Evening all. A late start, but Sean Flannery from Goffs has withheld me from this most important task.

Onwards.

Apologies but this will be extremely brief.

12:20 Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase: I’ll rake an each way chance with Skellig Rocks for Arthur Moore on his handicap chase bow.

12:50 Guinness Maiden Hurdle: Surely I can get a fav beaten at some stage, so I’ll take a flyer on Couer Joyeux who should improve from Punchestown.

13:20 Willis Towers Watson E.B.F. Mares Hurdle (grade 3): Given the strength of Willie’s mares in the Novice Hurdle category this year, Let’s Dance must be the one for acca.

13:55 Neville Hotels Novice Chase (Grade 1): I’m finding it very hard to look past the 9/4 about Coney Island, who I think could be a serious contender come the RSA at the Cheltenham festival.

14:30 Ryanair Hurdle (Grade 1): I’m going to go a bit off the wall here but I’ll go for a horse to run in to second! I’d fancy Footpad at an each way price having been just touched off in Auteil the last day.

15:05 Top Oil E.B.F. Novice Handicap Hurdle (81-130) :  First to Boogie to get his front would be a great event for connections, but I’m going to give a second chance to Charlie Stoute for an each way bet. UPDATE : Charlie Stoute is now a non-runner. I’d give Exactoris a shout in lieu! 

15:35 Donohoe Marquees Flat Race: I’ve taken the 7/2 about Artic Light in the last. Hopefully the 7 claimed off should be a help.

Sin é! A very Happy New Year to you and yours!

Slán tamaillín,

T

Yes, just when you think you might have the whole thing sussed, it comes back and gives you a swift kick to the town halls.

Pick yourself up, dust yourself down. We go again.

This will be brief. Apologies.

12:15 At The Races Maiden Hurdle: It didn’t pay to well to take on the favs on Day 2, but I’m going to take on Montalbano here. I’ll take a chance with Black Key in the hope of improvement after a decent showing in a maiden the last day, the form of which I would rate pretty highly.

12:50 Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier): There’s a very sceptical way of looking at these qualifiers, but I won’t get in to that. Basically the bottom half of the card will need to win to get in to the final. With that in mind, I’ve had a look at the 10/1 about Isleofhopeanddreams.

13:20 Ballymaloe Foods Beginners Chase: I’m a pretty unapologetic fan of Acapella Bourgeois, and whilst I think he might need a touch further in trip, I think he’s not without his chance here and whilst 4/1 might not represent cracking value, it does suggest market uncertainty about the top two. I’m a fan of the horse and I’ll be backing him in this company.

13:50 Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1): Whilst going down to Apples Jade the last day was a bit of a dent to the once bomb-proof confidence I had in the ‘Mag’, 4/5 is a bet for me. She’s well in with her allowance. She’s entitled to have improved from her seasonal bow, too. Vroum Vroum Mag, for me.

14:25 Irish Daily Star Christmas Novice Handicap Hurdle: I quite like the form of Charlie Stoute here.  He’s on the upward curve and should have a bit more in the locker. 8/1 knocking around at the minute is ripe for an each way bet.

15:00 Lexus Chase (Grade 1): I’ve taken the 2/1 about Djakadam. I was very taken with his John Durkan performance and think he’ll have improved. I like Valseur Lido but just am not compelled to back him at that price. I’ve had an each way saver on Road To Riches at 25/1, I think that could turn out to be massive on this fastish ground.

15:35 Midland Legal Solicitors Flat Race: The fav has been touted as a ‘proper horse’ but the price is prohibitive. I’d take a flyer with Moyross for Noel Meade at the 5/2 mark with 5lb  claimed off!

Sin é!

Slán tamaillín,

T

 

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

 

‘Twas the night before Leopardstown and all through the house,

Not a creature was stirring, aside from my mouse…

Yes indeed, a very cheesy festive greeting to you all, as I tap away here full of the joys of life, we lie in wait of the main event – sport.

