Big game hunting at Thurles today

It’s national hunt action all the way at Thurles this afternoon where we have an exciting seven race with the first race due off at 2.25. The latest going information from the track indicates the ground will ride soft to heavy although with a fresh breeze forecast around North Tipp’ the likelihood is conditions may dry out a little as the morning progresses.

Thurles is a right handed circuit approximately ten furlongs in circumference with a sharp turn at the club house bend followed by a steady climb out into the country.The track levels off at the top of the back straight before they sweep downhill into the straight to meet  a steady rise up the three furlong home run. Generally speaking horses ridden with the pace do well around this circuit and if your runner is not ‘ in the van’ so to speak ,as they reach the summit of the hill before the back straight , there’ll  always be other days !

Leading riders at the track with mounts this afternoon include Davy Russell, Ruby Walsh and Paul Townend whilst the trainers to note with runners on the card include Willie Mullins (23%), Dessie Hughes and Jimmy Mangan who’s chasers have performed to a 23% level over the last five years. Watch also for Kanturk handler Michael Winter’s runners ,they have an excellent 21% strike rate from a limited number of runners.

Racing opens with the two and a quarter mile conditions chase at 2.25, a race where the front running Saludos makes a quick reappearance after a respectable third in better company at Naas on Sunday. Interesting also to see how the French import Tango Banbou performs receiving all the allowances. The market may be the best guide to her chances here.

Dare To Doubt looks the one to be with in the mares chase at 2.55. Her hurdle form is far superior to anything else in the race although there is a school of thought that advices against backing mares over fences at odds on. The front running Mayo Mystique looks the obvious forecast alternative while Willie McCreery’s Sure Thyne and Lough Donnell Mist, the mount of Danny Howard, are others to consider in the place markets.

Going on official ratings Big Game Hunter looks the one to side with in the beginner’s chase at 3.25. He holds a 119 mark over fences and with the added bonus of Russell in the saddle is one that should go close. Obvious danger should be the eight horse Pocketfullapennies trained at Doneraile by the wily John Joe Walsh. He ran with distinction at Clonmel on his latest outing and despite holding a lowly 88 mark over hurdles he looks a chaser in the making. Ce Mhead ran in a better race last time out and could be given a chance of reaching the placings also.

The featured Michael Purcell Memorial Novices Hurdle at 3.55 is the undoubted highlight on the card today. Plenty of possibilities although realistically the one they have to beat is the Conor O’Dwyer trained Folsom Blue. Stepping up in trip has been the making of this horse and he still holds one or two Cheltenham festival entries. A strict interpretation of the form book gives Lyreen Legend a big chance also. He ran gallantly in defeat on his latest start at Leopardstown when finishing second to the big Cheltenham fancy Boston Bob.The mare Hats And Heels is another with a small chance ,given she receives all the allowances today.

King Of The Refs drops back in trip to contest the two mile maiden hurdle at 4.25. He has every chance to open the account here but a cautionary note, he is still a maiden after eleven attempts over hurdles. Bold Banks finished just behind subsequent winner Inis Mean here at Thurles on his latest start and is certainly one that might put it up to the favourite. Fourth Class and Maccool are the only others worthy of consideration in this ordinary contest.

The lady riders handicap hurdle at 4.55 looks competitive and bookmakers no doubt will look forward to laying a few in the race. Nina’s mount Oscar Hill won over fences at Musselburgh on his latest start and has an obvious chance here. Beckwith Star is another that should run well. He won very easily over fences at Tramore on his latest start and runs here off a considerably lower mark over hurdles. Others with possibilities include Owennacurra Milan, the mount of Katy Walsh ,while market watch should be observed in relation to the chances of Holy Show, who contests his first handicap today.

Racing concludes with the mares bumper and once again leading lady rider Nina Carberry has an obvious chance with Casablanca Lily. A highly respectable third in a winners bumper on her racecourse debut at Gowran in a race won by the progressive Moscow Mannon,Casablanca looks to have a found a nice opportunity to open her account today. Theboathome can be expected to improve for her debut third at Limerick while Tom Foley’s four horse Dantes Firth, is another to factor in following  a pleasing debut at Gowran just a few weeks back.

Enjoy the racing from Thurles today and do remember to call us here at Star Spreads on 1800 624 624 where our friendly team will be happy to talk you through all the markets available to you. Winning distances,total S.P’s ,match bets and the ever popular 50-25-10 horse indices. Sounds like a lot of fun ! With Cheltenham just around the corner why not open a Star Spreads account ? .You won’t be disappointed !

Donal