MI North for Champions Chase
Star Spreads intrepid blogger takes the MI north for Champions Chase day
It’s champion’s day at Down Royal on Saturday when all roads lead north to the pleasant northern venue formerly known as The Maze. One piece of advice if you’re driving north on the MI please don’t miss that Moira turn off, it’s just not a good idea.
Racing starts at 12.45 with a two mile maiden hurdle, a disappointing race really given the overall standard of the card. Fahamore must have a chance after an encouraging Sligo debut where he was putting his best work in at the finish behind Shady Pines .Clarinbridge trainer John Neilan might have an each way shout with Noble Pageant while the filly Benny’s Fagartha ,could also be a place contender receiving the gender allowance.
The two mile six handicap hurdle at 1.20 is next up and with twenty runners to consider this is very definitely a race for each way players. Arthur Moore has a good record here at Down Royal and his Back On The Road appeals on the basis of a decent run at Cork on his latest start. The stable also run the thoroughly unexposed Drumlister with Dave Casey aboard. Final mention here for Whiskey Hall who makes the long journey from Rathkeale and is certainly worthy of place consideration in this contest.
The two mile handicap at 1.50 is a pretty decent contest. But just whats going on with that Hebridean?. He won the Gallinule’s at The Curragh a few years back when with Aiden.Paul Nicholls had him for a while and now Jessie takes over and he’s dropped 11 pound since his last hurdling exploit. Don’t rule him out here despite top weight. Winner and runner up from this race in 2010 take each other on again,Montan and Kilbrannish Hill with preference for the former who finished second on the flat at Galway just a few weeks back.
Onto the featured Champion Chase at 2.20 where the Sun Alliance winner,the Arkle winner and the Punchestown Champion novice all take each other on. Our champion chaser Sizing Europe never quite gets the credit he deserves and after finishing second in this race last season he is entitled to go one better this time around. Boston’s Angel and Quito De La Roque will both be better for this experience while Midnight Chase would be a big fancy were the race to be run at CheltThe two mile four conditions chase at 2.50 sees the smart Kauto Stone (half bro’ to Kauto Star) make his eagerly awaited debut for Paul Nicholls.All the evidence suggests he will attempt to make the running under jockey Noel Fehily.Saludos is another pacey sort and given the way the race may be run it could fall into place nicely for Blazing Tempo,this year’s Plate winner at Galway. A high class renewal indeed and a race you simply cannot miss.
The two mile four conditions chase at 2.50 sees the smart Kauto Stone (half bro’ to Kauto Star) make his eagerly awaited debut for Paul Nicholls.All the evidence suggests he will attempt to make the running under jockey Noel Fehily.Saludos is another pacey sort and given the way the race may be run it could fall into place nicely for Blazing Tempo,this year’s Plate winner at Galway.
An open looking handicap chase at 3.25 where chances can be given to Linnel, from a stable seeking their third win in this race in the last five years.I also think Condon’s mount Inverglen might have a squeak off a low weight while Iggy Madden’s Dark Vagabond showed much improved form when a 33-1 second at Punchestown a few weeks back.
Racing closes with the bumper , a race Noel Meade has won twice in the last four years.Meade runs Monksland today and any market encouragement should be duly noted.Watch also for Play The Market ,a decent sixth at Punchestwon last May while Paul Nolan’s Big Generator is another likely recruit from the point to point fields who should give a good account of himself today.
Donal
Our man looks to ‘half inch’ a few quid at Dundalk tonight
Seven races from Dundalk tonight with a nice pot for the fillies at 8.20 ,a race that has quite rightly attracted four UK trained horses. More on that race later but let’s start with the opening two year old maiden at 6.20. Ballydoyle introduce Reaching in the race and remember the stable have a 25% strike rate with their juveniles here at the track. John Oxx starts off Wasabi’s House in this race also while I am interested in the chances of Nero Emperor who has been absent without leave since a run at Tipperary at April .The market as usual with these events will be the best guide.