After many, many gin and tonics and even more hours contemplating the issue, I have decided that small talk in the run up to Christmas can be treated much akin to a fight. A festive duel, if you will. Who can out-bamboozle the other with mundane dross about turkeys and trees?

As you can see, I’ve taken quite an aggressive stance.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m a big Christmas fan, me. But the season of advent does not give you the free rein to disengage your brain when embarking in conversation with your fellow (wo)man. I’ve treated all who offer the drivel of yuletide small-talk with the utmost contempt – if you open with “How’s the Christmas treating you?”, prepare to feel my wrath.

I’ve batted them back in many ways – for example, one friend of mine, once the life and soul of every conversation, now merely a guy who goes to ‘The Happy Pear’ with his significant other on a Sunday and only has a pint every other half moon, asked me recently when meeting on the street “Have you all the presents bought, bud?” How the mighty have fallen. So, to bring him right back to earth and give him a kick in the arse, I asked him quite audibly “When was the last time you farted in work?” This caught me man very much off guard and we parted ways, him puce, me triumphant in the knowledge that I had  rocked him to the very core. I probably need help, but for now, I’m happy.

Anyway, I hope you’ve all had a fantastic day, regards to the family. I hope the dog’s leg is on the mend. Did you ever get that leak sorted?…

Moving on…

As I type, the ground is described as ‘Yielding’.

12:15 Horse & Jockey Hotel Maiden Hurdle: It’s a little bit predictable but… Bunk Off Early has been touted to me know by several different judges as towards the top half of the Premier League of Willie Mullins’ Novice Hurdlers. Possibly even towards a Champions League spot. It’s as true in the top flight of English football as in all walks of life, ’tis a big help to on top at Christmas, so with that in mind I’ll be taking the 9/4 knocking about. Outspoken is the danger and will improve.

12:45 Thornton’s Recycling Maiden Hurdle: I was very much taken with Barra’s run in the fog at Gowran Park last time. 2&3/4 lengths second to the high-class Invitation Only on ‘Yielding’ sod after a year or more off the track is a fair run. Castello Sforza, obviously has a claim and should be right after the last day, but with Barra’s allowance I’d be nibbling at the 11/4.

13:15 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2): I was a bit flahulach there during the week and was contemplating laying Landofhopeandglory. Having watched many replays and trying to eek as much info as I can, I’ve slightly softened my stance there, but I’d still be opposing him in the betting. Baupaume is without doubt the improver and gets weight here. Fair enough Joseph’s was going away at the line the last day but I’m convinced Baupaume got a bit unbalanced after jumping the final flight and I’d be willing to give him a second chance. Soir De Chantenay is going in the tracker for the Fred Winter, you heard it here first.

13:50 Cardinal Capital Handicap Hurdle: Three made the shortlist for this when the decs came out and all have remained in. Artful Artist was at the top of this list but there’s not much juice left in his price, I’ll be looking elsewhere. I had Blast Of Koeman down as ‘RAN A BELTER‘ when coming down at the last in a warm maiden hurdle at Clonmel the last day and, although carrying top weight, could be worth an each way look. The other on the list was Another Challenge – a rating of 109 with 7lb claimed off would give him very good shout here. Good run the last day too.

14:20 Racing Post Novice Chase (Grade 1): Sit back, relax and don’t worry too much about betting here. At least, I won’t be. Enjoy the spectacle. If you’re asking me who do I think will win? – Min.

14:55 ‘Bet Through The Racing Post App’ Handicap Chase: My bet of the day tomorrow is Riviera  Sun. Chase form: 4,7,9,10… Given a chase mark of 102, wins first time in a handicap, hiked to 116, wicked mistake at the final fence in Cork to be beaten a short head the last day, up to 120… Still well handicapped. It won’t be turkey sandwiches for me tomorrow, t’will be the finest caviar if the handicapper hasn’t caught up with this lad yet. Mark Walsh’s pick of JP’s 3 in it.

