of the century. Yeah he is a grade one winner but there are plenty of middling horses with grade ones to their name. Moyle Park’s to lose.
14:20 Paddy Power Handicap Hurdle – Very trappy race. Bishopslough for a small bet. No huge interest.
14:55 Paddy Power Chase – I have had two each way bets. I could go on forever talking about this race but Im not. It’s far too late for that craic! Rockyaboya handles a cut well and gets weight off the majority of these. Victrix Gale has a run in there somewhere. She is highly thought of and I think she has a chance again today.
15:30 Paddy Power Ipad App Flat Race – I think Bosman Rule, a half brother to Kicking King, will have learned a lot from his racecourse debut second and can redeem connections here.
The more I type, the windier it gets. I hope they race!
Our horse, Immediate Response, runs tomorrow in the big handicap in Limerick! Make sure to cheer him home. I’ll be down there doing just that!
The Christmas Festival at Leopardstown – It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!
Felicitations of the season to you all, my punting friends! I hope you have had an enjoyable Christmas and that you are all set to enjoy the fantastic equine action in store for us over the next few days.
I’m going to try and not be too anti-social with the family ce soir so with out any further ado lets have a gander at the card at Leopardstown tomorrow and a look at the Grade 1s at Kempton.
12:20 Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle – This looks to be a penalty kick for Clondaw Court at a forecast price of 1/5. Originally a points winner for Colin Bowe, he has joined an extremely high achieving class of novice hurdlers with the champion trainer. The betting angle is the forecast. I think the one to chase home the long odds on fav is Little Rocky from the Hughes yard. Unexposed over jumps, and well able to handle a cut in the ground on the flat and a nice price. Jumps left – suits here.
12:50 Bookmakers Bar At Bewleys Hotel Leopardstown Maiden Hurdle – This is a pretty interesting maiden. Stuccodor could prove to be an interesting hurdler in time. He beat Fiesolana (a bloody good filly) over 7f on the flat. However I’ve gone for an each way nibble on The Winkler at 7/1. Chased home Faugheen and Empire of Dirt last time, the later is possibly nothing major. Handles the cut well.
13:20 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle – Again a penalty kick for the fav Analifet here who is shaping up to be a major Triumph Hurdle contender. The angle here is again the forecast. Guitar Pete ran a game enough second behind Royal Irish Hussar at Cheltenham last time. Game enough to impress me. Thats the 1,2.
13:50 Copper Face Jacks Handicap Hurdle – In the betting forecast Not For Changing is priced up at 4-1 fav. Id be happy enough to take the Elliot charge on. Allez Vic, who has beaten the fav and gets weight off him here has a nice each way chance at 12’s. Sin é! No big interest.
2:20 Racing Post All You Need For Irish Racing Handicap Chase – Each way is the name of the game again here for me. Cairdin for Mags Mullins catches the eye. Quite inconsistent but has form with a second to Trifolium. An each way squeak at a decent price.
2:55 Racing Post Novice Chase – Ask anyone who knows me. I am one of the biggest Champagne Fever fans on the face of this earth. Back him in nearly all of his runs to date. Bar when he was beat in the Royal Bond. He has an incredible cruising speed and jumps like a stag on steroids. Again the value is with the forecast. This horse is pretty tough to beat under 2mile 4f. Defy Logic will probably chase him home. COME ON THE FEVER!!!
3:30Donohue Marquees Flat Race – This is a bloody hot bumper. A champion bumper contender could come out of this race. People are talking up Macbride here for a bit of improvement. I’m not convinced. Siding with Vedettariat for a bit of improvement from the last run.
KEMPTON PICKS:
Kauto Star Novices’ Chase – Just A Par
Christmas Hurdle – The New One to best speed horse My Tent. If on faster ground the JP horse would have a huge test. New one wins out on stamina.
King George – Silviniaco Conti to go well on heavyish ground. I also like an each way nibble on Menorah.
So thats it folks. I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and the very best wishes of health and happiness for the New Year. Thank you all very much for what has been one of the most crazy years of my life.
So with each way returns on Guitar Pete and Rajdhani Express (if you went to Paddy’s like I told you) then we are just about keeping the head above or close to above the water.
I realise that I’m a bit tight for time so this will be brief!!
