Author: John Burke

Hi all,

Not the best of days for punting at the Punchestown Festival with just the one handicap on an eight-race card. There are two Grade 1’s. In the first its all about Honeysuckle who is long odds on to retain her Punchestown Champion Hurdle crown (5.25). The second Grade 1 is the Champion Novice Hurdle (6.00), where Cheltenham Festival winner State Man takes on the improving Flame Bearer.

The Guineas festival also gets away at Newmarket. Small fields are the order of the day with just 42 runners declared for a seven-race card. Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Yibir is likely to go off a short-priced favourite for the day’s feature race the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes (3.35). The supporting card also includes two Listed contests.

Flat racing returns to Goodwood this afternoon with the feature race being the Listed British Stallion Studs EBF Daisy Warwick Fillies’ Stakes (3.15). There are also two decent sized handicaps on a seven-race card.

Punchestown

4:15 – EMS Copiers Novice Handicap Chase (Grade A) – 2m 5f

Not for the first time Rightplacerightime threw away what looked a winning opportunity with another poor jumping performance at Fairyhouse last time. He’s on a winnable mark for sure but you just can’t trust him on the jumping front. 

Fighter Allen runners-up top Stattler on his chase debut before finishing well behind Galopin Des Champs in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown. Jumped well but didn’t have to be at his best to win at Tramore 19-days ago. Unexposed over fences and looks on a decent mark for his handicap chase debut.

French Dynamite won a beginners chase here in November before being outclassed in the Grade 1 at Leopardstown, a race Fighter Allen finished 4^th.  He returned to winning ways when winning a Grade 3 at Thurles last month. Good ground suits and he looks on a workable mark for his first start in handicap chase company.

Birchdale got off the mark at the 9^th attempt over fences when winning a valuable handicap chase at the Dublin Racing Festival over around today’s trip. Now 8lb higher but he seemed to have a bit in hand that day and looks set for another good run.

Lieutenant Command was in the process of running a big race, just in front, when making a mistake and unseating his rider at Naas last time. Likely would have gone close if he had stood up and can race off the same mark here.

Bold Emperor has returned from a winter break in good form finishing runner-up twice at Fairyhouse. Never looked like he would catch Mt Leinster last time but that was over an extended 2m and a return to today’s longer distance should suit. That said he’s 12lb out of the handicap although Mikey O’Connor does take off 5lb.  

Verdict: Just two trainers: Willie Mullins & Jessica Harrington have won this race since 2013. The latter doesn’t have a runner in this year’s race but Mullins had five of the fifteen runners. The pick of his looks to be Fighter Allen.  Birchdale, French Dynamite and Lieutenant Command all have claims though.

4:50 – Hanlon Concrete Irish EBF Glencarraig Lady Francis Flood Mares Chase (Grade 2) – 2m 5f

Elimay had to dig to deep to win the Mares Chase at Cheltenham last time. Scarlet And Dove was ¾ length back in third that day but she was giving the winner 3lb so theoretically there shouldn’t be much between the pair again.

6:00 – Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) – 2m 3 ½ f

State Man looked a potential Grade 1 hurdler when running out a decisive winner of the County Hurdle at Cheltenham. Others have arguably better form but it’s a about real potential with the 5-year-old

Three Stripe Life runner-up to Might Potter and Sir Gerhard this season got his head in front for the first time in Grade 1 company when winning the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree.

Flame Bearer has won last two starts in Grade 2 company and bids for a four-timer today. Very much an improving novice hurdler who got his jockey out of trouble when winning at Fairyhouse last time. First run beyond 2m asks another question but I think it could bring out more progress in him.  

Given the lack of runners at Newmarket there aren’t many decent bigger priced betting opportunities today so I’m looking to Goodwood which has slightly better sized fields.

Goodwood

2:40 – William Hill Pick Your Places Handicap (Class 2) – 5f

Live In The Moment ran three times in Meydan over the winter. A useful sprinter last Summer finishing a ¾ 2^nd of 22 in a valuable handicap at York (5 ½ f) and then runner-up in a Listed race at Doncaster. A reproduction of his York run would see him go close but stall 1 isn’t ideal.

Stone of Destiny who has been given a chance by the handicapper, 8 lb below the mark he finished third in last season’s Epsom Dash, and will be better for his recent his recent run at Newmarket.

Atalanta’s Boy, can miss the start and is a bit quirky but he’s a real Goodwood specialist with 5 wins from 8 starts. One of his rare poor starts here outside a big field came on final start of last season on soft ground. First start for 201-days but his form figures when racing between 121 to 365-days since his last start are 3411. This is his first start over 5f and if not an inconvenienced by it should go well.

Another C&D winner is Raasel who ended last season in tremendous form being well placed to win his last five starts. A real 5f specialist he should be sharper for his recent 2 ½ length 5^th of 11 to Zarzyni at Musselburgh 13-days ago. He shaped last time like a mark of 94 could be reachable.

3:15 – British Stallion Studs EBF Daisy Warwick Fillies’ Stakes (Listed Race) – 1m 4f

There some good prize money for the Goodwood feature race with £31,191 on offer to the winner. Bartzella made all to win at Ascot on her third start last October. She could get an uncontested lead here and although she might prefer a bit more ease in the ground could be tough to peg back. Silence Please has to be respected on her first start since switching to the Andrew Balding yard. The mare won a Listed race on her seasonal return in 2020 and is the highest rated of these filly’s & mare’s. Looks capable of going well if ready to roll first time.  Save A Forest won first time up last season and finished 4^th in the Oaks. Won a Listed race on the July Course last summer before running well below par in the Group 2 Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster. Very much in the mix on ground that should be fine.

3:50 – William Hill Play Responsibly Handicap (Class 3) – 6f

Chipstead was a progressive sprint handicapper in the second half of last season. Looked like the race was needed after a 7-month layoff when an encouraging 2 length 8th of 12 at Newmarket 17-days ago. This is slight drop-in class for the 4-year-old and if stall 2 isn’t an inconvenience should be in the mix.  

