Hi all,
Just the one winner yesterday but it was the early priced advised 8/1 Potters Legend. Well backed, the softening ground was in his favour and it was stamina that won the day. Vintage Clouds ran better than he did on his seasonal reappearance at Aintree and isn’t one to give on just yet. There is a race in him when the Sue Smith stable is in better form.
The most valuable race of the day is the 2m 6f Listed Chase (1:20) at Thurles. It features the like of Monalee, Kemboy, Presenting Percy and the unexposed over fences Darasso. The first two named are making their seasonal reappearance. Presenting Percy has the benefit of a recent run but needs to jump better than he did at Down Royal. Darasso steps up to 2m 6f but he can’t be totally dismissed especially if the going changes to heavy.
It might be a Listed race but, it’s really Grade 2 quality. Monalee looks the most likely winner given he goes well fresh and is effective on soft ground but I will be watching Darasso with interest.
I have two selections for you from Thurles and Chelmsford
Chelmsford
5:30 – Race favourite Aberama Gold could be a well handicapped horse on just his second start on the all-weather. A winner of Class 2 handicap at Doncaster two starts back. He made Dakota Gold pull out the stops when 2nd of 15 in a Listed race back at the same venue 12-days ago. Will be tough to beat if reproducing that run here.
Rathbone is 0-4, but has placed three times on the synthetics and two of his best three RPR’s have come at Newcastle. He was well behind Aberama Gold at Doncaster last time but that was soft ground which doesn’t suit. He’s better judged on his 2nd of 11, beaten a head off today’s mark at Ascot in September. And when running recent Group 1 winner Glen Shiel to 2 ½ lengths at Newcastle in June. Drawn out wide in 10 but has each way claims.
1pt each way – Rathbone – 7/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
Thurles
2:55 – Optum is one of the least exposed runners in this 2m 4f handicap hurdle. The 5-year-old looked like he was going to win on his handicap debut at Fairyhouse 9-days ago. Clear at the last but got caught in the final strides and had to settle for the runners-up spot. Was beaten a short head in a maiden hurdle here in March. Nudged up 3lb but he remains on a competitive mark.
1pt win – Optum – 5/1 @ Bet365
Cheers
John