15:00 Mallard Pawnbrokers And Family Jewellers Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle – 4/1 the field in this fairly open handicap contest. I’ve gone for an each way tipple on the 7/1 shot Big Casino who had a nice win last time at Carlisle which saw his mark skyrocket from 109 to 125…he’s top weight here but I think could still be ahead of the handicapper.
13:35 Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices’ Hurdle – Sea Lord was rated 115 on the flat and has a won a group 3 on the flat….the class horse in the race by a stretch. He is my selection at 5/4. Hopefully he acts on the track.
14:10 Racing Post Arkle Trophy Trial Novices’ Chase – A competitive enough Arkle trial. Cases can be made for most. A bit of money for Ted Veale this morning and he acts on the track. Dodging bullets could be the more exciting chasing prospect but Ive sided with the Martin charge here.
14:40 Shloer Chase – Sire de Grugy is the fav. Special Tiara has decent chasing form and probably disappointed connections when unseating at the first. Has a chance and hopefully he can handle the stiff track. He beat the fav at Aintree…he also gets weight…8/1 is very fair.
15:15 StanJames.com Greatwood Hurdle – The top of the market holds a lot of talent in this handicap but I’ve decided to come out the prices a bit to the 10/1 shot Thomas Eddison who’s form doesn’t read great but did in fact beat Champagne Fever in a bumper many moons ago!! 3rd last time at Down Royal with troubled passage….each way.
15:50 Fairlawne – Festival Jockey Club Fine Dining Bumper – Won’t be launching into anything here. Neck or Nothing interests me for an each way bet. Tom Hogan is a shrewd customer and the fact that he sends this unexposed sort is interesting. Just a curious bet.
That’s it for Day 3! Best of luck with your selections!!
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.
I think it would be very fair to say that tomorrow is not really a punting day. A 6 race card made up of 4 handicaps a 4 runner novice chase and a cross country race may get some punters licking their lips but not me I’m afraid. However sometimes life gives you lemons, and instead of saying “F*ck the lemons” and bailing, we can try and make lemonade…it may be sour but at least we tried…I have no idea what I’m talking about but I’m just going to let it slide.
Here we go!
13:05 Opus Energy Amateur Riders’ Handicap Chase – Current 6/4 favouritism lies with the ultra progressive Standing Ovation who in the last month has had four wins from four runs and connections have seen this lads mark skyrocket from 92 to 127 (7lb penalty) for this. Having won a mere 6 days ago connections are obviously confident that this horse can find more. Pipes are pretty hot at the minute but I am willing to take this fella on at 6/4 and do not view him as value in the slightest bit. I’d be fairly happy to take 6/1 about Victrix Gale trained by Tony Martin and ridden by top Points jock Jamie Codd. This mare got the up the hill to win at Galway…if she can get up there she’ll be well able to have a stab at the Cheltenham hill. 10-12 shouldn’t be an issue for her.
13:35 Paddy Power Handicap Chase – This race is a bit of a head scratcher. I simply cannot understand how Renard is favourite…. Each way play here for me. I’m going for Sew on Target who was a 5 length 3rd to PP Gold Cup Fav Johns spirit at Cheltenham most recently (a race that Renard was 7th in). He gets weight off of most of these and acts on the track which entices me at 11/1. Steps back in trip for this.
14:05 Steel Plate And Sections Novices’ Chase – No bet here. However if I was betting I’d fancy my 9/4 chance that Taquin Du Seuil would get the better of a “first-time-out” Oscar Whiskey through race fitness. However, Oscar Whiskey is the class horse and by merit should win….just thought 9/4 was ok-ish.
14:40 David Johnson Memorial Intermediate Handicap Hurdle – The market would suggest that the connections and the punting public think that the relatively unexposed 100/30 fav Top Gamble is a fair bit better than these. I have no great opinion on this race but I’ll be taking on the Pipe charge if I do have a bet. Atlantic Roller has been off the track for just over a year but was very highly thought of at the Nicholls’ yard and carried the favourite tag in all of his 3 career starts. Having watched two very sharp looking Nicholls’ winners at Taunton today the string are on song and you could find worse places to put your each way money at 11/1 than on this fella. Keep an eye on this race form going forward as there are a couple of potential improvers me thinks!!