Twilight Madness had Chipstead 3 ½ length behind in second when winning at Newmarket last July and meets that one on better terms here. The 4-year-old returned from 3-month absence with an excellent effort when a head second of 8 at Southwell last time. This is just his 10^th career start so we might not have seen the best of him yet.

All Lamplighter’s three turf wins have come over C&D. He’s 3lb above his last winning mark but doesn’t have the best of records fresh. Still he must be respected back at his favourite track and will be suited by the forecast strong pace.

Betting Advice:

Punchestown

4:15 – 1pt win – French Dynamite – 13/2 @ Bet365 and 1pt win – Lieutenant Command – 10/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

6:00 – 1pt win – Flame Bearer – 4/1 – Gen

Goodwood

2:40 – 1pt win – Raasel – 5/1 @ Bet365

Cheers

John

Morning all,

Day three of the Punchestown Festival. The stayers take centre stage as Klassical Dream bids to retain his Ladbrokes Champion Stayers’ Hurdle crown (5.25). It won’t be easy as he faces the likes of Paisley Park and recent Aintree score Sire Du Berlais.

The second Grade 1 on an eight-race card is the Barberstown Castle Novice Chase (6.35), could see impressive Maghull Novices’ Chase winner Gentleman De Mee crowned the best 2m novice chaser in Britain or Ireland. The Willie Mullins trained 6-year-old takes on six rivals, including three from his own yard and Arkle runner-up Gabynako.

Punchestown Festival – Day 2

If like me you like big field handicaps, today is your day at the festival as there are four of them on today’s card.  

3:40 – Specialist Joinery Group Handicap Hurdle – 2m

Recent Fontwell winner Gin Coco could be well treated for his handicap hurdle debut and he’s open to further progress. The top-weight handled good ground well last time but this much bigger field will ask another question of the 6-year-old.

Henry De Bromhead had a handicap hurdle winner here yesterday so you have to Hide And Seek high on the shortlist. The mare got of the mark over hurdles at the fifth attempt at Tramore 18-daya ago. She clearly goes well on a sound surface and is another open to further progress in handicap company.

Ideal Pal also got off the mark over hurdles for the first time on his last start. It was a clear best over hurdles for him in his handicap hurdle debut at Fairyhouse 10-days ago The 6-year-old is 8lb higher now but has the size and scope for more improvement over hurdles.

Jessica Harrington has saddled the winner of this race three times since 2014 and she has a lively contender in Only Sky.  A winner on the flat the 4-year-old got off the mark over hurdles at the third attempt when winning a Cork maiden last month. The progressive filly got up in the final strides that day and should be suited by today’s likely stronger pace.

Luke Short has placed on all three starts over hurdles. He’s improved on each of his starts and should do well in handicap hurdles on a sound surface. Returned form a 5-month absence with run on the flat in last month’s Irish Lincolnshire. Will be sharper with that run under his belt and should go well.

4:15 – Pigsback.com Handicap Chase (Grade B) – 2m

Mt Leinster overcome some less than fluent jumping to win a similar handicap chase at Fairyhouse 11-days ago. It was his class that got him home last time. He’s been raised 6lb for his last success but has a touch of class and if he can get his jumping together there should be more to come from him over fences. Grange Walk was just in the lead and looked to be going as well as Mt Leinster when falling two out. Provided his confidence hasn’t been dented by that mishap he’s got to go close being 5lb better off with Mt Leinster today. Magic Daze looks to be on a good mark on her handicap chase debut. The mare putting in a good jumping display for novice when winning a Cork beginners chaser back in November. She was thrown in the deep end in the Arkle Chase (12/1) last time. Far to keen out in front after a three-month layoff and once headed three out was quickly beaten.

5:25 – Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1) – 2m 7 ½ f

Klassical Dream travelled smoothy in the Stayer Hurdle at Cheltenham but was awkward at the last and was run out of the places to eventually finish fifth.  He won this race 12 months ago and with a prominent ride the favourite the one to beat.  

Paisley Park finished two places and 2 ¼ lengths in front of Klassical Dream at Cheltenham. He’s entitled to go close here but on this speedier track I fancy a back to form favourite can finish in front today.

Sire Du Berlais bounced back to his best when winning a Grade 1 at Aintree last time and will need to be at that level of form to win this.

TheDevilscoachman put in a career best over hurdles when winning the Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle at Navan last time. The step up to 2m 5f suited the 6-year-old that day. Stamina for 3 miles not certain and he may need softer ground than likely today.

Gentlemansgame finished a 12-length 2^nd of 8 to Galopin Des Champs in the Grade 1 novice hurdle (3m) here 12 months ago. Just the three starts this season he put a personal best when winning 5-runner minor event at Thurles (good) last month. Goes well on a sound surface and has each way claims.

Another with each way claims is Ashdale Bob. A double Grade 2 winning novice last season has run well on his last two starts over hurdles finishing a head second to TheDevilscoachman at Navan before finishing a 5½ length 3rd of 23 in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham.

6:00 – Conway Piling Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) – 2m 7 ½

With 25 runners this handicap hurdle looks the most competitive race on today’s card. You can make a very strong case for nine or ten of the runners.

Nicky Henderson runs two. They are recent Ayr winner City Chief who showed he’s a strong stayer when finding plenty for pressure when successful last time. He’s a chaser in the making but shouldn’t be far away here. Henderson also saddles the Bomber Liston who was excellent form in the autumn winning a Uttoxeter novice hurdle before improving again to finish a nose 2^nd of 11 on his handicap hurdle debut at Plumpton. First try beyond 2m 4 ½ f but he’s open to further improvement and if stays this longer trip is set to go close.

Macs Charm comes into the race bidding for the four timer. Forging clear of his 10 rivals at Naas last time. He’s been hiked up 12lb for his latest success but might well not have reached his ceiling just yet. Looks a strong stayer and there should be more improvement to come from for today’s longer trip.