15:30 Lep Inn Flat Race: No major opinion here just yet and it’s often a time of the year where everyone fancies their bumper horse, so it’s hard to know who to listen to! The fav might be an aeroplane, but 7/4 is not worth the risk just now. I’d have a gander at Joseph’s Aeglos. He’s been fairly well-respected in the betting the last twice, and possibly just needed a pipe opener the last day, although if that infamous gallop can’t get him fit…

Sin é. Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s a very large gin with my name on it in the next room. See you at Leopardstown!

Slán tamaillín,

T

Ughhhhhh, that was rough. Vautour winning and Valseur Lido placing steadied the ship to an extent, helped by Bloody Mary running into a place, but those aside it was tough out there. I just about came out with a few bob, but it feels very much like a losing day inside.

However, we’ve still got one day of battle left and if I’m going down, I’m going to go down swinging!

Here’s day 4…

13:30 JCB Triumph Hurdle : A real head scratcher this. With 11/2 available about Ivanovic Gorbatov, I’ll forgive and forget his absolute stinker last time out, especially given his breeding. He was madness at 3s but with the drift here catches my eye again and I’ll take my chance.

14:10 Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle: Blue Hell’s win back in November now represents some very strong handicap form indeed and has been put away with a target like this in mind. 146 looks very workable.

14:50 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle: I’ll be taking on the favourite, Barter’s Hill, here and take a chance on the unbeaten Long Dog. Whilst not bred for a trip like this I think he’ll have no bother at all and saw out 2m5f quite well recently. He’s been on the go a while but 9/1 is big.

15:30 Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase: The big one. I could go on and make a case for all of these, but alas there’s a pint of stout waiting for me in Rathmines and I’m under a bit of pressure to get to it! The Dons can duel away amongst themselves because I’m going for Cue Card in this year’s Gold Cup. Has done absolutely nothing wrong, looks a new horse this year and will 100% get up that hill.

16:10 St. James’s Place Foxhunter Chase: Very sad that Prince de Beauchene won’t be here to represent The Paupers, but that’s racing. On The Fringe looks a massive price at 3’s and will come on a pile for the Leopardstown pipe opener. He’s the best horse in the race, but It Came To Pass is the danger.

16:50 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle: I’ll take two here against the field. Qualando, a festival winner form last year still looks well handicapped and has a great chance in this. I’d also give an each way squeak to Westend Star for Gordon Elliot and Luke Dempsey.

17:30 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual: Rock The World has looked decent over the larger obstacles and 146 looks manageable. Not to mention he’s a course and distance winner. An honourable mention for Bright New Dawn who has an each way sqeuak at a price.

And that’s day 4 a wrap, as well as Cheltenham 2016!

Hopefully we’ll pull a few out of the fire!

Slán tamaillín,

T

 

It was a rough day in the trenches for punters today as the well fancied favs didn’t quite do the business. Long House Hall got me a few bob but it was Diego du Charmil who really got me out of, what was looking starting to look like, a very big hole indeed. If his challengers had stood up he was probably  beaten, but we’ll take the small bit of good fortune when we can get it!

I’ll keep trucking, but just to say, as I always do, the 3rd day of the festival is often very tricky for punters to make money. Maybe not following my tips is a good place to start (lol), but I tend to decrease my stakes and keep it each way on the third day. For the most part!!

Here we go…

13:30 JLT Novices Chase: I’m an Outlander fan and he’s done nothing wrong over fences. Only 6 lengths back in last year’s Neptune, chasing looks to be right up the street of this son of Stowaway. I’ll take my chances at 5/1.