15:15 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase – Looks like it could be a penalty kick for Balthazar King who should be able to put this to bed with superior speed on the quickish ground tomorrow. Each way bet on Quiscover Fontaine not the worst plan value wise.
15:50 Countryside Raceday Novices’ Handicap Hurdle – Edmaaj is the one to take on the favourite with here and has potential for improvement. An each way angle at a price is the consistent Deep Trouble who in his last 6 runs has not been out of the top 2. 20/1 for a small bet.
So thats it for day 1! If I’m honest I’m more hopeful than confident to find a nice winner tomorrow but it’s worth a shot!! Beir bua!!
The horse that you cannot afford to leave out – Sprinter Sacre
As a few of you may or may not be aware, the famous Totepool ten to follow competition closes tomorrow. I very rarely join in on these competitions and most likely won’t this year but I’ve had a few requests for my opinion so without any further delay here are my ten to follow for the coming season.
Sprinter Sacre* – For the any Fantasy premier league aficionados out there Sprinter Sacre as the star horse in your stable is very much akin to having Robin Van Persie as your captain. Very boring and conformist but you are guaranteed a nice return. He should be pretty unstoppable this season again as no rising novice looks to be able to get close to him.
Flemenstar – Having moved from Peter Casey’s to Tony Martin’s does not seem to have phased this fella one iota. He will wipe the floor with any horse at 2 miles in Ireland this season. I just hope the connections have got the picture and stop forcing him to 3 miles. If they have this fella will win a nice few races this season.
Bobs Worth – Arguably the best 3 mile chaser either side of the Irish sea. He’ll win a few nice valuable races on his way to giving the Gold cup another mighty crack.
Champagne Fever – An unmerciful cruising speed and always looked like he’d prefer a fence to a hurdle….he just happened to win one of the hottest Supreme Novices in years as a stepping stone towards the main event. He is entered this Saturday at Punchestown in a beginners chase. I tipped him for the champion bumper, tipped him for the supreme…I’m very excited to see him jump a fence in public.
Annie Power – Possibly one of the better hurdling mares we have seen. Quevega will always hold a special place in racing fans hearts but this one is good enough to absolutely hammer some male grade one company. She’s rising 6 and from her 6 lifetime runs has already accrued over 100k in prize money. Interesting to see how connections campaign her. She could be even more special than she already is.
The New One – A lot of hype about how this fella has wintered. I don’t know if he’ll win the champion hurdle but he is the only horse worth talking about at that level in Britain. He’ll pick up some nice prize money on the way to the champion hurdle but could be beaten by an Irish horse. A valuable addition.
African Gold – Shaping up to be one of the better Novice Chasers in the UK this year. Prices will be short but should pick up a couple of wins en route to Cheltenham.
Rajdhani Express – I’m usually not a very big fan of Sam Waley-Cohen. However, when I watched him ride this horse to win at the Christmas meeting at Kempton I instantly thought he gave it a better ride than even when he won the Gold Cup on Long Run. I’m a big believer in partnerships when it comes to amateur jockey’s and these two seem to get on fairly well. The handicapper possibly has the measure of this fella at the minute but there are surely a few performances in him this season.
Bog Warrior – I’m a big fan of this horse and was counting my money when he turned for home on the bridle in the World Hurdle. However, he found nothing off the bridle and I’m convinced something happened to him on the run in. This season he will pick up a nice few wins, mark my words.
Tidal Bay – This fella is getting a bit long in the tooth but has an entry in the Betfair Chase and is reportedly coming back to defend the Lexus. You wouldn’t know where he could show up. Still well able to mix it with the younger horses.
There is no novice hurdler there but if you want Willie Mullins has a ridiculous amount, but one I like is Vicky de l’Oasis.
So thats it for the ten to follow! Interesting to see how they go!!
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is on Sunday…and muggins will be there!!
On a wet and dreary Thursday it’s all becoming very much apparent that the summer has abandoned us at long last and we are now into the short days and long nights of Autmun/Winter. The jumps are back which definitely consoles the soul but there are a few minor flat matters to be attended to before we get our teeth into the National hunt season.