Bugs Moran got off the mark at the fifth attempt when winning a Fairyhouse handicap hurdle over an extended 3m. He’s up 7lb for his Fairyhouse win but is going the right way, his stamina is assured and he’s very effective on a sound surface.

Another improving handicapper is Sparkling Stars.  A winner of two of his last three starts. The 7-year-old put in a career best on RPR’s when winning at Limerick three weeks ago. He’s 7lb higher here but is going the right way and if he stays this new distance won’t be far away.

Previous C&D winner Sassy But Classy hasn’t had the best of fortune on her three starts since winning here. She unseated her rider at the first at Navan before finishing a neck 2^nd of 21 back at that venue two weeks later. Well fancied, returned only 9/1, for the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham but she was bought down at the fourth that day. Gordon Elliott takes a handy 7lb off the mares back which gives her a good chance.

A Great View won this race in 2018 which was also his last win. The 11-year-old holds no secrets from the handicapper but he’s been running well in big field handicaps this season and although he’s on a long losing run, he is 7lb below his last winning mark and can be discounted. If he gets a strong pace to chase, he can get into the places.

6:35 – Barberstown Castle Novice Chase (Grade 1) – 2m

Gentlemen De Mee so impressive when seeing off Arkle winner Edwardstone at Aintree is the one to beat here.  A relative test of speed suits the 6-year-old well. Although he may face competition for the lead today, he’s a worthy favourite and the one to beat.

Gabynako justified connections decision to supplement him for the Arkle when finishing 4 ¼ length 2nd of 11 to Edwardstone at Cheltenham. He’s respected on that running and will like the ground but might be best coming off a strong gallop.

Besides the favourite Willie Mullins also saddles Blue Lord, Haut En Couleurs, and Saint Sam.  Blue Lord finished 3 ½ lengths behind Gabynako in the Arkle. Haut En Couleurs beat Gentlemen De Mee on his chase debut. However, he hasn’t really built on that promise on two subsequent starts including when a 16 ½ length sixth in the Arkle last time.

Saint Sam a winner on his chase debut at Fairyhouse. He’s since finished a 4 ¼ length 3^rd of 6 to Blue Lord at Leopardstown and then was hampered and unseated his jockey at the 4^th in the Arkle last month. He remains with potential as a chaser. Although may need further than 2m in Grade 1 company.

Betting Advice:

3:40 – 1pt win – Ideal Pal – 13/2 – Gen and 1pt win – Luke Short – 8/1 @ Bet365

6:00 – 1pt win – The Bomber Liston – 11/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes 1pt win – Sparkling Stars – 14/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt win – A Great View – 16/1 @ Bet365

6:35 – 1pt win – Saint Sam – 9/1 @ Bet365

Punchestown

Cheers

John

Hi all,

On day two of the Punchestown Festival there are three more Grade 1 races, the highlight being a superb looking Grade 1 Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup (5.55). Allaho heads the ante-post market after his Ryanair Chase win, but he faces a strong field that includes last year’s winner and recent Aintree winner Clan Des Obeaux and 2021 Gold Cup winner Minella Indo. Aintree winner Fakir D’oudairies and King George VI Chase winner Tornado Flyer add to the depth of the race.

The Willie Mullins pair The Nice Guy and Minella Cocooner, first and second in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham go head-to-head in the Irish Mirror Novice Hurdle (5.20). However, they face Minella Crooner, who was forced to miss the Albert Bartlett due to a minor injury.  The Punchestown Champion I.N.H Flat Race (6.30) see’s Facile Vega and American Mike clash again after their first and second in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham.

Ascot’s first Flat meeting of the season features three Royal Ascot trial races, the Longines Sagaro Stakes (3.35), Merriebelle Stables Commonwealth Cup Trial Stakes (4.10) and Paradise Stakes (4.40). There is one that I like in the 5f handicap that concludes the Ascot card.

Punchestown Festival – Day 2

3:40 – Adare Manor Opportunity Series Final Handicap Hurdle – 2m 4f

Interesting to see that David Pipe brings over Thanksforthehelp here. The 5-year-old has been shaping with promise in novice hurdles and is interesting on his handicap hurdle stepped up 2m 4f. The 5-year-old has been racing over the minimum trip on his four starts over hurdles but he shaped like he needed more of a stamina test when ¾ length 2^nd of 11 at Wincanton last time and is bred to improve for today’s longer distance. Francois has been knocking on the door in handicap hurdles on his last two starts.  He returned from 10-week layoff when a ¾ length 2^nd of 15 at Limerick 20-days ago.  Nudged up 3lb for that effort but no reason to think that he won’t go well again here.

4:55 – Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Hurdle – 2m 4f

I’m taking on favourite Fils D’oudairies with Crosshill in this 2m 4f hurdle.  The 7-year-old didn’t really build on his C&D debut success on his hurdles debut in October 2020. Comes into the race after two underwhelming runs over fences and last time back over hurdles. He’s surely better than he was able to show at Thurles last month and the fitting of the first time cheekpieces could see him bounce back to form and if he does, won’t be far away.

5:20 – Irish Mirror Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) – 3m

The first three home in the Albert Bartlett The Nice Guy, Minella Cocooner and Bardenstown Lad renew rivalry. Today’s 3m might well suit the front running Minella Cocooner better than Cheltenham but he does have 5 lengths to find with the winner who looks capable of more improvement. Bardenstown Lad gets the first time cheekpieces and could get closer to the pair who finished ahead of him at Cheltenham. He will be suited by today’s ground. Minella Crooner was forced to miss Cheltenham due to a setback. He should be suited by the step up to 3m and is very much in the mix.