14:10 Pertemps Network Final: Two for each way bets against the field. Nicky’s are obviously flying and Cup Final has been in the back of my mind for this for a while. Won first time out after a long lay off up in Musselburgh and is probably still ahead of the handicapper off 139. I’m intrigued by the profile of All Hell Let Loose for an each way bet. Back over timber, this horse has ran with aplomb in graded company in the past. Just creeps into the bottom of the weights and shouldn’t mind the ground.

14:50 Ryanair Chase: I’ll keep this brief. Vautour ticks all the boxes back to 2m4f and should see these off. One for the accumulators. Valseur Lido could  place at a decent each way price.

15:30 World Hurdle: Thistlecrack looks to have very strong claims indeed and looks the most likely winner on recent form. However, at 5/4 I’d be happy enough to look elsewhere for something to run in to a place.I’ll have a small each way bet on Aux Ptits Soins at 20/1 and hope he can run into the frame. He’s been difficult to keep sound by the look of things but can be very good on his day.

16:10 Brown Advisory & Meriebelle Stable Plate: Not a race I’d be be hugely bullish about anything in but I’d be willing to take a chance on Fingal Bay with tongue tie and blinkers applied for the first time. 11/1 in places and that could well shorten up as the market livens closer to the off.

16:50 Trull House Stud Mares Novice Hurdle: Connections of Limini think she is a machine and the owner had described her as his banker. Significant given the winners he’s had already. 4/6 is not for me, however and I’ll be looking for something to run in to a place at a bigger price, although I’m not quite sure what. 14/1 about Bloody Mary is interesting for an each way bet, perhaps.

17:30 Kim Muir: No huge opinion here again but one that does look well treated for an each way bet is The Giant Bolster. 139 looks very workable and young Finny Maguire has to have a solid chance of getting into the shake up at the business end. The Powell cows might have to milk themselves in Bray on Friday morning should the old boy get the job done.

So there you have it. Day 3 in a nutshell.

Here’s hoping!

Slán tamaillín,

T

Evening all. It’s been an incredibly long day for yours truly. On the go since 4:30AM for an action packed round trip to Cheltenham. Tiring and all as it was, it was an absolute blast.

I’m going to rattle through this fairly quickly given how late it is (00:33am as I type)…but, before I do, a word must go to my girl Annie Power. What an electrifying performance, albeit in a middling Champion Hurdle, but it was great to see a mare winning the Champion Hurdle for the first time in over 20 years. There was definitely a sense of ‘Girl Power’ about the place afterwards!

A forecast on Douvan & Sizing John coupled with Annie and a certain Va Va Vroum made it a nice days punting, although I was a quite disappointed with the handicap & 4 mile selections, all told. Less so with Min. I think Altior could be very good.

Onward, Day 2 awaits.

13:30 Neptune Novices Hurdle: Since his last Cheltenham run I’ve been telling anyone who’ll listen that Yanworth is my bet of the festival at odds against. I stand by that even with Yorkhill in the race. I think he could be really really top drawer and he looked an absolute monster winning last time out over the same course and distance making Shantou Village look like a cart horse.

14:10 RSA Chase: I’ll keep this brief as I think JP is on for a quick fire double here with More of That. Connections have been very bullish about his prospects when deliberating between here and the JLT route, going as far as to say “Wherever he runs he wins”. I’ll row in with that given his ability to handle the track so well.

14:50 Coral Cup: Two against the field here for each way bets. The  first is Politologue who was shaped well on his three starts in Britain whilst being unlucky twice. Hoping the drying ground isn’t going to leave him tapped for toe. The other is Long House Hall who did nothing but improve for the Skeltons last season. After unseating on his seasonal reappearance over fences he comes straight here. Still well handicapped over timber…I think.

15:30 Queen Mother Champion Chase: This is not really a betting race for me, or at least that’s my gut instinct. Un de Sceaux wins bar a fall. I might put a fiver on the UDS-Felix Yonger forecast or just Felix Yonger to place…I haven’t decided yet which generally isn’t a good sign.

