Hi all,
Hopefully Sunday’s racing won’t be wiped out by ‘Storm Ciara’ as there’s some decent action at Punchestown & Exeter. Both racecourses will hold morning inspections to see if racing can go ahead. The feature race at the first named track is the BoyleSports Grand National Trial Handicap Chase and Exeter has Veteran’s Series Qualifier chase and Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier for racegoers to enjoy.
I could do with a winner today and I have selections from Punchestown & Exeter.
Exeter
3:00 – Palmers Hill is having his first start since winning a Cheltenham Handicap Hurdle 448-days ago. Looked worth following, after that win and even off 9lb higher he looks capable of winning this, if his long absence hasn’t impacted on his ability. Won first time up last season and in 2017 so fitness shouldn’t be an issue.
Welsh Saint is a steadily improving novice hurdler and makes his handicap debut over a trip that can elicit further progress from the 6-year-old. Of the more exposed runners
Kilbricken Storm is a strong contender. The 9-year-old won the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival. Last season was a bit of a write off after winning on debut over fences. Probably needed the run when 8th of 11 at Cheltenham on his seasonal return in December, running well to two out before fading after being headed at the last. Caught the eye when 3rd of 12 behind Skandiburg back at the same venue on New Year’s Day. Retains plenty of his old ability and can remain competitive in staying handicap hurdles like this, albeit he’s vulnerable to less exposed rivals.
1pt each way – Kilbricken Storm – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (both paying 4 places 1/5 odds)
3:30 – Back into the tracker for another selection. Joe Farrell was well fancied in the market sent off 3/1 favourite for a veteran’s chase at Chepstow on his seasonal return in October.He travelled well through the race and when hitting the front two out looked likely to win. However, he made a mistake at the last, lost two places and had to settle for third. Not disgraced when staying on into 7th in the Ladbroke Trophy and remains capable of winning a staying handicap chase this season.
Granted 3m is on the short side for this previous Scottish Grand National winner and heavy ground would be a concern but if it’s soft it will bring out his reserves of stamina.
Missed Approach would be a big danger to all on the best of his old form. The 10-year-old won the 2018 Kim Muir Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, off 3lb lower and returns from a 428-day absence today. No issues with soft or indeed heavy ground for him. Fitness has to be taken on trust, however, he has won off a big lay off in the past.
1pt win – Joe Farrell – 10/1 @Bet365
1pt win – Missed Approach – 13/2 @Bet365
Punchestown
4:25 – BoyleSports Grand National Trial Handicap Chase – 3m 4 ½ f
Nineteen have been declared to run for this year’s renewal. Here’s my short list of contenders:
General Principle, trained by Gordon Elliott, has been in dreadful form since finishing third in this race 12 months ago off 11lb higher. The 2018 Irish Grand National winner, off 8lb higher, has tumbled down the weights after some poor runs but is a very well handicapped horse if reproducing last year’s run. Gets the first-time visor today which may spark the 11-year-old back to form.
Minella Till Down, a stablemate of General Principle, is much better fancied than his stablemate. He was a decisive winner at Cork 36-days ago. The first-time blinkers clearly had the desired effect on the 8-year-old. Steps up markedly in trip here from 2m 4f and is 14lb higher now. The rise in the ratings isn’t as big a concern as stamina for today’s 3m 4 ½ f. If he stays, he will take plenty of beating.
Rocky’s Silver made it 4 wins from 8 runs over fences and 2 wins from 2 runs at Punchestown when winning the Amateur National 28-days ago. Up 7lb for that win but a 5lb claimer has been booked which negates much of that weight rise. The 7-year-old races like today’s step up in trip will suit and he can go close at track that suits. Hopefully the rain will arrive to ease the ground which would enhance his chance.
Cheb De Kerviniou, finished 8 lengths behind Rocky’s Silver in third here last time. He gets a 7lb pull with the winner, not considering that horses jockey’s claim, so shouldn’t be far away here. The 10-year-old has only had two starts for Gordon Elliott since switching from France. Rachel Blackmore has been booked for the ride so a big run can be expected.
Forza Milan, was useful staying handicap hurdler when trained by Jonjo O’Neill. The 8-year-old has run well on both his last two starts in beginners/novice chase company when runner-up to Castlebawn West and latterly to Carefully Selected at Naas 14-days ago. Seems to be well fancied in the betting for his handicap chase debut off what looks a workable mark.
Verdict: If he stays, Minella Till Dawn must be feared. Rocky’s Silver is nicely progressive and should be suited by today’s step up in trip. General Principle hasn’t been in much form since finishing third in this race 12 months ago, but he’s dropped down to a tempting mark.
1pt win – Rocky’s Silver – 7/1 @ Ladbrokes
1pt each way – General Principle – 25/1 @ Bet365 (paying 4 places ¼ odds)
Cheers
John