5:55 – Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup – 3m

A cracking renewal of the Punchestown Gold Cup. Allaho fresh from another commanding success in the Ryanair Chase is back over 3m for the first time since December 2020. He will go from the front again like he did at Cheltenham. Although his stamina for 3m must be proven. His bold jumping could have his rivals in trouble early in the race. He will be tough to peg back if he’s as dominant as he was at Cheltenham. Last year’s winner Clan Des Obeaux bounced back to winning ways at Aintree in the first-time blinkers. He has plenty in his favour and could be the one to take advantage should Allaho not stay. The likely strong gallop will suit Galvin. The Grade 1 Savills Chase winner finished 4^th of 11 in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He finished 2 ½ length behind Minella Indo but I think we’ll see a better run from him here and he can finish ahead of the Gold Cup runner-up.

7:05 – OMC Claims Handicap Chase (Grade A) – 2m 5f

Willie Mullins runs four including favourite Ciel De Neige who is 3-4 since going over fences. The 7-year-old came within a nose of maintaining his unbeaten record over fences in a Grade 3 novice chase at Thurles last month. Probably found 2m 2f on good ground a bit short last time and the return to further is a positive. Stablemate and top-weight Royal Rendezvous won last season’s Galway Plate on good ground. He made a bad mistake in the Topham Chase at Aintree on his return from a 5-month absence and will be suited to return to more conventional fences. The other Mullins runner I like is Annamix, third in the Kerry National earlier in the season,bounced back to form last time when a 10-length 3^rd of 29 9n the Topham Chase. Consistency hasn’t been a strong point with the 9-year-old so he might not back up his Aintree effort here but he was a 9-length 5^th of 19 in this corresponding race 12 months ago.

Foxy Jacks won this race last year, when it was raced over 2m 4f. He’s 10lb higher this time around but connections opt to take 7lb off his back. His jumping has let him down on his last two starts, he fell in the Topham last time and prior to that was running a big race in the Ultima at Cheltenham when making a race ending mistake three out. He’s respected on his 1 ¼ length 2^nd of 17 at Leopardstown in February. If he cuts out the errors he’s a big player here.

Calvary Master won four times between May & July, including beating recent Bet365 Gold Cup winner Hewick in a Killarney novice chase. Best on a sound surface and although he returns from a 121-day absence here. He’s won after a lay off in the past

Ascot

5:10 – Seneca Chief looks overpriced here. The 8-year-old goes well over a stiff 5f, twice a winner at Sandown, and has good record first time up. He won on his seasonal reappearance in 2020 and was only beaten ½ length into second last year. Yard had a winner at Yarmouth yesterday with a seasonal debutant so he hopefully won’t lack for fitness. Stall 1 would be slight concern especially with most of the pace looking to be drawn high and that looks priced in. That said I don’t think he should be outsider of the field and is an each-way contender.

Betting Advice:

Punchestown

3:40 – 1pt win – Thanksforthehelp – 6/1 @ Bet365 and 1pt win – Francois – 11/1 @ Bet365

4:55 – 1pt win – Crosshill – 9/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

5:55 – 1pt win – Galvin – 11/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

7:05 – 1pt win – Annamix – 12/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt win – Foxy Jacks – 12/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Ascot

5:10 – 0.5pts each way – Seneca Chief – 20/1 @ Coral (paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

Cheers

John

Hi all,

It was a good job I decided to put up selections on Monday given we had a couple of winners at Naas, including Blairmayne 20/1 (BOG).

Punchestown Festival – Day 1

Day one of the Punchestown Festival. They have been artificially watering to maintain good to yielding ground and with little rain forecast for the next few days that seems likely to continue.

Whilst it’s good to see so many of the Irish stars in action.  In truth this festival would look good if it was held over three days rather than five.

Talking of stars of the jumping code. Sir Gerhard and Dysart Dynamo take each other on in the Grade 1 Bective Stud Champion Novice Hurdle (4:15). Stablemates Energumene and Chacun Pour Soi seem likely to renew rivalry in the Grade 1 William Hill Champion Chase (5:25). Whilst those two Grade 1’s look matches. The final Grade 1 of an eight-race card the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase (6:35) looks a more interesting affair.

6:35 – Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase (Grade 1) – 3m ½ f

Lucky Cheltenham scorer Bob Olinger takes on six rivals on his step up to 3m for the first time. Capodanno wasn’t disgraced when a 12-length 4^th of 9 in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham. However, his jumping wasn’t great that day but hopefully the better ground will suit him. Beacon Edge was a very disappointing 7^th in the Brown Advisory. He’s got questions to answer after that. Although you wouldn’t be shocked if he was to run a big race here.

Fury Road bounced back from a poor effort at the Dublin Racing Festival when 5 length 2^nd of 4 to Ahoy Senor in the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree last time. A reproduction of his Aintree run puts him very much in the mix.

Millers Bank comes over from England and should like underfoot conditions. The 8-year-old posted a personal best on RPR’s when winning the Grade 1 Manifesto Novices’ Chase (2m 4f) at Aintree earlier this month. He was strong at the finish that day and the step up to 3m could bring out more improvement.

Lifetime Ambition looked suited by the step up to 3m when winning a Grade 3 novice chase at Limerick last month. He’s got a bit to find on official ratings with some of the principals but he’s no forlorn hope. The ground will suit the 7-year-old who is a solid jumper on his day.

Verdict: Boring choice but Bob Olinger will be hard to beat. Millers Bank is open to further progress for a step up to 3m and could be the favourites biggest rival.

4:50 – Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) – 2m ½ f

You could give all 18 runners some sort of chance. The Henry De Bromhead yard is in better form now and he saddles four here. The two I like most are Gua Du Large and Great Bear. The latter a three-time winner on the level for his previous yard remains a maiden after nine starts over hurdles but did finish 3^rd of 22 over C&D here 12 months ago. First start for the De Bromhead yard today and if he’s ready to roll after a 177-day absence wouldn’t be far away off today’s mark.

