Hi all
Saturnas ran well to get fourth and the each-way money in the Thyestes. He was no match for comfortable winner Coko Beach who was ridden with great confidence by Jack Kennedy and responded superbly to the application of the first-time blinkers.
Not so good news about Cheltenham Trial’s Day. Cheltenham will inspect in the afternoon to see if racing can go ahead on Saturday and it’s not looking good. Better news from Doncaster who are not anticipating any problems with their two-day fixture Sky Bet Chase meeting, although it could be bordering on heavy come Saturday.
On to today’s action. There’s a competitive looking eight race card at Navan with the feature race being the 2m 4f Grade 2 handicap hurdle (1:55).
Navan
1:55 – Damalisque finished 2nd of 16 in a similar race at Naas back in November. He’s up 5lb for that effort but goes well on soft/heavy ground and same connections won the race last year.
Augusta Gold won this two years ago. The mare returned from an 11 month lay off to win a Grade 3 mares chase at Fairyhouse 26-days ago. Rated 21lbs lower over hurdles than fences after that win and hails from a yard that had a winner at Gowran Park yesterday.
Uisce Solas seemed to put in a much-improved performance when winning at Naas 16-days ago. The handicapper was impressed as he put the mare up 12lb for the win. Trainer has booked a useful conditional to take off 5lb off the mares back.
1pt each way – Uisce Solas – 14/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (paying 5 places 1/5 odds)
2:30 – Satin Sun put in a career best effort when a 1 ½ length 2nd of 12 at Tramore 28-days ago. Has been raised 3lb for that performance and the mare looks set to go one better today.
1pt win – Satin Sun – 7/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
3:35 – Johnnys Girl and Miracle In Medinah were first and third at Limerick. The latter gets 6lb from the winner and there shouldn’t be much between the pair. Miracle of Medinah has gone 17 races without a win over hurdles & fences since making a winning racecourse debut in a Fairyhouse bumper nearly four years ago. He’s talented enough but tends to be hit and miss with his jumping.
Owner J P McManus also has the lightly raced over fences Marshalled, seemingly the choice of jockey Mark Walsh. The 7-year-old won over hurdles last season and has just had three down the field efforts over fences. Steps up to 3m here and if he can find improvement for today’s longer trip won’t be far away.
Ask And Answer won this 12 months ago, off 3lb lower. Not at his best on his four starts so far this season but would have each way claims if reproducing last seasons best.
1pt each way – Ask And Answer – 11/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (both paying 4 places 1/5 odds)
Cheers
John