These include British Champions Day, The Breeders Cup, The Melbourne Cup, but perhaps most pressing of all, The Prix De L’Arc De Triompe. Yes in a matter of hours Arc Weekend will be upon us with a plethora of group races on show for our punting pleasure. Arc day is a magical experience. Racing at it’s best with a quintessential Parisian atmosphere, where the women strut and the champagne flows. If Jesus was a punter he wouldn’t move the Arc to Heaven, he’d come to Paris
I’m lucky enough to be going to Longchamp and, to be honest, I am ridiculously excited (verging on aroused) at the prospect of this years Arc. A race of this year’s magnitude will be one for the history books and the opportunity to see it in the flesh is a humbling one for a racing nerd like myself. How can you make such a brilliant day even better?? Find the winners…
Hold on people, I’m going in.
NOTE: At the time of writing the draw for any race has not been made yet and the current going in Longchamp is advertised as Good to Soft. I’m flying out early tomorrow morning so if I want to change a few things depending on draws etc keep an eye on Twitter.
12:45 – QATAR PRIX DE L´ABBAYE DE LONGCHAMP (Group 1):
This sprinting contest is always an interesting one. Robert Cowell has carved out a niche for himself as an master handler of sprinters and he presents the market leader here in the form of Jwala, currently around the 6/1 mark. A good win at York last time ahead of top sprinter Shea Shea warrants the favouritism. Paddy Power are 5/1 favourite Sole Power, the Irish money generally comes for an Irish horse. I’m a bit of a chicken when it comes to these sprints and I generally look for a bigger priced horse to play each way. One that catches my eye is Dutch Masterpiece who has been a pretty useful nursery and handicap performer in his career to date. He came over to the Curragh last time and nicked a Group Three. Admittedly this is a big step up in class but the layers are obviously a little wary of him at 10/1 best price. Some of you may be turned off by the fact he’s a 3YO competing against older horses but that doesn’t bother me too much. Another for a small bet at a big price is Kingsgate Native who, on his day, can go with the best.
1:20 – TOTAL PRIX MARCEL BOUSSAC – CRITERIUM DES POULICHES (Group 1 Fillies): I’m a big fan of Sandiva and thought she did it really well in the Albany at Ascot. However, she has never raced on ground that has a bit of give in it. The Rouget trained Lesstalk in Paris, is unbeaten on the typical French ground with a bit f cut in it. The Cape Cross filly is 4/1 market leader. I’m siding with the Hannon charge, however. This daughter of Footstepsinthesand is travelling at her optimum trip of a mile for the first time and I think might do the favourite.
1:55 – QATAR PRIX JEAN-LUC LAGARDERE (Grand Criterium) (Group 1 2yo Colts & Fillies): Outstrip is the current 6/4 fav, the highlight of who’s form is probably a very close second behind the exciting Toormore. I’m not fully taken by this race as a betting prospect. If I do have a bet I will probably take on the favourite with Karakonite, the winner of the Gr.3 Prix La Rochette last time.
2:30 – PRIX DE L´OPERA LONGINES (Group 1 Fillies & Mares): This race isn’t priced up yet. I’m presuming Tasaday will be a principle after her third behind the impressive Treve in the Prix Vermeile. The Ralph Beckett trained Secret Gesture was third behind The Fugue, who was imperious in the Yorkshire Oaks and Irish Champion Stakes most recently. Tasaday’s bridesmaid Sparkling Beam will probably be up there in the market as well. It’s pretty difficult for me to make a call without a price to go by but if there’s any value in her I’ll probably go with Secret Gesture who has hit the cross bar on numerous occasions this season. Each way players can look to Gifted Girl who has consistently improved this term.
3:15 – QATAR PRIX DE L´ARC DE TRIOMPHE (Group 1 3yo+ Colts, Fillies & Mares): The main event. You can make a case for most of these. I have had a few sleepless nights over this race and the following musings are the fruits of my labour. Orfevre is without doubt a great horse. Should have an Arc to his name already in fact, when in last years race hitting the front, not having the mental ability to focus and get the job finished, and got done on the line by Solemnia. He seems not to be a straightforward animal. Whispers on the wind of a burst blood vessel on the gallops a while back also worry me. While he won the Prix Foy in some style, it was, in my opinion, a poor trial, with a poor run from Dunaden leaving little else to really challenge the Japanese horse. With that in mind, and the fact that he is 5/2, I cannot have the favourite here. The fact the Croquette Head-Maarek had not originally got the Arc in mind this season for the speedy filly Treve, and seems to have been perhaps coerced by connections to supplement her is enough for me to be turned off. Treve will have big days, no doubt, but I cannot see one of them being Sunday.