Earmarked has a chance in the six furlong handicap at 6.50.The stable are flying it at the moment and with Pat Smullen desperately looking for winners (two behind JPM) he might be good enough to defy a five pound penalty for a recent Cork success.Tamujin and Style Majic have chances and don’t rule out the veteran Richelieu who is dangerously well handicapped on his best form of a few years back.
Eye’s down for the claimer at 7.20 to be run over seven furlongs. Not the greatest of contests really where you imagine Mr Red Clubs can go close.He looked well unlucky at Leopardstown last weekend and is significantly partnered tonight by Johnny Murtagh. Class Monitor won on her debut at Beverley ,showed a nice level of consistency when runner up at Nottingham on her latest outing has Pat Smullen aboard and sports first time blinkers tonight. Plenty of reasons to consider her chances in this event really.
Alkazim holds all the aces in the one mile maiden at 7.50 having showed up well in two valuable sales races in the UK. Plenty of silver medals on the mantelpiece might just persuade some of the Dundalk layers to go after this jolly or do they all go by the machine these days?An Cat Dubh has a chance for Willie McCreery while if Hassaya can win she will be giving her trainer Mick Halford his first juvenile winner of the season from 46 runners.
Feature event of the evening is the one mile fillies race at 8.20.Plenty of UK challengers coming across quite rightly for this prize .Pick of the bunch might be The Baronet’s (formerly Sir Mark) improving grey, Clinical ,who has recorded wins at Cologne and Lingfield on her latest two outings. Kevin Ryan’s has a 33% strike rate here at Dundalk and his grey Blue Moon can also be considered despite getting the dreaded Carlingford Lough draw (high).
The Pat Tallis trained grey Acushladear is a real improver and she seeks her third course and distance and win tonight in the 8.45. Weight stops trains but when a mare starts to win at this time of the season who knows what will happen. Flavia Tatiana struck here at Dundalk on her latest start and remains competitive while Andy Oliver’s lightly raced Moveable Asset is another to consider in a tricky heat.
The lucky last runs at 9.15 and whether by accident or design it is a race where punters who stick around will fancy thier chances. Ariyfa looks way too short at evens for Halford and Murtagh on what she has achieved to date. Let her win I say at that price. Regal Tramp has yet to win after 12 starts on the flat leaving us with Seamus Weld’s ( ref Vital Plot) grey filly Gris Ladera who finished a nice 3rd of 19 at The Curragh on her latest outing. Justification is of interest also although the market vibes will need to be positive on his first run since April.
Winning distances,S.P’s ,match betting all available from our Star Spreads team on our Irish Freephone 1800-624-624 .Call now and take the leap of faith across to spreads ,you may never look back……
Donal
Donal McCarthy looks forward to an Irish bank holiday card at Wexford.
Seven races from Wexford this afternoon on day two of their two day October fixture. Racing opens with a four year old hurdle (1.10) where the expensively bought Buy Back Bob will be fancied to give Kerry owner Patsy Byrne a quick return on his investment. Cash And Go is an interesting contender having his first run over hurdles while Walter De La Mere, who finished a perfectly respectable second to Flycorn at Tipperary, can be expected to go close here also.
The maiden hurdle at 1.40 is a race where you imagine that the market will be quite revealing. Avoca King returns from an absence and although the form book offers scant encouragement ,he is trained by the guvnor Willie Mullins who has a robust 25% strike rate in hurdles here at Wexford. King Malik is another to consider particularly in light of his recent Fairyhouse bumper win where he saw off the well fancied Mickleson.Note too the booking of Davy Russell for the Liam Burke trained My Murphy, an impressive Ballynoe winner on his latest start.
The handicap hurdle at 2.10 has attracted a maximum field of 16 runners to post. Top weight Binocular is not out of the equation, he’s consistent under both codes and a recent run at Cork suggested his winning run has not finished just yet. Rawnaq could be anything and running in his first handicap today,Robbie Hennessy’s four year old could be worth a cursory check in the market. Finally Blaze Of Fire wasn’t beaten too far when 8th of 22 at Fairyhouse on his latest start and is another to consider in an open event.
