Bear Grylls just can't hack it !

The Thursday club convenes again at Thurles this afternoon for another top class day of national hunt action. It’s like any other club except membership requirements are simple. Obligatory wearing of flat cap, ability to grunt and groan and generally speak in monosyllabic tones are a help while smoking of a well-used briar can be a useful aid in fast tracking you to committee level. Senior members do however frown on such modern devices as baseball caps, I-Phones and exchanges. It can also be helpful if you are able to stand in artic conditions in the betting ring for the duration of the afternoon, let that Bear Grylls try it, he wouldn’t hack it!

Bishopsfurze looks to have a nice opportunity to open his account in the beginners chase at 12.35.A more than useful novice hurdler, he might just prefer a little further and if the trip does find him out perhaps Rathlin could step up to the plate. Final mention for Jim Will Fix It, a more than decent bumper performer who, if running to his rating here could cause problems for the principles.

Onto the conditions chase at 3.05 where I am looking forward to seeing how Apt Approach gets on .His jumping has never been brilliant ,but he did finish second in this race last year and the figures suggest he should be good enough today. Clan Tara is another possibility on a good day .Paul Nolan’s entry kept good company last season and is certainly one to consider as a forecast alternative.

The opportunity handicap chase at 1.35 has attracted a decent sized field. Supreme Builder has his chance as does Timmy Doyle’s Jolily who ran a cracker when second here at the last meeting. Watch also for Glenmorgan House, an eight year old running in handicap company for the first
time. Trained locally by Timmy Cleary, he was sent off all of 100-1 on his latest start at Limerick but belied those odds when staying on to finish fourth in a half decent beginners chase.

Chaperoned looks a lay down in the mares maiden hurdle at 2.05.She’s just about the best maiden around at the moment and I imagine the Harrington’s will be choked if she can’t beat this lot with one leg tied up. Is Herself About and Chasing Shadows have pieces of form that suggest they can run into places in what realistically looks like a one horse race.

Exciting times in the two mile six hurdle at 2.40 where we see the seasonal reappearance of the Willie Mullins’ Zaidpour. So impressive in the early part of last season his form tailed off a little in the spring but really it will be a surprise if he can’t put this one to bed with the minimum of fuss. Leave Him Alone could run a race too and it would be no surprise to see him chase home the favourite in what is a ‘must see’ race.

The handicap hurdle at 3.15 is the sixth race on the card. Full each way betting too and plenty of likely contenders with live chances. Diamond Shower ran  a decent second on his latest start at Limerick, Satwa King also comes into the reckoning while Dennis Cullen’s unexposed Where’d Ya Hide It runs in his first handicap today and is one to watch if ‘springing’ in the market.

Racing closes with the maiden hurdle at 3.45 which once again has attracted a big field. Avoca King is respected as is Tom Foley’s Hair Oil  Jimmy ,a decent second at Navan on his latest start .Final mention for Better Times Ahead who had some useful form in better company last season and comes from a very much in form Dennis Cullen barn.

Enjoy your racing this afternoon and if you are in the mood for a spread bet why not call us here at Star Spreads on 1800 624 624 for all the latest spread options available today. You won’t be disappointed!

Donal