The opening race is a competitive affair shown by 6/1 the field. Manager Et Trotter won his maiden last time out and that looks good now, Whisperinthebreeze also won a maiden last time out and looks a progressive sort for Jessica Harrington. Pete So High and Icario have to be seriously considered for Gordon Richards although I would be slightly put off the former with top weight. At 13/2 I like the chances of Quamino, Paul Nolan has his string in good form and he carries only 10st 6ibs which can only aid his chances with soft to heavy ground. He comes here in form having won at Wexford last time out, the second that day was a previous handicap winner so his form looks solid.
Quamino each way 13/2
The second on the card is the grade 2 novice hurdle over two miles. Supreme novices favourite Getabird returns after disappointing at Cheltenham where he pulled like a train and finished well out of it. There is no doubt he is a class horse and if he settles better he could win this easily, but at 5/4 he is too short after what happened last month and I will look elsewhere. Sharjah also reappears from the Supreme where he finished in midfield, he too is classy individual however could he be in the field to ensure a good pace for his stable mate owned by the same connections. If not expect him to go well and the Ricci's aren't afraid to put there own against each other. Sayar could be very interesting also from the Mullins yard, a winner of his maiden by 16 lengths he then went onto win a grade 3 quite comfortably. At 8/1 he looks very interesting not having had the hard races some of these did at the festival. Having only had two races there could be a lot more to come from the son of classy flat horse Azamour. Hardline is very consistent and shoiuldn't be far away, never having been out of the first three since last January. From Gordon Elliott's powerful yard with Davy Russell on board expect him to be there at the finish, although he has had quite a long season. A bigger danger from that stable could be Veneer Of Charm, a good winner of the Fred Winter he could still have a fair bit of improvement in him. I suspect Getabird could win if setting well as he is very highly regarded but will look for value.
Sayar each way 8/1
3:15 handicap hurdle. is a tricky handicap and only small staked to be played. Space Cadet is a model of consistency in handicap chases and runs here off a much lower mark so will be of obvious interest. Bargy Lady hasn't run for a year and has a nice racing weight of 10st 10lbs for Mullins and Townend, as we saw with Penhill in the Stayer's Hurdle that doesn't mean they can't win. Shannak likes this course and often runs well here and comes in form with a nice second last time out. Stand Up And Fight is the choice of Barry Geraghty so looks the pick of the McManus horses. Moonshine Boy could run well at a big price, he was pulled up last time but was found to be coughing so I put a line through that race. Two for me each way as bookies paying 5 places.
Bargy Lady each way 9/1
Moonshine Boy 16/1
The 3:50 Grade 2 over two and a half miles comes next. Coquin Mans starts favourite and has looked good this year. Last time he possibly would have won before slipping up when leading, even more noteworthy is the race previous where he finished four and a half lengths back of Melon and in front of Mick Jazz. Those two filled the places behind Buvuer D'air in the Champion. Currently 4/1 might look great value if he runs to that level again. Jezki will run his race but is not getting any younger and Identity Thief ran well in the Champion Hurdle, this extra half mile looks likely to suit him too. Diamond Cauchois could be a lively outsider at 8/1. I will side with the younger horse though.
Coquin Mans each way 4/1
The Devenish Chase is a grade 2 chase over two and a half. Un De Sceaux looks to get back to winning ways after his surprising defeat at Cheltenham. He lost nothing in defeat to a better horse on the day and would be hard to oppose here, although there are still people questioning if he really stays the trip on really soft ground. Coney Island possibly had top targets to aim at before running no race in the Ascot Chase. He would be best watched in this for me. Of more interest would be Doctor Phoenix who has looked better for the switch to Gordon Elliott and at the prices is the value after running Great Field close last time out. I suspect Un De Sceaux wins as I don't see anything in here of the calibre of Balko Des Flos, but no price at odds on.
Doctor Phoenix each way 13/2.
Then its Grand National time. As open as ever and with chances a plenty you suspect. Mall Dini ran a blinder at Cheltenham with only the immovable object Missed Approach to strong for him that day. That was over a mile and quarter so looks likely to relish this test. He also has a nice weight to carry as does Pairofbrowneyes. Last time out winning the Leinster National he would go close if he stays the distance. Bellshill is a classy animal and a previous grade one winner. He is far from experienced over fences but neither was Our Duke last year. He would have to be a danger to all also having won just over 3 miles over hurdles. Monbeg Notorious is another who has to be taken very seriously, he has looked really good this year and keeps improving, owned by Gigginstown he would have been aimed at this. Oscar Knight was fancied for this last year but never got to the business end, he made a very satisfactory return when following home Total Recall on his return. Three selections for six places.
Bellshill each way 10/1
Monbeg Notorious 10/1
Oscar Knight 16/1
In the 5:45 I like Out Sam, having backed him a few times this year I can't desert him now and hope this is his time to get his head in front. Last time out he didn't stay and the drop back in trip might be in his favour this time. There look to be quite a few dangers headed by Poormans Hill Oscar Lantern and Close Shave. I'll stay loyal though and at the prices he is value each way.
Out Sam each way 7/1
Each way lucky 15
Coquin Mans 4/1
Sayar 8/1
Bargy Lady 9/1
Monbeg Notorious 10/1
No comments:
Post a Comment