Very important we keep our eyes on the Irish racing at this time of year. All roads lead to Cheltenham and there are always some excellent betting opportunities with horses that are having plans set for the important dates in March. Today is no exception and both Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins have some good horses out today.
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All todays Races come from Navan…
12:40 “Monksfield” Novice Hurdle (Grade 3) 2m4f
It’s been a quieter start than normal for Willie Mullins but today sees the season really kick off in their eyes. A lot is expected of Livelovelaugh after a demolition job at Ballinrobe and a very high figure returned. Monbeg Notorious also recorded a big figure when winning at Down Royal and his 3 wins from 5 runs is impressive. From the same stable Death Duty also looks a likely type and goes well on very soft and heavy ground. Noel Meade’s Stretchingtruth has a bit to find but is unbeaten and ignored at your peril. Lots of winners will come out of this race so set the recorder. Willie Mulllins has done us proud so let’s stick with him in what will be an informative race.
2 units win Livelovelaugh
2:20 Ladbrokes Troytown Handicap Chase (Grade B) 3m
We will start in this fiendishly difficult race with Mountain King for Gordon Elliot whose win at Perth was impressive and suggested he might have a few pounds in hand. His conqueror at Stratford won a big race at Newbury subsequently so that form looks solid. Willie sends out Sambremont and after a steady introduction to this season will be spot on for today. Cause of Causes carries a lot of weight but his glories at Cheltenham show he needs respect. Hash Brown seems to have snuck in under the handicap radar and looks an improver. Davy Russell gets the leg up on Noble Endeavour and you get the feeling that Gordon Elliott had this one in mind for some time. One of his other runners, Empire of Dirt, whilst again carrying a lot of weight and without the benefit of a run, was a big improver last season. It’s always a tricky one but for us our two against the field should give us a good run for our money in a race with so many entries, where luck in running is also important
1 unit e/w Sambremont
1 unit e/w Hash Brown
2:50 Proudstown Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) 2m6f140y
A lot of money on offer for this Grade B Handicap and Mouse Morris can ready one first time up but it’s been a long time since Milsean ran, nearly two years. If he is ok and fit he is a talented horse. The lack of a run and top weight makes it tough. Jett’s form looks better than the bare bones and his trainer expects more of him this year, he could figure. Ah Littleluck trounced the opposition last time out at Listowel to bring up a hat trick but they were all on good ground and he has had a break since June. Obviously talented though. Misty Lady has run some good races without being a star and looked to be going the right way last time out of which the same can be said for Mr Boss Man whose second here last time was his best run to date and we think there is more in the locker for this one.
1 unit e/w Mr Boss Man
1 unit e/w Milsean
3:20 Coolmore N.H. Sires European Breeders Fund Mares Flat Race (Listed Race) 2m
Again, set the recorder, there are some likely types here that will definitely win later this year if not today. Goodness, Gordon Elliott has some ammunition to go to war with and the once raced Baby Twig hacked up at Punchestown to record a debut victory and really he has to be thinking Cheltenham already for this mare. She will be tested but looks the real deal and the fact that she went off so short last time shows she is well thought of. Of course, to make life difficult he sends out the unbeaten Three Swallowsnick for Gigginstown and she was also a good winner at Wexford. Willie sends out Glens Harmony and if she achieves half as much as her full sister, Glens Melody, she will be a good-un. Got to stick with what we saw and what we saw was immense potential at Punchestown.
3 units win Baby Twig.
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