The winners of one novices hurdle at 2.45 is a race where the recent Galway winner Best Served Cold will be on many people’s short lists.Pickapocketortwo is another to consider coming here as he does on the back of a decent Fairyhouse run behind Sizing Symphony.
The handicap chase at 3.15 gives an opportunity for Groody Hill to follow on a recent Punchestown win. Heavily backed that day the handicapper has reacted by hitting him with a 12 pound rise, however he runs here under a mandatory 6 pound penalty leaving him effectively 6 pound to the good today. Got all that ? good let’s continue. Ardglen was a major success story this summer winning three handicap chases for the Shark Hanlon and despite failing to peg back City Of Doral at Sligo he could still be a reasonable each way play in the race.
The beginners chase at 3.50 could go to the locally trained Tico who was absolutely cantering when falling two out at Tramore on his latest start. Another local horse Bold Present could be involved too and remember he won two handicap hurdles at Navan and Limerick last March.
Final race on the card is a competitive looking bumper where Stevie Ryder’s Blue Bicycle under Robbie McNamara could be the solution.His debut run when 4th of 22 in Punchestown bumper is probably the best piece of form on offer here. Follow The Script is another to consider particularly if Oliver McKiernan’s hope can reproduce a decent fourth placing in a Naas bumper at the start of the year.
Enjoy Wexford today and if you fancy a spread bet why not call us now on our Irish Freephone 1800 624 624 or for further information on all the latest market positions or contact Donal @ 087 9370412
A seven race card at Naas this afternoon starts with a fascinating looking four year old hurdle. Market interest this morning centered around the chances of Jessica’s French import Mystic Desir who has been running over larger obstacles around the Parisian circuit and has some useful placed efforts on his CV. Miradane is another with a chance after a pleasing effort at Tipperary on his latest start which saw him finish a close 4th to Flycorn. Akatara is the final player here, an experienced handicapper I see no cogent reason why she can’t reach the placings this afternoon.
It’s never a great idea to bet the odds on in a three runner race but that is a dilemma facing backers in the Poplar Chase at 2.20. Noble Prince, the Jewson winner, is miles ahead of his opponents on official figures and ought to win hard held on route to his early season target, the Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham. Take your pick for the forecast ,Osirixamix should be the one, if he gets around.
The conditions hurdle at 2.50 looks tricky with trainer Dessie Hughes appearing to hold a strong hand with Canaly and the unexposed Launchpad. Our Girl Salley made a real name for herself last season and while she is entitled to need this run it would be no surprise if this game mare came there with every chance at the last.
A beginner’s chase at 3.25 affords a nice opportunity for Far Away So Close to open his account over fences. A bitter disappointment at Limerick on his latest start when chinned at odds on, this Aintree winner should be good enough to collect here. Respect also for Barry Connell’s Marlay Park who gave the impression that he would come on a ton for his latest outing at Thurles. Final mention for Baily Green who has bits of form that suggest that a placing in this contest is definitely achievable.
The featured Brown Lad handicap hurdle at 4.00 looks a cracking betting event where Some Present, a useful novice a couple of years back, is entitled to go well under Davy Russell. Others to factor in might be Tillahow at a big price and the lightly weighted Vital Plot. Most definitely a race for each way players.
The two mile handicap hurdle at 4.30 has attracted a big field full of each way possibilities. Top weight Slew Charm ran a sledger at Gowran on his latest start when sent off at 50-1. Gentle Alice won a couple of decent chases last season for Danny Murphy and is quite well treated over hurdles a remark that can also be applied to the Noel Meade trained Loup Du Saubouas, a horse that runs off a mark over hurdles some 26 pounds lower than his chase rating.
Racing closes with the two mile bumper where the market will probably prove the best guide. Money already this morning for the Elliot trained Don Cossack whose debut run at Punchestown last season suggested he would be plenty good enough to win a race of this nature. Jerry Cosgrave’s northern raider Mount Colah also enters equations after a highly satisfactory run at Punchestown on his latest start. Final mention for Michael Cullen’s mare Carrig Millie ,who could be a danger to all receiving the gender allowance.