I’m not going to get into huge detail about every horse, and why I’m not backing them but just to give you an idea of the “ridiculousness” of the race I’ve overlooked Kizuna (Japanese Derby and Prix Niel winner), Intello (Prix du Prince D’Orange and Prix du Jockey Club winner), Flintshire (Grand Prix de Paris winner), Ruler of The World (Epsom Derby winner), Al Kazeem (Tatts Gold Cup, Prince of Wales’ and Eclipse winner), The Fugue (Yorkshire Oaks and Irish Champion Stakes winner) and Ocovango (Prix Greffuhle winner).
The shrewd amongst you will have now surely noted the two major omissions I have made. Yes, I have decided to go with Novellist for this years Arc. Although workmanlike at Baden Baden in Germany last time, his track-record-breaking win at Ascot dismisses that. The Jockey is uber confident, and with the season he’s having it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Johnny Murtagh was first home in this year’s Arc. His strike rate is phenomenal this year. I’ve backed Novellist to win. I have also made an each way play on St. Leger hero Leading Light. He gets every ounce of the trip no doubt. Some people say he’s as slow as a boat, and to be fair he’s not the fastest. However, in a rough race, which the Arc often is, under a confident ride from Gerald Mosse, he could have every chance coming to the line! The confident ride is a key factor. He’s not quick enough to come from off the pace…bounce him out in front Gerald and let’s see what he can do! Super each way value.
4:40 – QATAR PRIX DE LA FORET (Group 1 3yo+): Moonlight Cloud is the even money favourite here coming into the race off three wins in the spin. This horse is probably still most famous for nearly doing Black Caviar at Ascot when Luke Nolen was being a fool and nearly pulled her up. The fav is a shade of odds on here with some firms. Gordon Lord Byron or Viztoria don’t really interest me as alternatives. For some reason, call me crazy, Gale Force Ten sticks out at me for an each way bet. A little unreliable, but that win in the Jersey showed something. Would probably prefer quicker ground. I don’t rate Garswood. Just thought I’d throw that in in case you were wondering.
5:10 – QATAR PRIX DU CADRAN (Group 1 4yo+): At this point in the day I plan to be either “Happy jarred” or “Sad jarred”. Either way, I’m sure you can comprehend my sentiments towards the outcome of this race…. Admittedly my knowledge of European stayers is fairly limited and I’m sure you can find much more accurate info elsewhere. However, for what its worth, Altano catches the eye for a bit of value.
So that is it! I’m up at 4am to begin the journey. There is a “Turf Talk Live” of sorts in O’Sullivan’s by The Mill, beside the Moulin Rouge, tomorrow night around 7 or 8. Plenty of Irish there so call in and say hello. See you in Paris!!
Good morning sports fans! It has been far too long. After a long withdrawal period from Galway I have just emerged from treatment and have managed to pull myself together and get excited for what is set to an absolutely cracking day of action at Leopardstown today. The card is top notch.
There have been plenty of big racing news stories since we last spoke. Notably Peter Chapple-Hyam acting the bollox with a disciplinary BHA commission and, in India, Martin Dwyer’s 8 month ban issued by the Royal West India Turf Club has been reviewed and reduced to 55 days. However, perhaps more interestingly, two Irish juvenile colts have emerged as major classic contenders for next year. Great White Eagle, the property of the Coolmore machine, was very impressive in the Curragh last weekend and the “Lads” are quite keen on his potential to train on. His counterpart, Free Eagle, trained by Weld, owned by Moyglare and the son of High Chapparal is odds on to win the Breeder’s Cup trial today and is a very interesting colt indeed.
Another interesting piece of information is that I’m still unemployed, so it really is quite important that we find a few winners today! Let’s have a gander at the card.
15:45 – 2YO Fillies’ Maiden – I’m finding it quite difficult to make a call here. I was in the Curragh last weekend to see Shell House finish an intriguing second and steps back a furlong for this. However I made a mental note after watching My Titania run into second at Leopardstown behind Vallado who has since come out and won €65K for coming first at the Curragh at the end of last month. My Titania steps up a furlong here and should have learned a lot from here first racecourse experience. Oxx is obviously having a tough year but this filly jumps out at 5/2, even though the exchanges suggest that punters confidence is leaning more towards Coolmore’s filly.
