AFTER TWO INCREDIBLE days of racing, the fact remains we’re only halfway there. Today’s line-up is as star-heavy as the remainder of the week, and every opportunity is a money-making opportunity – for punters of course.
After a couple of Lucky-15s, we’ve reverted to a four-fold today because, for all the furore about the Tuesday being the punter’s pal, Thursday appears to be the most solid day for favourites in our book.
1.30pm – JLT Novices Chase
Listen, the racing world has been fairly much let down by Finian’s Oscar, who promised so much. Colin Tizzard still treasures him, although not getting the head in front of Benatar at Ascot issues all sorts of red flags. He was last seen pulled-up in the Cleeve Hurdle, and with a quick reversion to novice chases, it’s impossible to be confident.
Terrefort was pitched into handicap company to start with, but that win in the Scilly Isles will enhance his reputation, even if it’s a weak renewal of the race that can boast Top Notch and Bristol De Mai as two of its last three winners. The fact that this son of Martaline is second-favourite for the JLT is a reflection on how poor it is this year.
With Modus coming into this off the back of some low-level chase form, attention should turn to Invitation Only who’s second place to Monalee is the best form on offer here by some distance.
Selection: INVITATION ONLY (3/1)
2.50 – Ryanair Chase
Ironically, you’d want a good pilot in this. The stigma associated with this race has often been misplaced in the past – frequently cited as a ‘tweener’s’ race in that they’re not quick enough for the Champion Chase, nor resolute enough for the Gold Cup.
However, in this case – it looks a closed book already. Quite simply, there’s nothing that can put it up to the might of Un De Sceaux. Last year’s winner has had ideal preparation and the lack of serious entries to take him on is quite telling. Presumably Willie Mullins was joking when he said he seriously considered sending Douvan here. Either that, or he’s a sadist.
There would be a lot of happy punters should Cue Card land in a blow in this but going off at 9/1 in the Betfair Chase at Ascot is damning. With two falls and three seconds in his last five races, it’s very likely we’re seeing a career wind down.
This brings us onto Balko Des Flos, whose form is rock solid – just not quite to the same level as the favourite. A one-length loss to Road to Respect who is criminally underappreciated in the Gold Cup circles is fine form indeed, but he’ll have to take on the front-runner in this and won’t travel as smoothly.
Selection: UN DE SCEAUX (evens)
3.30pm – Stayers’ Hurdle
All the credit in the world must go to last year’s Albert Bartlett winner Penhill, but he’s up against it here and is a shorter price than expected. He’s not been seen since the Punchestown Festival last April and with very little known about his work at home, he’s given a pass.
So the attention turns to the top three in the market, who, at time of writing have only a point between them in the betting. Supasundae will come in for plenty of plaudits for getting in front of Faugheen but given that something was clearly wrong with Ireland’s favourite son on that occasion, it can’t be considered a solid benchmark for anything. There’s a lot being made of the staying power he possesses, but a length behind both Apple’s Jade and Yanworth over three miles looks decent to me.
Owner JP McManus was bullish about the chances of Yanworth at his local preview night and he could have every right to be. Only dropping the Neptune to Yorkhill because of poor placement, the famous colours of the Limerick-based owner could well be in contention for this one in the final furlong. The experiment with chases didn’t go appallingly, so the decision to run in this race is a big endorsement from Alan King. He already has Supasundae’s measure on that form.
But the vote goes to Sam Spinner. One of the most likeable horses in training, the progressive nature of his season should not go unnoticed as his staying ability can’t be questioned and this tough nut could provide Jedd O’Keefe with a magic moment at Prestbury Park. The Long Walk form is very hard to argue with, and all being well, he’s a worthy favourite.
Selection: SAM SPINNER (7/2)
4.50pm Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
First and foremost, this was a brilliant addition to the festival and it was long overdue. What seems like a clear-cut victory for a Mullins shorty is probably a fair reflection of the opposition she faces.
The credentials of Laurina are there for all to see – her two runs have resulted in a combined victory margin of 26 lengths and she was good for them, too. Considered a lot of people’s banker for the week, this appears to be the biggest certainty of the festival, and there’s really no point opposing her.
Stormy Ireland looked a good purchase for Willie Mullins after she destroyed a weak field at Fairyhouse in December, but she now goes to the Triumph Hurdle – leaving the Mullins hotpot looking like she’ll win by half the track.
Maria’s Benefit is a good horse in her own right, but it’s unlikely she’ll hold a candle to the favourite.
Selection: LAURINA (8/13)
Day Three Fourfold:
1:30pm – Invitation Only (3/1)
2:50pm – Un De Sceaux (evens)
3:30pm – Sam Spinner (7/2)
4:50pm – Laurina (8/13)
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All odds correct at time of writing.