Rachel Blackmore is on Gua Du Large. The 6-year-old returned to winning ways when successful in a 18 runner handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse two starts back. The sound surface seemed to suit that day and he wasn’t seen to best effect on the County Hurdle on his only subsequent start. He remains on a competitive mark and is a big player. 

Hearts Are Trumps has dropped down to 2lb below his last winning mark and returned from a six month break with a highly respectable 7-length 6¾ lengths 7th of 17 at Fairyhouse 10-days ago. More exposed than many of his rivals but the 9-year-old can’t be totally dismissed.

Tempo Chapter Two didn’t stay 3m at Fairyhouse last time and disappointed in the County Hurdle and return to 2m and the application of the first time cheekpieces needs to have the desired effect.

Sit Down Lucy will be well suited to the likely strong pace. The mare finished a 4 ¼ length 4^th of 18 to Gua Du Large at Fairyhouse and is 7lb better of here not considering the 7lb that is claimed off her.  

Still Standing put it together over hurdles when winning a Gowran Park maiden hurdle in the autumn.  Today’s going will suit and although he’s 2lb out of the handicap he’s one to be interested in on his handicap hurdle debut.

Verdict: I’m going to take a swing at three here and they are Gua Du Large, Still Standing and Hearts Are Trumps.

Betting Advice:

Punchestown

4:50 – 1pt win – Gua Du Large – 14/1 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power, 1pt win – Still Standing – 16/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt win – Hearts Are Trumps -16/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes.

6:35 – 1pt win – Millers Bank – 15/2 @ Bet365

Cheers

John

Hi all,

On the eve of the Punchestown Festival there’s plenty of racing today. This afternoon Ayr provides the turf action and there are two all-weather cards at Lingfield and Southwell. There are also three evening fixtures at Thirsk, Windsor, and Naas.

For those who like your Irish racing, I think there are few decent betting opportunities on eight race Naas card. The feature race is the Listed Woodlands Stakes (6:15) but there are also several competitive handicaps, including the Naas Racecourse Business Club Blackwater Handicap (7:15). This Premier Handicap has €26,550 on offer to the winner and has attracted some potentially well handicapped 3-year-olds.

I wasn’t going to have a bet until tomorrow but I found several I fancy today at Thirsk, Windsor, and Naas.

Thirsk

The best race on the Thirsk card is the 6f Class 3 handicap (7:05). Run This Way is sure to be popular, in this tricky 6f handicap, after her C&D (soft) success 16-days ago. However, the ground was softer that day and this is a better race. I think the likely favourite is worth taking on, as there are some well handicapped horses among her nine rivals.  Golden Apollo made a satisfactory return to action when a 4 ¾ length 3rd of 9 at Ripon 11-days ago. The ground would have been plenty soft enough for him at Ripon and he will be sharper with that run under his belt. He’s on a losing run that goes back to September 2019 but he’s dropped down to a good mark.  Ghathanfar is a solid enough handicapper in the right grade. He wasn’t seen to best effect and didn’t get the best of passages when stepped back up 7f at Catterick 5-days ago. Best on a quick surface and the 6-year-old is on a handy mark when all the cards fall right. Tinto makes his debut for the Michael Dods stable. A useful handicap sprinter, albeit not the most reliable, when trained by Amanda Perrett. It’s the 6-year-old’s first start for 206-days so he may be better for the run but he did win off a 111-day layoff in 2020 so he can go well fresh. The top-weight is on a good mark and can now race in (0-90) company.

Windsor

The 1m 3 ½ f Cazoo Handicap (6:25) looks the best raceon a seven race Windsor card. Eve Johnson Houghton saddles two of the 8 runners. Looking at the betting Noble Masquerade is the better fancied of the pair. The 5-year-old won over C&D (good to firm) last August and shaped like he remains on competitive mark when a neck 2^nd of 10 at Kempton on his penultimate start of 2021. No issues with underfoot conditions and if he’s ready to roll after 166-day lay off won’t be far away. The second of the yards runners is Hyanna. A formerly useful handicapper,the mare wasn’t really at her best last season, but wasn’t disgraced when a 1 ½ length 2^nd of 5 at Kempton last August. She can now race off 6lb lower mark and her last win came over C&D (good to firm) off 8lb higher in June 2020. Like her stablemate she’s suited to a sound surface in turf and is down to a very good mark if she was bounce back to form on her return to action.

Naas

I will be disappointed if the race fit Mooneista can’t win the Listed Woodlands Stakes (6:15). Runner-up at Cork on her seasonal reappearance the 4-year-old won this race 12 months ago and will like the good ground. Her biggest rival could be the 3-year-old Geocentric who makes her seasonal reappearance but she did go close here on her racecourse debut last year.  Both career wins have come over 5f and she proved well suited to quick turf last season.

Thirteen are set to go to post for the 6f Best Of Luck To Our Neighbours Punchestown Ahead Of The 2022 Festival Handicap (5:15).  Nordic Passage, Carlton Bank and Blairmayne were 2^nd, 6^th & 12^th respectively in a 6f handicap at the Curragh 15-days ago. Nordic Passage isn’t the most consistent and is 4lb higher than last time but remains on a decent handicap mark. Stablemate Carlton Banks won a back-end maiden on heavy ground over C&D last autumn.  He came in for good support on his seasonal reappearance. Slowly away he came from behind in a race where it paid to race prominently. He looks on a workable mark, is open further progress and is the one to beat with Colin Keane booked. Blairmayne might have needed the run at the Curragh and he should be sharper today. He would have each way claims if reproducing the form of his C&D win last August, off 1lb lower. Half Nutz has three C&D wins to his name and shaped with encouragement when a 2 ¾ lengths 4th of 11 on his first start for Johnny Murtagh here last month. He will be sharper for that run and is on a competitive mark but may prefer more juice in the ground.