Donal
Wednesday’s Racing Action
Plenty to look forward to this afternoon with flat racing action from Musselburgh and Nottingham,a national hunt card from Haydock and Punchestown with all weather fans are well catered for at Kempton where they host a competitive looking eight race evening fixture.
Seven races north of the border from Musselburgh where George Foster’s Sandwith (2.40) seeks a fifth course and distance success.
Golden Halo trained by David Marnane is an interesting contestant in the 3.15 while trends followers take note, Gordonsville in the 3.50 won this same race two years ago. Final mention here for Mighty Whitey trained in County Londonderry by Noel Kelly, a man no stranger to turning out winners in the UK.
Eight races from Nottingham today where Cape Royal (1.30) looks to follow up a victory he recorded in this same event in 2008. Buzzy money too for Lord Of The Reins in the same race, the mount of leading apprentice Kieran O’Neill.
Respect for Shuhra in the one mile maiden at 4.15, the only mount on the card for jockey Richard Hills while Hurricane Thomas looks to follow up last year’s success in the lady riders race at 4.45.
National hunt action from Haydock Park where jockey Richard Johnson teams up with the in form trainer Charlie Longsdon with Brother Bob in the handicap chase at 2.00. Watch also for John Wade’s Deuteronomy in this race, he won this same contest last year.
Perpetually, a recent Huntingdon winner has attracted money in the novice hurdle at 3.25 while striking while the iron is hot appears to be Dave Pipe’s policy with My Brother Sylvest in the 5.05,he’s looking for his third win inside a week!
All the big name jockeys take part at Kempton this evening and Dettori’s mount Circus Mondao (7.05) has already been the subject of significant market support this morning. Eddie Ahern travels for one mount only on the card. Love Nest in the 8.05 while Catchanova seeks his fourth course and distance success in the concluding handicap at 9.05.
Remember Punchestown also stages a high class national hunt card in Ireland where Stonemaster (2.45) and the Gigginstown owned Make A Track (3.55) will both be leading fancies while the Listowel winner Missunited will have her supporters in the concluding mares bumper.
Donal McCarthy looking ahead to Punchestown
Good news is that Punchestown have survived an early morning inspection and racing goes ahead this afternoon. The seven race card opens with the first of two beginners chases at 2.15 where the booking of Ruby Walsh for the Tony Martin trained Nearest The Pin has to be significant.Small ground concerns here although his trainer stated this morning he was not that worried about the anticipated heavy ground. Days Hotel is also worthy of consideration from a yard that has a respectable 15% strike rate in chases at this venue. Stonemaster looks gilted in the 2.45, the second of our beginners chases today, although stats men may want to note the trainers record in chases here over the last five years reads 4 wins from 90 runners.Cross Appeal was a decent juvenile hurdler two years ago and although he has yet to recapture that form he certainly looks good enough for a place in this contest. Watch also for champion point to point mare Carigeen Lechuga,she gets all the allowances here!
The two and a half mile handicap is next up at 3.20 and here in an open event the useful hunter chaser Close Review should go well while Oliver Brady may well have the house rocking if Duroob can get his head in front today. Mighty Bob landed a nice touch for his North Dublin owners last year at Naas and is a possible today,particularly if the market offers any encouragement.
The first of the maiden hurdles at 3.55 should be a keen betting contest and the early vibes are suggesting the Gigginstown owned Make A Track could be the one to side with. He looked useful when landing contests at Towcester and Sandown and his price tag of 85 grand suggests a lot is expected. Reizovic was a useful bumper performer and a recent third to Dylan Ross at Fairyhouse suggests John Kiely’s gelding may give Make A Track most to do.
Cairdin holds strong claims in the two mile six maiden at 4.30 . A Galway bumper success was followed by a useful second to the subsequent winner Viaduct Joey at Listowel,form that reads well in the overall contest of this race. Beef To The Heels (like a Mullingar heifer) is one to monitor in the market while John Nallen’s Minella For Value looks a useful place option.