16:10 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase: 5/2 about Josies Orders is very skinny is it not? I’d much rather an E/W bet on Sire Collonges to reverse a two length beating when the pair last met over this course and distance. If you are thinking about backing something in the race, just worth pointing out this is no longer a handicap.

16:50 Fred Winter: If the grapevine is transmitting the truth, then Diego du Charmil could be very well handicapped indeed and has been touted as Paul Nicholls’ best chance of a winner all week. I have him backed and will also be having a small each way bet on Duke Street who has had a pipe opener around Chelmsford on the flat. I’ve also made no secret of my fanboy attitude to Dr. Newland horses when they crop up at the bottom of the handicap…

17:30 Champion Bumper: This is tough to unravel, but I’m reliably informed that Fethard Lady was class and her daughter, Augusta Kate looks every bit as good. I’ll listen to that bit of advice and take 13/2 although females have a sorry record in the race.

So that’s a wrap on Day 2. Hopefully we can keep the show on the road.

Good luck with your own selections.

Slán tamaillín,

T

 

Yo, yo, yo. What’s the bleedin’ story?! Christmas only felt like it was the other day, but time flies, the evenings have gotten grander and stretchier respectively, and as the temperature slowly but surely rises to replicate something close to springtime, Cheltenham has crept up on us like an eager first Tinder date as you wait outside the pub. Pretending not to recognise you at first glance, but in reality notes that you’re wearing the same shirt as the third photo on your profile… Anyway, I digress.

Yes, the Cheltenham Festival has rolled around once again and, as has become tradition, I’ll be here covering each of the four days. At long last the trials are run, the previews are over and the talking is finished. We can finally get down to business.

If you’re a Turf Talk virgin, you’re very welcome along. Let me fill you in on how the whole thing works. I’m a waffler, a pontificator, a spoofer of the highest degree. If you’re not into that whole ‘buzz’ well then scroll down and the selections are in bold. But be warned, as every year I add this caveat I feel it’s as important as ever to point out that I am not in any way shape or form a professional punter. I’m just a racing fan and occasionally I call it right, but alas, I get it wrong sometimes too. Just thought I’d point that out for anyone who’s been promised perfection!

As for you hardened Turf Talk followers, you’re very welcome back! I’m sure you know the drill at this stage!

I was reminded over the weekend that this is the fourth Festival I’ll have covered on the blog which I couldn’t believe. What began as something extra to talk about in interviews as I hunted for jobs (honestly the main reason it all started) has ended up pretty much shaping a significant portion of my early career. So, to those of you who have been following from the start and even to those of you who are only visiting here for the first time, my thanks indeed.

Anyway, enough of that auld codswallop. Let’s get stuck in to Day 1!

13:30 Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle: Min has obviously garnered a significant amount of column inches, almost to the point of where I’m fed up talking about him. Amazing what a piece of work on the Curragh did to enhance his credentials before he had even ran in Ireland. I’ll keep this short, as every other talking head out there has already gone over how good he might be. Will I be backing him? I just have at 5/2, I wouldn’t have at the earlier 7/4. Worth noting if you want to take on the favourite here that Paddy Power are both refunding on horses in 2^nd and paying an extra place in the each way market in this race. With that in mind, Tombstone is the each way alternative. He’s a horse I really like and I think he should go well back to 2m on the drying ground.

14:10 Racing Post Arkle: Again, I’ll keep this brief. Douvan has been touted as the best horse in National Hunt training and when I posed that directly to Patrick Mullins at a Preview night not so long ago, he tended to go along with it to a certain extent. We have no idea how good he could be still but he should win this without any major trouble. His price reflects that. The bet here for me is the Douvan-Sizing John forecast. He’ll improve for the better ground and be more competitive than Leopardstown the last day.