The 1m Naas Racecourse Business Club Blackwater Handicap (7:15) has attracted twelve 3-year-olds and you can make some sort of case for most of them. Mister Wilson has arguably the best form albeit he’s more exposed than most of the field. A double nursery winner for his previous yard he shaped with plenty of promise on his first start for Gavin Cromwell when a 1 ½ length 2nd of 10 to Markaz Paname in the valuable Madrid Handicap here over 7f last month. The winner has gone onto success in a Group 3 and the front pair did pull nicely clear of the rest. He’s only been raised 2lb for last time which looks fair but he maybe better with more ease in the ground. Ivy League hails from the inform Aidan O’Brien yard. The colt got off the mark at the second attempt at Dundalk 17-days ago. He’s a big strong colt with plenty of scope for more improvement and could be well treated for his handicap debut. Brasil Power a winner of a nursery when trained by George Boughey, made a highly promising debut for Joseph O’Brien when a 2 ½ length 5th of 10 at Leopardstown last time. He travelled well for a long way that day but probably found 1m 2f stretching his stamina. The drop back to a mile will suit and he’s a major player.

Betting Advice:

Thirsk

7:05 – 1pt win – Ginto – 9/1 – Gen

Windsor

6:25 – 1pt win – Hyanna – 8/1 @ Bet365

Naas

5:15 – 1pt each way – Blairmayne – 16/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (both paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

7:15 – 1pt win – Ivy League – 7/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Cheers

John

Hi all,

The jumpers take centre stage at Sandown on Saturday as the curtain comes down on the NH season. The big betting race of a seven-race card is bet365 Gold Cup (3.32). The feature race though is the Grade 1 bet365 Celebration Chase (3:00). Also on the card are a two Grade 2 races: the bet365 Oaksey Chase (2.25) and the bet365 Select Hurdle (4.07). Add in three more competitive looking handicaps and you have the makings of good card to end what has been an excellent winter jumps season.

The ITV cameras will be covering the best of the action from Sandown and Perth where it’s the final day of its April Festival where the feature race is the William Hill Highland National Handicap Chase (2:40). On Saturday ITV will be at Sandown for four races and they will also be at Haydock & Leicester for one race.

Sandown

The bet365 Novices’ Championship Final Handicap Hurdle (1:50) opens a seven-race card on Finale Day. The field size has held up and the race looks competitive. Whizz Kid, 4^th of 16 at Aintree last time won’t be far away again. Recent Newbury winner Knappers Hill and the four-timer seeking Head Law are sure to be popular with punters. Doctor Parnassus has a touch of class and must be respected on he’s 12-length 7^th of 12 to Vauban in the Triumph Hurdle. However, a chance is taken with Alto Alto. The 5-year-old got off the mark for the first time over hurdles in decisive fashion at Plumpton 20-days ago. He’ll like the sound surface and trainer Chris Gordon is 5-11 with his runners in the past 14-days.

For racing fans of a certain vintage, the 3m 5f bet365 Gold Cup (3:32) will always be remembered as the ‘Whitbread Gold Cup’ although it hasn’t been known as that since 2001.

Enrilo was first past the post in the race 12 months ago but lost the race in the steward’s room as he was found to have hampered the unlucky third Kitty’s Light and therace was awarded to the runner-up Potterman. The three are set for rematch along with 12 rivals.  Enrilo looks to have been laid out for the race again and is best off at the weights of the three. Potterman normally gives his running and the quicker the ground the better his chance. Kitty’s Light runner-up to stablemate Win My Wings in the Scottish Grand National Kitty’s Light wouldn’t be winning out of turn and was very unlucky in this race 12 months ago. Win My Wings is 14lb higher than when winning the Scottish National and is 12lb worse off with Kitty’s Light on that running but you can’t rule her out if she’s in the same form today. Hewick pulled up in the Midlands Grand National last time but it was soft ground that day and he had run well for a long way. He’s better judged on his good ground success in the Durham National two starts back.

Haydock

There’s one race at Haydock being covered live by ITV this afternoon and it’s the Class 2 Great Shevington Handicap (2:05). Likely favourite Alrehb will be tough to beat if reproducing his useful all-weather form on his turf debut and will be suited by the drying ground. Boardman has dropped down to a winning mark and was in great form at this time last season. He’s a previous C&D winner and shaped with promise when 4^th of 16 on his seasonal reappearance at Redcar. The quicker the ground the better for Gioia Cieca. The 4-year-old was a big disappointment on his seasonal return at Musselburgh 7-days ago but it was good to soft that day and his best form has come on quick ground. He’s on what looks a winnable mark and he’s the pick at the prices.

Betting Advice:

With the Punchestown Festival coming up and Guineas Weekend just a week away I’m keeping my powder relatively dry today.

Sandown

1:50 – 1pt win – Alto Alto – 12/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

3:32 – 1pt each way – Potterman – 12/1 @ Bet365 & Coral (both paying 4 places 1/5 odds) and 1pt win – Enrilo – 4/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Haydock

2:05 – 1pt win – Gioia Cieca – 17/2 @ Bet365 or 15/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

There won’t be any selections on Sunday & Monday but I will be back for the first day of the Punchestown Festival on Tuesday.

Cheers

John

Hi all,

The big race action gets underway at Sandown on Friday and three Group races are the highlight of a seven-race card at the track.

It’s the first Derby Trial with the latest running of the Group 3 bet365 Classic Trial (3.35). Goldspur, trained by Charlie Appleby, is the bookies early bird favourite but he does face five interesting rivals who hold all Group 1 entries.

In the Group 2 bet365 Mile (3.00) three-time Group 1 winning filly Alcohol Free will be a warm order to make a winning seasonal reappearance.

The third Group race on the card is the Group 3 bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes (2:25). John & Thady Gosden saddled last year’s winner and they have the likely favourite in the hat trick seeking Mostahdaf.

Up at Perth its final day of its three-day April Festival with the highlight of a seven-race card being the 3m 6 ½ f William Hill Highland National Handicap Chase (2:40).  You can watch the best of racing from both cards on ITV4 this afternoon.

