LAST UPDATE | 14 Mar 2018
Three big talking points…
1. THREE IS THE magic number: On their peak form, there’s little to separate Altior (evens), Douvan (7/2) and Min (4/1) but all three come into this race with question marks.
For the favourite, it’s the fact he reported lame on Monday only to be cleared Tuesday morning. For Douvan, it’s that he’s running for the first time since a poor outing here last year and for Min, well, even at his best Willie Mullins’ second-string had something to find on the top two in the market.
For many, it’s difficult to see the winner of the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Wednesday, 3.30pm) coming from outside those three, even if last year’s winner Special Tiara (33/1) will tempt each-way backers.
2. Son of Samcro: For many, Samcro (4/6) is the horse they’ve come to see this week and if you head to YouTube to watch any of his previous wins, it’s very easy to see why he’s the favourite for the Ballymore Novices Hurdle (or the Neptune in old money) at 1.30pm on Wednesday.
After victory in quality company last time out in Naas, Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins have every reason to believe Next Destination (4/1) can give them their third Grade One of the week while Vision Des Flos (16/1) appears a better prospect with a tongue tie.
3. Who’ll need roadside assistance in the RSA Chase? Just ten horses go to post for this year’s renewal of the RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase (Wednesday, 2.10pm) with Presenting Percy the 5/2 favourite.
Last year’s Albert Bartlett runner-up, Monalee (3/1) is likely to be the main opposition but Al Boum Photo (13/2) and Ballyoptic (16/1) are going to have plenty of interest too.
NAP of the day…
We made a bit of a mess of this yesterday as Apple’s Jade let us down badly but Acey Milan (13/2) can get us back on track in the Champion Bumper (Wednesday, 5.30pm) having already shown the ability to win on trying ground.
An each-way fancy…
Tuesday’s selection was second by the shortest of necks so here’s hoping Cantlow (25/1) goes one better in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (Wednesday, 4.10pm). Placed third here last year he found only Bless The Wings (9/1) better over this course and distance in December.
Accumulator…
Four was probably a little greedy Tuesday but it’s not like we were a million miles away either so we’re going for something similar on day two.
With that in mind, the quartet of Samcro (4/6), Al Boum Photo (13/2), Altior (evens) and Acey Milan (13/2) will pay €187.50 for every €1 staked.
