Sunday racing in Ireland is a must see for all those who have big betting ambitions for Cheltenham. You just know there are horses running who will feature in March and with Gordon Elliott now having the Gigginstown ammunition the Willie Mullins grip on Irish racing has weakened but the competition intensified. We see that again today with some quality horses out from both stables.
Navan
12:45
Navan Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) (4yo+) 2m4f
This race makes for some tough choices as we tipped up Labaik in a better race than this last time out and he refused to race. We would like to tip him again but not knowing if he will start makes life very difficult. The safe bet of course is Death Duty who was an easy winner here in November but on the back of that run his odds will be very short.
Baltazar D’Allier and Invitation Only were both promising maiden winners but they have quite a bit to find with Death Duty. We need a sensible betting approach to this race and we will back Death Duty to win and have a small saver bet on Labaik because if he starts on terms he might be the only one who can beat the favourite and his 14/1 will look very big if he starts.
3 units win Death Duty
1 unit e/w Labaik
1:20 Tara Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) (4yo+) 2m4f
Gordon Elliot’s Automated ran a fair race at Fairyhouse behind Waxies Dangle, beaten just 7 lengths and he wouldn’t be a shock winner. Scoir Mear has been ultra consistent for Thomas Mullins but there is a suspicion that the handicapper may have his measure now. Gurteen, trained by Robert Tyner is all the rage with Phillip Enright on board and it’s easy to see why after his recent efforts over the larger obstacles. He might be a well handicapped, unexposed horse in the context of this race. The horse we have a liking for at a decent price, is Kings Bandit, again for Gordon Elliott but previously with Oliver Sherwood. His last run reads as a 5th but he was only beaten 2.5 lengths in a strong race that wasn’t run to suit. He has more to offer and is the selection
1 unit e/w Kings Bandit
3:25 “Future Champions” INH Flat Race (Listed Race) (4-7yo) 2m
It’s strange not to see a host of Willie Mullins horses in a race like this but the one he does bring to the course, Good Thyne Tara was a 7 length winner at Cork back in early November and whilst that wasn’t much of a race you couldn’t help but be impressed with the manner of her victory. In theory she only has one to beat and that is Samcro who won his maiden point and then was eased down to win by 9 lengths in a similar bumper at Punchestown to the one that his main market rival won. The suspicion is that there is more to come from Samcro.
2 units win Samcro
Thurles
1:35 Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase (4yo+) 2m4f183y
No Sunday in Irish racing would be complete without an ultra competitive Handicap and this Chase certainly qualifies. There will be hopes of a lot more to come from Getwhatyoucan but he was well beaten first time out and chasing didn’t look the easiest for him. Presenting Mahler was better last time at Fairyhouse and has places chances. The horse we like a lot in this race is Winter Magic. His Tipperary win back in May showed he is up to winning a race of this type and this might be the Christmas money after all.
2 units e/w Winter Magic
2:10 Horse & Jockey Hotel European Breeders Fund Boreen Belle Mares Novice Hurdle (Listed Race) (4yo+) 2m
Just the five runners and the Willie Mullins runner Asthuria is a very short price. She was thought good enough to run as a maiden in a Grade 1 back in March where she finished third and then came out this season and hacked up by 6 lengths when winning her maiden. In truth she only has Shattered Love to beat and her form, whilst solid, isn’t good enough to trouble the favourite if she jumps well.
5 units win Asthuria
3:10 Christmas Greetings Rated Novice Hurdle (4yo+) 2m7f36y
This Novice hurdle might only have the five runners but both Teachers Pet and Dounikos are of interest with future races in mind. As is often the case it’s Gigginstown versus JP McManus and these two representatives from those owners look above average. Dounikos was expected to win last time out but just go out battled and it’s for that reason we are going to side with Teachers Pet, who looked every bit as though the extra distance today would really help. She looks tough and capable at this trip.
2 units win Teachers Pet