Sandown

The small field Gordon Richards Stakes and Bet365 Mile hold no interest for me as betting races. The bet365 Classic Trial is more appealing. Goldspur brings the best juvenile form to the table that’s for sure and the Charlie Appleby stable could hardly be in better form.

Aidan O’Brien brings over River Thames who looked useful when winning his sole juvenile start at Punchestown last September.

John Gosden saddles a pair of improvers in Cracksman’s full brother Frantastic and the once raced Franz Strauss.

Cash trained by David Simcock, looked potentially smart when winning a back end juvenile Newmarket maiden.

Westover had three starts as 2-year-old winning here over a mile on his racecourse and then finishing runner-up on his next two starts. He’s bred to do better as a 3-year-old and for the step up to 1m 2f. At a best priced 10/1 he makes some appeal as biggest danger to the favourite.

The bet365 Esher Cup Handicap (1:50) has attracted a field of ten 3-year-olds. The forecast pace looks decent but I think you still need to be prominently ridden over mile around here. Charlie Appleby has the likely favourite in Blue Trail who is on a fair enough mark if transferring his all-weather form to turf. Wanees has a likeable profile and won his final two juvenile starts. He’s open to further improvement for the step up to the mile but the application of the first-time hood is a slight concern. City Runner looks more exposed but he does have a decent draw in stall one and looks likely to be prominently ridden.  If he is, then he would have decent each way claims for a yard that won this is 2015.  

Perth

The marathon William Hill Highland National Handicap Chase (2:40) is far and away the best race from a punting perspective.

Amateur won the 3m 4f West Wales National Handicap Chase at Ffos Las for the second year running 15-days ago. Today’s longer trip should be in range stamina wise and although he’s 6lb higher than last time he handled the good ground effectively at Ffos Las and is high on the shortlist. Ladronne is another high up on my list of contenders. The 8-year-old responded well pressure to win at Newcastle last month. That was his second success over fences this season and he was suited to the return to good to soft ground last time. Stamina beyond 3m 1f must be taken on trust but the first time cheekpieces are applied and he races like a stayer. School Lane has been in good form this season winning two points and two handicap chases at Down Royal & Fairyhouse. Both those successes came over much shorter but his joint top RPR came when he finished a 3 ½ length 2^nd of 9 in the 2019 Ulster National Irish at Downpatrick (3m 4 ½ f) on one of his rare starts beyond 3m 1f.

Betting Advice:

Sandown

1:50 – 0.5pts each way – City Runner – 20/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (paying 3 places 1/5 odds)

3:35 – 1pt win – Westover – 10/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook

Perth

2:40 – 1pt win – Amateur – 10/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt win – Ladronne – 10/1 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power

Cheers

John

Hi all.

Its day two of the Perth’s April Festival. There are also jump cards at Warwick, Taunton and Kilbeggan.  Beverley and Tipperary provide the flat action and there’s an all-weather card at Chelmsford. I have a selection from Perth and one from Warwick.

Perth

3:15 – A chance is taken with Pookie Pekan who put in a good jumping display when winning over C&D (good) last June. Poor run last time at Musselburgh but he had won at the same venue two starts back. He probably needs to dominate his field but if Crealion doesn’t take him on there’s a good chance the 9-year-old will get an uncontested lead.

1pt win – Pookie Pekan – 11/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Warwick

4:00 – Trincomalee a winner at Uttoxeter in October, off 2lb lower. The 9-year-old looked in need of the run when and more of a stamina test when a 12-length 5th of 9 at Wincanton (2m 5 ½ f) last time. The return to a sounder surface and back to 3m 1f is a positive and he looks worth chancing here.

1pt win – Trincomalee – 7/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Cheers

John

Hi all,

I’m back from a two-day break with a couple of selections from Salisbury and Ludlow.

Salisbury

5:35 – Micks Dream didn’t build on the promise of his 2^nd of 14 over C&D on his 3-year-old debut on three subsequent starts last season. He’s been gelded since his last start 223-days ago and looks competitively weighted off mark of 67. Tom Marquand takes the ride which hopefully suggests he’s ready to roll first time.

1pt win – Micks Dream – 7/1 – Gen

Ludlow

2:40 – Another Stowaway won this corresponding race last season on good ground and can race off 2lb lower here. Granted the 10-year-old is hardly the most consistent of handicap chasers and the Tom George stable was in much better form coming into last years contest. Looks set to get an uncontested lead though and looks worth chancing at his odds.

1pt win – Another Stowaway – 8/1 @ Bet365 or 7/1 – Gen

Cheers

John

Hi all,

It’s Easter Monday and Bank Holiday both sides of the Irish Sea. Which means plenty of racing today. Indeed, no less than nine meetings. Once again, the best of the action is at Fairyhouse with the feature race being the BoyleSports Irish Grand National (5:00). 

The ITV cameras are covering four races from Fairyhouse this afternoon as well as three from Kempton’s all-weather card. The highlights of the good-looking Kempton card are the Unibet Rosebery Handicap (3:30) and the Listed Unibet Snowdrop Fillies’ Stakes (4:05).  I have picks at both meetings which can be found at the end of the main piece. Let’s begin with the big race of the day the Irish Grand National.

Fairyhouse

5:00 – BoyleSports Irish Grand National – 3m

A maximum field of 30 runners is set to go post for the highlight of the Irish jumps season. Here are the ones on my shortlist.

Grade 1 winning hurdler Gaillard Du Mesnil heads the betting. The 6-year-old has run in Grade 1 novice chase company on his last two starts. And, was a 5 ¼ length 3rd of 9 to L’homme Presse in Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham last time. However, he does remain a maiden after four starts over fences and stamina for 3m 5f must be proven.

Gordon Elliot saddles no less than 11 of the runners. The best of his runners could well be Farclas Fakir D’alene and Frontal Assault.