16:15 – 2YO Colt’s & Gelding’s Maiden – No great opinion here. Masai is the well punted favourite and is one of the major market movers this morning. I will not be having a bet I’d imagine.
16:45 – Ladbrokes Handicap – This is an absolute humdinger of a handicap if there ever was one. I’ve gone for the fairly consistent Won Diamond here. He didn’t run to form at Royal Ascot but he was third in that handicap on Irish guineas day that I keep talking about as an absolutely brilliant form reference for top Irish handicappers. He has a right chance…hopefully the handicapper hasn’t got the better of him yet. Mona Brown is a model of inconsistency but if the ground is cutting then she has an each way squeak with a nice weight for those of you that way inclined. I like Mick Halford’s horse though.
17:15 – ICON Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Trial Stakes– Sit back and judge how good Free Eagle is yourself. No bet….too short for me to afford a bet!!
17:45 – Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes – An interesting renewal of the Matron. Fiesolana has to give 5 pounds to some of the principles here on the weight for age allowance but is my selection.
18:15 – KPMG Enterprise Stakes – Step back up in trip should suit 7/4 fav The United States. He is my selection for this group 3 contest.
18:50 – Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes – The main event. With the arrival of rain, the money has also arrived for Al Kazeem. During the week I was quite strong on The Fugue pending fast ground but alas, Mother Nature has potentially foiled her chance. I simply cannot allow myself to back Kingsbarns on his seasonal debut. Al Kazeem is potentially over raced. Another that has had a busy campaign but has potentially handled it better is Declaration of War and is my selection…kind of by default but mostly on merit!
19:25 – Pentigo Handicap – One of those great races that draws a few National Hunt horses out of the wood work to have a crack on the flat. I’ve gone for the Jessica Harrington trained Weather Watch in the hands of the in form Connor King. He rides like a seasoned pro, but has the added bonus of still having his 5lb claim which won’t last much longer at the rate he is going. Harrington’s charge is the highest rated horsed in the race, with an official rating of 97, carrying 9-2 (9-7 on card less the claim). He has talent and deserves attention. The only question lies with the ground. Notable Graduate has an each way squeak at a big price.
So thats that. Here’s hoping we have a few winners in there somewhere!
After six fantastic days of racing the Galway Festival 2013 draws to a close today with an action packed seven race card!
Technical difficulties strike again today so, much to your dismay
I’m sure, this will be brief!
2:15Letter of Credit for the Mangans
should have a strong claim here.
2:45 Not too strong here. Steeltown has a handy mark. If his jumping is right he has each way claims at a price.
3:20Busted
Tycoon was very impressive under a patient ride last night. She had it won 2 out nearly. If she runs she has a very solid chance again. Ruby booked.
3:55 No bet here but the favourite should be better that these if right.
4:30Spot the Pro has a biggish weight but should still have a chance.
5:00 The experience of Top OtheRa will be an advantage over this field. Ran well on Monday.
5:30
The favourite here is Devils Bride bred by Charles Persse of Kells Lodge Stud, Kilkenny. This well
related half brother of Rigour Back Bob made €50,000 as a four year old and has significantly increased in value after two solid wins from his only two visits to a racecourse! He has real potential to
be better than this challenge.
Good morning folks! Hope you were all on yesterday! Having a few technical difficulties this morning and doing this on my phone. Therefore this will be very very brief!!! (Hangover also a factor!)
2:00 – Siding with the son of Shamardal Leafcutter here.
2:35 –Princess Aloof for the Harrington yard here.
3:10 -Undecided…maybe Pintura
3:45 – Abou Ben goes back over hurdles. Ground very much in favour!
4:20 –Capitol Hill was good enough to catch my eye on Wednesday. Steps back in trip.
4:55 – Face Value was good the other day. Likes the ground. Trip may be a bit sharp but hopefully he’ll stick the pace.
5:25 –Exotic looks bred for the trip. Hopefully can handle the ground.
5:55 – Busted Tycoon won well on Tuesday and is now odds on here. Baltiman might have an each way chance at the price.
Turf Talk 