The two mile four handicap hurdle has attracted a biggish field and offers numerous each way options.Irish Soul was impressive at Fairyhouse on his latest outing and could conceivably defy a nine pound stopper here.Others to consider might be St Killians Run, off an attractive hurdle mark, and Strange Encounter,an early faller on Sunday, but hailing from the in form Fenton barn.
Little doubt that the concluding race, the mares bumper is the punting highlight of the day. Burn And Turn was an impressive course and distance winner last May,Michael Winters Missunited sluiced up at Listowel on her latest outing and remember her trainer won this race with For Bill a few years back.Final mention for Timmy Doyle’s Aves the only four year old in the line up ,who, in receipt of all the allowances could make her presence felt at a decent price too.
Call Star Spreads now for all the latest horse racing positions from Punchestown,Musselburgh,Nottingham,Haydock and Kempton Park. Irish clients may contact Donal McCarthy @ 087 9370412 for further information.
Punchestown stage their second October meeting with a lively looking card this Wednesday.Two beginner’s chases form the centrepiece of the action and we await with great interest to see which race Luska Lad turns up for.The Wilderness Chase is the featured event at Clonmel on Thursday ,a race where On The Way Out may give in form Dungarven trainer John Kiely yet another winner.Others to watch out for here include Westmeath and the Charles Byrne’s trained Knockfierna.A little earlier on the card the Cashel Maiden hurdle has the makings of a decent midweek race where Make A Track and Mississippi River are interesting entries.
Dundalk holds the fort on Friday evening where a competitive all weather card features the €20,000 six furlong handicap.It’s onto Naas the following day where the popular Kildare venue stages another of it’s popular Saturday afternoon national hunt fixtures.The Grade Three Poplar’s chase and the prestigious Brown Lad handicap hurdle are the two key races to watch for here at Naas known affectionately as the punters graveyard.
A double up on Sunday with Wexford due to stage a seven race national hunt card while at Leopardstown the Group Three Killavulin’s for two year olds and the listed Trigo stakes form the foundation stones of an attractive all flat card.Do remember the clocks go back next weekend and we start early at both Leopardstown and Wexford on Sunday.
Call Star Sports or Star Spreads for all the latest racing information ,Irish clients may ring our man on the ground,Donal McCarthy @ 087 9370412 ……..
Donal McCarthy takes a look at Sunday’s card at Ballybrit.
Day two of the Galway first October meeting this afternoon with a thrilling looking eight race card on offer at the western venue .Leave Him Alone is a fascinating contender in the opening race,the two mile maiden at 2.40. Kevin O’Sullivan’s lightly raced son of Oscar ran away with a Cork bumper when last seen in April and could be a bit better than these. Silent Picture has a chance on his latest outing which saw him finish respectable 6th in a half decent Punchestown bumper in the spring. Lastly consider the chances of Mick Flannery’s Tynaghs Trooper, who ran a useful second to Streets Of New York in a Ballinrobe bumper two runs back.
The mares maiden at 3.15 has attracted a sizeable field with the Elliot trained Wee Doll ,partnered by PC,looking to hold strong claims after an effortless win at Taylorstown on her latest start. Nora’s Fancy trained by Jimmy Mangan is of interest also after a useful fourth at Listowel on her latest start while local trainer Hannah Lee might just have a useful sort on her hands in the shape of surprise Wexford winner Social Benefit.
The first of the handicaps at 3.45 sees twenty runners face the starter and on this testing ground it might be prudent to concentrate on the lower weights in the race.Strange Encounter under Shane Hassett could have a chance at biggish odds having run a decent 6th at Limerick when last seen.Abarta ,locally trained by Val O’Brien is another to respect having shown a decent turn of foot when winning at Ballinrobe on his latest start.Final mention for the Cork trained Viaduct Joey ,a Listowel winner who appears to be holding his form well.
The handicap chase at 4.15 will undoubtedly be a slog in this ground but a sporting chance is given to Jimmy Mangan’s Forjoetheplumber who can build on a recent runner up slot at Tipperary in novice company.Watch also for Sir Frederick, a horse who attempts to recapture the glory days of 2007 when he captured the Galway Plate at this track.
