BOY! THERE ARE TWO DARK HORSES AT FAIRYHOUSE: Shamrock finds two massive Betdaq outsiders at 29.0 and 28.0 with every chance of defying the mud at Fairyhouse, where he thinks backers have it all wrong in the opener.
HAYDOCK PAIR IN SATURDAY YANKEE: He completes his Saturday yankee at Haydock with two Irish-breds ‘going places’.
It’s Rourke’s drift. Heavy ground at Fairyhouse has sent Mount Colah to the front of the market for the opening race, with Rourke’s Cross drifting.
But Rourke’s Cross (12.15), who chased home one of the finds of the season, Sous Les Cieux, over CD in November, is still my choice on that form.
Galway Plate winning mare Blazing Tempo (12.45) will also love the ground and has the conditions of the race in her favour. The opposition were retreating in the market this morning; it was bigger than 9-2 bar one.
Those who fancy a buck on a double, Buck Breeze (1.15) with Big Buck’s at Ascot, should remember that the Fairyhouse Buck is just two weeks away from being 12 years old.
He was a big drifter to nearly double his forecast price, with Luke’s Benefit taking over in the betting, despite top weight in this clinging ground.
Drifters and top weights? Makes me smell a turn-up. But what? At 29.0 Moyliss Mill should at least give us a back-and-lay.
Plenty of time to get out on this front-runner, who drops back to the minimum after twice leading until three out over 2m 2f and 2m 4f-plus. First time in a handicap today.
Skipping the beginners’ races, I’m left hunting another outsider in the 2.50 chase, where again it might be worth opposing the favourite.
I just wonder what first-time tongue-strap and first-time blinkers can do for Dunroe Boy (28.0 as I write). Carlow lads, get on!
HAYDOCK: Also in the mud at Haydock, I have every faith in two Irish-breds who are going places. Wymott was tuned up three weeks ago for the Tommy Whittle (2.45) and is one of my Aintree Grand National horses.
Highland Lodge (3.20) has had a tremendous form boost from handicap winner Trafalgar and could be one of those rare novice hurdlers who can handle a penalty.
SHAMROCK’S BETS
NAP: Blazing Tempo (12.45 Fairyhouse)
NEXT BEST: Rourke’s Cross (12.15 Fairyhouse)
OUTSIDERS: Moyliss Mill (1.15 Fairyhouse), Dunroe Boy (2.50 Fairyhouse)
DAQ YANKEE: Rourke’s Cross (12.15 Fairyhouse), Blazing Tempo (12.45 Fairyhouse), Wymott (2.45 Haydock), Highland Lodge (3.20 Haydock)
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