Farclas hasn’t been seen since finishing a 7 ½ length 2nd of 16 to stablemate Run Wild Fred in Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan. The 8-year-old finished 5^th in last year’s Aintree Grand National and comes into the race fresh.  Shane Fitzgerald takes off a handy 5lb

Fakir D’alene has win twice over fences this season and posted a career best on RPR’s last time when a 4-length 4^th of 20 in the Kim Muir Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. He improved for the step up to 3m 2f and could well stay 3m 5f.

Frontal Assault was very disappointing when pulling up in the same race. Prior to that had looked a progressive novice finishing runner-up here in a beginners chase over 2m 5 ½ f.

Ronald Pump put in a career best over fences when a ½-length 2nd of 12 in Leinster National Handicap Chase at Naas last time. A smart staying hurdler, he’s 3-7 starts 6 places at Fairyhouse and must be a contender.

Full Time Score is 2-2 at Fairyhouse and made it 2-4 over fences when winning a 3m chase here last time. The 8-year-old remains unexposed as a staying chaser and this has been the plan since his last run.

Mister Fogpatches finished third in last season’s Scottish Grand National before winning a 3m 7f handicap chase at the Punchestown Festival.  The 8-year-old can usually be relied on to give his running in these types of race. No stamina issues with him and the better ground will suit. The first time cheekpieces are applied and if they have the desired effect he won’t be far away.

I have liked Velvet Elvis for this since his win a valuable Novices Handicap Chase (3m) at Naas last month. Trainer Thomas Gibney won the race in 2012 and his improving 6-year-old looks a staying handicap chaser at the right of the end of the handicap.

Verdict: My three against the field are Velvet Elvis, Farclas and Ronald Pump.

Rest of the Fairyhouse card

The opening race is the Farmhouse Foods Novice Handicap Hurdle (2:05) isn’t on ITV but it’s a competitive contest with a few progressive handicap hurdlers among the 19-runners.  Last time out winners Better Times Ahead and Celestial Horizon arguably bring the best form into the race. The former is the pick of Mark Walsh and on yielding ground could be best of the pair. Vadaly is the pick of Paul Townend and with the Willie Mullins yard in such good form here yesterday he’s got to be respected. The juvenile has been pitched into Grade 1 company on his last two starts and looks on a workable mark for his handicap debut. Another juvenile Only Sky looks to have a nice light weight. The filly got off the mark at the third attempt over hurdles when beating eight rivals in a Cotk maiden last month. Open to more improvement and despite slight concerns over yielding, seemed to relish the good ground at Cork, she rates the pick.

The 2m 5 ½ f Fairyhouse Steel Handicap Hurdle (3:15) is another big field handicap. However, I’m sweet on the chances of the likely favourite Carrig Sam. A winner of a point, the 6-year-old has won both hurdling starts here, including his handicap debut, over 2m 4f. Up 8lb for his latest win today’s slightly longer trip can bring out even more improvement. Both successes have come on soft ground but there should be enough juice in the ground to enable him to run his race.

The beautybasket.ie Handicap Chase (5:40) isn’t at the level of the previous race but there are 15 runners and it’s a tricky old 3m handicap chase puzzle. Donkey Years has been knocking on the door on his last two starts over fences and looks a worthy favourite. The 8-year-old shaped well enough when a 2-length 3^rd of 11 at Leopardstown last month. He was doing his best work at the finish that day over 2m 5 ½ f and looks worth another try over 3m. The Dabbler looks on a winnable mark. He was well fancied for the Irish Grand National Trial (13/2) last time but came down at the 4^th fence. The better the ground the better his chance.  Agent Boru is a useful handicap chaser on his day despite his 1-20 record over fences. A reproduction of his 6-length 2^nd of 15 in the Ulster National brings him into the mix and he’s 2lb lower than when winning the Mayo National at Ballinrobe last May. Joshua Webb didn’t stay the 3m 5f when fifth in the Ulster National on his handicap chase debut. The drop back to an extended 3m looks a positive and the first-time blinkers replace the first time cheekpieces he wore last time. Nobody Home is on a losing run that goes back to October 2020 but he goes well around here and was only beaten ¾ length by Gevrey over 2m 5f here two starts back and Rachel Blackmore is an eyecatching jockey booking. Glenloe was a useful handicap hurdler a few seasons back and would be nicely treated on his best efforts in that sphere. He has, however, failed to meet high expectations over fences and remains a maiden after nine starts over the larger obstacles. The first time cheekpieces are applied today and if the headgear works, he’s in with a shout.

Kempton

Of the three races being covered by ITV the best from a betting perspective is the 1m 3f Racing TV Rosebery Handicap (3:30).  Sir Michael Stoute saddles Hasty Sailor & Boss Power who both looks capable of doing well this season. My preference is for the latter who is 3-3 on the all-weather and won here over 1m 4f on his start on the synthetics. It’s the 5-year-olds first start since August but he did win first time up last year. Diamond Bay has race fitness on his side with the 4-year-old having won here last month (1m 4f) after a five-month layoff. Up 7lb for that success and in a deeper race but he’s progressive and big player. Stay Well won on his all-weather debut here (1m 4f) on his final start of 2021. It was a personal best from the 4-year-old that day who has been gelded over the winter. From a family who tend to do well with age he’s very much in the mix if ready to roll after a 173-day absence.

Betting Advice:

Fairyhouse

2:05 – 1pt win – Only Sky – 15/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

3:15 – 2pts win – Carrig Sam – 3/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

5:00 – 1pt each way – Velvet Elvis – 20/1 @ Bet365 (paying 7 places 1/5 odds) 1pt win – Ronald Pump – 20/1 @ Bet365 & Ladbrokes and 1pt win – Farclas – 10/1 @ Bet365 & Ladbrokes

5:40 – 0.5pts win – Agent Boru – 12/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 0.5pts win – Nobody Home – 18/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Kempton

3:30 – 1pt win – Stay Well – 6/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Cheers

John