Calling Thurles can your hear me ….
Seven races for us from the North Tipperary venue of Thurles this afternoon with the action getting under way at 1.05. Not a bad card either with a grade 2 chase at 1.35 and a valuable grade 3 mares race down for decision at 2.05. If you’re not familiar with the course, Thurles is a right handed undulating track, with a stiff incline out the far side before they level out as they meet the back straight at the top of the track and commence a down -hill run into the generous straight. It’s a fair track where front runners can often do well.
Leading jockeys in action this afternoon at the track include Davy Russell (21% strike rate), Ruby Walsh (24% strike rate) and Paul Townend (16% strike rate). Trainers to note are Willie Mullins (23%), Dessie Hughes ( 15%) and Paul Nolan (16%). If you fancy following the newspaper tipsters the most popular selection on the card this afternoon is Beneficent in the opener at 1.05.
What about a couple of track facts for you to ponder? ‘The Shark’ Hanlon has a 67% strike rate in novice hurdles here ,a pointer perhaps to the chances of Star Neuville in the opening winners of two at 1.05. Jockey Robbie McNamara has a staggering 70% strike rate for trainer Dermot Weld, a ‘possy’ you feel to the chances of Merchant Royal in the hunter chase at 4.05. Finally a couple of horses on follow up missions today. Follow The Plan goes for two in a row in the Kinloch Brae’s at 1.35 having won this same race last year and Jimmy Mangan’s Rudi Trucker missed out last year but did win the hunter chase (4.05) in 2010.
Finally after a quick word with my man in Holycross (uses public telephone, scrambled line) I can tell you where the money has been going this morning. For authenticity I relate the story in his own words.” Nothing in the first . Five too big the one in the 1.35 (Follow the Plan), anything bigger than 2-1 Byrne’s mare in the 2.05 (Knockferina) is a bet. Wouldn’t mind laying Bishopfurze at ‘bottle on’ (1-2) in the 2.35 if I could ,while at 5-1 Viking Splash in the last I’m an each way player”.
He’ll be at the track today but you won’t see him until he has a bet . Ghosting out from under the stands he will strike mercilessly at the bookmakers as he moves effortlessly up and down the line. If his horse wins he will be waiting in front of the pitch for payment as they pass the post,if it loses its odds on a case of the wallet having been left in the car and see you next week.
Enjoy your racing today and don’t forget to call us here at Star Spreads for all the latest market information on 1800 624 624, you won’t be disappointed ….
Donal