The beginners chase at 4.50 is a race full of exciting prospects none more so than the Fenton trained Last Instalment an impressive winner of the champion point bumper at Fairyhouse in 2010. Glam Gerry is another with prospects while Alpha Ridge trained in Wexford by Paul Nolan can go close if reproducing the form that saw him finish a close fourth in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran last January.
Onto the 5.20 a one mile six flat race which has attracted a mixed bunch of hurdlers and chasers pick of them probably being Paddy Willmot’s Mubrook who caught the eye at Tipperary over hurdles on his latest start. Whodoyouthink ran a sledger at Punchestown behind Lucky William a few weeks back and should give a good account also in this event.
Racing closes with the winners bumper, where the highly rated Sands Cove will be the name on everyone’s short list. Bridget’s Pet did it well at Downpatrick on his latest start and can provide a viable forecast alternative while Valleymount takes a drop in class here and should prove the pick of the mares in the race.
Call Star Sports and Star Spreads now for all the latest betting information available from Galway today,Irish clients looking to open accounts may ring Donal McCarthy @ 087 9370412 for further information ……
Thurles 20 October
Donal McCarthy looks forward to happenings in North Tipperary today
The Thurles winter season kick’s off this afternoon with a typically tricky looking seven race card from the North Tipperary venue.Race one at 2.15 is a mares chase where some useful hurdlers tackle the larger obstacles for the first time.Russell teams up with Shop DJ ,a mare that won a grade three hurdle at Punchestown earlier in the year.Paul Nolan’s Golden Sunbird is another potential useful recruit to the chasing game while the Dessy Hughes trained Quiet Thought may be good enough to run into a place in what looks like a competitive event to start with.
The two mile six beginners chase at 2.45 affords a nice opportunity for Rivage D’or to regain the winning thread after a slightly disappointing start to his chasing career at Tipperary.Barry Connell’s Marlay Park ,a Fairyhouse winner in April,is another to consider while the old firm of Mullins and Ruby team up with Rattan.
The three mile chase at 3.20 is a wide open looking affair with plenty of possible permutations.Marathon Leader showed positive signs at Tramore on his latest,Some Dude comes here on the back of a recent point win at Tinahely while a close market watch is recommended when assessing the chances of Adrianeo coming as he does from the Tony Martin stable.
The juvenile maiden at 3.50 looks a fascinating affair where punters will rightly fancy their chances.Solara’s Exhibition is an obvious candidate following his latest effort at Clonmel while Jessica Harrington’s Why But Why has had a couple of useful runs and should be good enough for at least a placing today.
The conditions hurdle at 4.25 is a race to look forward too.Rigour Back Bob is a smart staying hurdler and do remember he finished a close fifth in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham earlier in the year.Also in the line up is the former Cheltenham festival winner Bertie’s Dream now with Henry De Bromhead while the consistent Powerstation rarely runs a bad race at this venue.
Onto the maiden hurdle at 4.55 a race that can probably be narrowed down to a couple despite the big field size.Sea Of Thunder gambled on when third at Tipperary a few weeks back must have a chance while Spot Fine who was a springer in the market when runner up on his latest outing looks scopey and will surely go close today.
Racing concludes with a two mile six handicap hurdle at 5.25 ,not a race to try get out on,but none the less a race that affords plenty of each way possibilities.D’s Trix can be considered on the strength of his recent outing at Tramore.Pat Neville’s Toomdeely is another with a chance under Tom Doyle, while final word of warning watch for reserve participation. Jewel In The Sun and Would You Do That could be serious players if getting a run….Call Star Sports or Star Spreads our sister company, for all the latest positions and betting information from Thurles today.
Irish clients may call Donal McCarthy @ 087 9370412 for further information.
Today’s stats ..
Davy Russell and Dessie Hughes 43% strike rate at Thurles
Roger Loughran in the fridge 141 losers, rides The Real Target 4.55
Noel Meade win win 7 wins from last 18 runners
Germany calling..Come And Fight (3.50) from Chris Von Der Recke now with Mervyn Torrens.
Powerstation again….2nd in 2007,winner 2008 runs again today (4.25)