FAIRYHOUSE EASTER ACTION: SHAMROCK heads to Fairyhouse for the start of the Irish Grand National meeting and previews the three big races of the day.
The nap, Toe The Line, ran well enough to take third at 9/2 yesterday but never threatened to win.
A great days racing in prospect at Fairyhouse this afternoon. The going is soft to heavy and heavy in places.
3:20 Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final (Grade 1) (4yo+, Class 1, 2m 4f, 14 runners)
These types of races often produce uncompetitive betting challenges but this is a real exception as it looks wide open. Willie Mullins has won the last two renewals including with Annie Power in 2013 and I actually prefer Uranna as the pick of his three runners today ahead of the Ruby Walsh ridden Petite Parisienne. However, a major challenger may come from the UK raider Bitofapuzzle who was a highly creditable third to Glens Melody and Polly Peachum in the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham beaten just a head and a neck. Admittedly, all three runners were fortunate with their final placings after Annie Power fell at the last but there is no Annie Power in today’s race.
3:50 Coolmore N.H. Sires Leading Light & Ocovango Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) (4yo+, Class 1, 2m 4f, 6 runners)
This one looks booked for Willie Mullins and Shaneshill who ran a cracker when runner-up to stable companion Douvan in the Cheltenham Festival opener, the Supreme Hurdle. He stayed on well that day suggesting the extra trip will be appreciated this afternoon.
4:20 Ryanair Gold Cup Novice Chase (Grade 1) (5yo+, Class 1, 2m 4f, 8 runners)
The field is down to eight but five can be given serious chances. Willie Mullins holds the aces (again) with Valseur Lido and the four-timer seeking Gitane Du Berlais who was an easy winner over hurdles at Auteuil last month but when last seen over fences was also hugely impressive at Sandown when winning the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase. He had plenty in hand but his jumping wasn’t perfect – he jumped to his left on several occasions. At the prices, I prefer the chances of Gilgamboa who had the misfortune to come across Un De Sceaux at Leopardstown which halted his own hat-trick bid and has since run well at Navan.
SHAMROCK’S BETS:
NAP: Bitofapuzzle (3.20 Fairyhouse)
NEXT BEST: Shaneshill (3.50 Fairyhouse)
TREBLE: Gilgamboa (4.20 Fairyhouse)
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