Hi all,
Saturday was quiet on the quality front, but Sunday’s fare is much better.
There’s Grade 1 action at Naas where the Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle (2:00) is the highlight of a seven-race card. Even the two Plumpton handicaps the BetGoodwin Sussex Stayers Handicap Hurdle (2:15) which has £39,023 on offer to the winner and the BetGoodwin Sussex National Handicap Chase (2:50) are better races than we had yesterday.
Naas
2:00 – Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle – 2m 4f
If the bookies are right this is between Firefox and Ile Atlantique. Firefox, a three-time bumper winner, made all to make a winning hurdle debut at Fairyhouse last month. In the process he beat the useful Ballyburn who has since gone on to win at Leopardstown over Christmas. Big chance here and looks a Grade 1 novice hurdler. I’m a bit surprised he’s not shorter in the betting, but his price reflects slight doubts about is stamina for the trip on testing ground.
Ile Atlantique, a stablemate of Ballyburn also made all to win a Gowran maiden hurdle (2m) 57 days ago. Today’s longer trip is expected to elicit more improvement from the 6-year-old. He was beaten ¾ length by Firefox in bumper in the spring and there shouldn’t be much between the pair once more.
Croke Park, a stablemate of Firefox, made it 2-2 over hurdles when winning a Grade 3 novice hurdle at Navan (2m 4f) last time. His stamina is guaranteed and looks like he’ll been seen to better effect over even further. The more testing the ground the better for the 6-year-old and he’s not totally ruled out.
An Tobar a winner on hurdle debut at Fairyhouse, before finishing a 2 ¾ lengths 3rd of 8 to Farren Glory in the Grade 1 Royal Bond Novices’ Hurdle (2m) back at that venue last month. He looked in need of further than 2m last time and is open to further improvement up to 2m 4f. If you knew all eight runners will stand their ground, he would have solid each way claims.
Mystical Power made a winning hurdle debut at Galway in July. First run since but looked a high-class prospect in victory last time. It will be interesting to see if his summer jumping form holds up here but if it does, he’s no forlorn hope.
Plumpton
2:15 – Top weight Call Me Lord ended a losing run when winning at Hereford (2m 3 ½ f). Today’s longer trip should suit him better. He’s 1lb higher here and Ben Bromley takes off 5lb which means he’s lower in the weights here than last time. Looking at his profile he’s by no means guaranteed to back up his Hereford win but if he does is a big player.
Hititi a winner at Taunton (3m) on his final start last season, posted a career best when a neck 2nd of 8 at Sandown last month. Up 4lb for last time but he’s capable of better in the sphere and he handled heavy ground last time and a likely winner if in the same form here.
Transmission is 0-6 over hurdles but he posted a career best on RPR’s when a 2-length 3rd of 9 at Ascot 15 days ago. It was good ground last time, but he ran well on heavy when trained in Ireland. Looks progressive and is at the right end of the handicap.
2:50 – Dom Of Mary ran well when a staying on 4 length 4th of 12 here over (3m 1 ½ f) two starts back and wasn’t disgraced when a 15 ½ length 6th of 13 to Malina Girl in a better race at Cheltenham last time. Capable of going close, back down in class and is one for the shortlist.
Sporting Ace got off the mark over fences at the second attempt when beating six rivals at Chepstow (2m 7 ½ f) 29 days ago. Up 4lb but maybe capable of better in the sphere and shaped last time like the step up to 3m 4f could suit. Lack the experience of most ten rivals but one to keep onside.
Gold Clermont, a dual course winner last season over an extended 3m 1f, posted a career best last time when winning at Fakenham (3m 5f) 19 days ago. The mare’s stamina is guaranteed but she is 6lb higher in a deeper race. Given her ability on the track, if she can back up her latest performance has got a good chance.
Betting Advice:
Plumpton
2:15 – Hititi – 1pt win – 9/2 @ Coral and Ladbrokes and Transmission – 1pt win – 5/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
2:50 – Gold Clermont – 1pt win – 5/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes.
Cheers
John