FLAT OUT AT FAIRYHOUSE: The only flat action of the day comes from Fairyhouse where the ground is soft and heavy in places. Shamrock starts by looking at the listed Belgrave Stakes at 3.05.
3.05 Belgrave Stakes (Listed): There’s not a lot of middle ground for Aidan O’Brien at the moment. His Imperial Monarch made all of the running under Joseph O’Brien to win the Group 1 Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp yesterday but then Treasure Beach flopped when only fifth in the Man O’War Stakes at Belmont Park last night.
His overall recent form (2 wins from last 18) is a little concerning at the moment though and I want to swerve After here who has the first time blinkers. Fire Lily beat her at Leopardstown last time out but Fire Lily (my selection) ran really poorly in the July Cup yesterday.
Slade Power is in great heart at the moment but is an unknown proposition on this ground.
Of more interest is Arctic who coped with similar conditions as today when second at the Curragh in a competitive handicap last time. Another of today’s rivals, Gordon Lord Byron was back in third and Arctic looks the best bet in an open race.
I’m sorry but I just can’t have Parliament Square at odds of 1.50 in the opener. Everything in my punting make-up wants me to be against Aidan O’Brien’s runner here after he flopped at 1/4 as recently as last Wednesday at Naas. The ground was heavy that day and although slightly better here we’ve got to assume he’s (a) recovered from that recent effort and (b) the first time cheekpieces will be effective. Not the kind of if’s and but’s you want if playing at short odds.
That said, it’s a really poor race so I’m not pressing the lay button and just taking a watching brief.
SHAMROCK’S BETS
NAP: Arctic (3.05 Fairyhouse)
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