SHAMROCK EARNS PUNTERS ACCLAIM AT 14-1: It was a great day for Shamrock yesterday, when his sole Outsider bet, Royal Acclaim (WON 14-1), sprang a surprise, and he landed his nap on an unraced two-year-old, Albaspina (WON 5-4).
A LAY-DOWN AT LAYTOWN: Shamrock reckons one stable has lined up a one-two in the opener on the Strand at Laytown, trying for history to repeat itself at the 150-year-old races on the sands.
I’ve brought a bucket of money. And I’m betting in spades on the opening sands race on the Strand at Laytown.
Course specialists must be followed on this unique track, and Qadar (4.45), a winner here two years ago, and second to a stablemate last year, has been laid out with another stable companion, Aragorn Icon, for David Marnane to land a one-two for the second successive season.
One Of Three could spoil the party, after a good run in a big field at The Curragh, but there’s never been a winning favourite of this race.
Quai Du Roi, who’s got Paul Townend out of autumn hibernation, has run three times at Laytown but hasn’t won since 2007.
I was also hoping to see Under Review (6.50) try to repeat his last year’s win, 6lb higher, but – as I write – is a reserve, along with Almadaa, another Marnane sand prospect.
As it is, the race seems to have been the target for Withnail and I think he’ll go well (No more film titles – Ed). But Ado McGuinness likes this race, and his Bubbly Bellini is always thereabouts.
Meanwhile, I hear a whisper for Paul Townend’s final ride of the day, Zhukhov (6.50), very well handicapped now.
I’ve suspended my usual nap and next best, relying on two horses in selected races. I always get sand in my sandwiches.
SHAMROCK’S BETS
BEST OF TWO: Qadar and Aragorn Icon (4.45 Laytown), Bubbly Bellini and Zhukhov (6.50 Laytown).
DAQ MULTIPLES: 4 x 1pt win doubles Qadar and Aragorn Icon (4.45 Laytown) with Bubbly Bellini and Zhukhov (6.50 Laytown).