14:50 Ultima Handicap Chase: I have two here for each way bets. One is Kruzhlinin. A useful enough individual when with Donald McCain but Philip Hobbs seemed to get stones of improvement out of him first time up for the new yard at Kempton. Slightly worried that Kempton is fairly flat and so too is Kelso, where has gotten in front more than once, so the undulations of Cheltenham may not play to his strengths but he could still be well in off 148. 10’s isn’t too bad. The other is Theatre Guide who looks to be in the form of his life this season. 2^nd in a Hennessy off 139 and absolutely spanked some decent bench marks at Kempton last time. He could go well for the Tizzards at 16/1 in places.

15:30 Stan James Champion Hurdle: As trappy a Grade 1 I’ve seen. I won’t lie, I’ve actually had a few restless nights trying to come up with the winner of this. I keep running through the field, picking holes in them all and ending up where I started…. with Annie Power staring me in the face. I kind of hate myself for it a little bit as well. I would have laid the bejaysus out of her only a few days ago, but the mind has a weird way of changing itself. Look, she’s rated 162 and shouldn’t be within an ass’s roar of a Champion Hurdle in a normal year but with the allowance, she has 9 pounds in hand over second fav Nichols Canyon. Maybe I’m being a mug, but I’m finding it hard to overlook her.

16:10 OLBG Mares’ Hurdle: Vroum Mag is a knocking bet at 11/10. Can’t believe she’s still odds against. Have I backed the four timer? Yes *looks at the ground and weeps in self-loathing*. Bitofapuzzle might run in to a place at 16s.

16:50 National Hunt Chase: Very torn here. I like two. Namely, Ballychorus who has done very little wrong when she stands up of late, granted it has been in weaker company, and Shantou Flyer who is one of the few runners in the race who has won at this track. A strong endorsement for any Novice Chase at Cheltenham. 33/1 around for Shantou Flyer is tempting. I may well have to toss a coin, or back them both. Although mares don’t seem to have the best record in this race.

17:30 Close Brothers Novices Handicap chase: Going for a little bit of a ‘Hail Mary’ here with one at a bigger price. The horse that has caught my eye here is Racing Pulse. Whilst being pulled up at Warwick last time, it’s his win at Chepstow back in January that has caught my eye. He beat Subtle Grey into second, who won next time, Jenny’s Surprise into third, who won the next twice, and Berea Boru into fourth who also came out and won the next twice. He seems to have two ways of going and, it would seem, has been quite difficult to train. Rebecca Curtis has also had her own problems earlier this season. However, at 28/1 in places I’ll have a small each way bet on this lad in the hope he might recreate some of the Chepstow form. Johnny Burke is a positive. First time tongue tie. Have I lost my mind? Possibly.

So there you have it, folks. Here’s hoping we can pull something out of the fire.

All the best with your own selections.

Slán tamaillín,

T

It’s very hard to complain on the back of two winners today, returned 6/1 and 9/4 respectively. Followers of the blog were hopefully on at bigger prices!

At first glance tomorrow looks like it could be a slog in every sense of the word. The bigger races have smaller fields with odds on favs and woeful each way terms. It’ll be a day for discipline and keeping your money in your pocket. It’s  lashing rain here in Dublin again this evening. The show must go on, however! So without any further ado, here’s my take on the final day of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival 2015.

12:10 Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase – Court Frontier heads the betting in what looks a relatively open race. The one I’ve taken an E/W chance on is Kilcrea at 9’s. I’d be of the opinion he runs off a workable mark still and is well able for bad ground. If Montana Slim runs I’d sit up and take note.

12:45 Copper Face Jacks Maiden Hurdle – Space Cadet hasn’t been around long but he’s a horse I like. Even money and a shade of odds on in places, on this ground especially, is madness, however. An each way player is Acapella Bourgeois, available at 12’s currently. This son of Network handled the ground well but was keen last time when third behind Up For Review with Space Cadet in second. If he can switch off, which I’m sure Sandra Hughes has been working on, he could go close. Plenty of value in the price.

13:20 Willis E.B.F Mares Hurdle – Morning Run looks the obvious choice but this race does nothing for me from a betting perspective. I’ll be sitting it out.

13:55 Neville Hotels Novice Chase – Looks reasonably straightforward for the Drinmore winner No More Heroes who has his eyes firmly set on bigger and better things this season one would imagine but again no bet for me. What I cant understand is why there are only 4 horses in this race. 5th place would have paid €2,550 in prize money and 6th €1,700. Not much, but money for old rope never mind if there was a faller or two. Maybe a trainer would tell me to shut up, that I’ve no clue what I’m talking about but I’ve always wondered why the smaller yards don’t poach money like that more often.

14:30 Ryanair Hurdle – I could make the same argument here about runners for prize money, but it gets tedious for the people who are here for nothing but tips! Nichols Canyon finished 3rd behind Windsor Park at the Cheltenham festival but has steadily progressed ever since climaxing in the Morgiana Hurdle last time when undoing Faugheen. If he continues his upward trend he should get the job done but again no bet for me here. Boring, I know but discipline has paid off for me on days like this.

FYI – The Morning Run-No More Heroes-Nichols Canyon treble pays bugger all. Think long and hard before you go down that route, you mug!!

15:05 Ryanair E.B.F Novice Handicap Hurdle – Tricky one. JP’s deserves respect but I’d give Ma Garrett an EW squeak on her handicap bow. Handles the ground and I’d be disappointed if she wasn’t in the mix in the straight.

15:40 Ryanair Flat Race – First Figaro is a game sort and looked sharp when winning at the Galway festival. This is a tight race to call but I’ve sided with DKW’s with one firm offering 3/1 currently.

So there you have it, folks. Leopardstown Christmas 2015 is a wrap.

Hopefully we can pull a few out of the fire.

Slán tamaillín,

T

So close but yet so far with Ucello Conti at a big price in the Paddy Power. Ivanovic Gorbatov kept the wolves from the door on what was an otherwise quiet punting day at Leopardstown for yours truly.

It’s late so I’ll plough on.

12:10 At The Races Maiden Hurdle – An interesting little affair. Road To Respect just bumped into a good one in Yorkhill last time and deserves his place at the top of the market. I’m on the hunt for value here, however, and I think given the each way terms if 8 runners remain, Chain Gang is very easy to back at 7/1 currently.

12:45 Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle – Value down the betting here and two I’d chance for each way bets against the field are Woodford Island, considered good enough to be dispatched to Ascot last time from Cullentra finishing a decent third, and Malt Gem who switches back over timber and handles the heavy stuff.

13:20 Ballymaloe Foods Beginners Chase – Tell Us More is classy but 2/1 here is too short for me. As I type, Balbir Du Mathan, a horse I would give an each way squeak to regardless, is 8/1 with Ladbrokes, compared to 4/1 with Paddy Power. I love when compilers differ, it gives mugs like me hope! I’ve backed Blabir Du Mathan E/W.

13:55 Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle – This is a race I’m quite looking forward to. Arctic Fire is the hot pot, but for me Martello Tower is very easy to back at 7/2. A proven stayer, handles the ground but needs to improve a fair bit. Hopefully he has!

14:30 Irish Daily Star Christmas Novice Handicap Hurdle – A tricky enough race but I’ve concluded Elusive Ivy has pretty good shout having run into traffic problems when second last time out. Still improving.

15:05 Lexus Chase – No bet here for me. Really hoping Don Poli gets the job done but couldn’t have him at that price.

15:35 Midland Legal Solicitors Flat Race – 4/6 is not quite up my street so I’ll overlook Some Neck, at my peril. Gurteen get’s the nod here after shaping well in a novice hurdle last time on heavy ground. A lovely price and has been tipped up by the shrewdest man to ever walk the streets of Lucan. Take note.

Sin é.

Slán tamaillín,

T