THURLES GOES AHEAD: Which is great news as the Ladbrokes Ireland Kinloch Brae Chase is the feature race of the day.
The weather gods have relented and allowed Thurles to go-ahead today which is great news for race fans with Champagne Fever and Don Cossack clashing in the Ladbrokes Ireland Kinloch Brae Chase – one of two Grade 2 races on the day.
There were 10mm of rain overnight and Horse Racing Ireland tweeted: “Thurles passed fit to race today. Ground now heavy, soft in places.”
2:45 Ladbrokes Ireland Kinloch Brae Chase (Grade 2) (6yo+, Class 1, 2m 4f, 4 runners)
In an era where small field races are becoming taboo it’s hard not to get totally enthused by this contest despite the four strong field. Last year’s winner Texas Jack is not far behind the two principals on ratings but it looks a straight match between Don Cossack, who is on for a four timer and Champagne Fever who was fourth in the King George at Kempton when last seen.
For me, Champagne Fever has not quite lived up to the high expectations for him over fences. He’s clearly a top class horse and a real battler but his two wins from six starts over the bigger obstacles have also included a few races where he’s made mistakes at crucial times of the race.
His defeat in the King George last time can easily be put down to the distance and back at this trip looks more within his comfort zone but the bottom line is that I think Don Cossack is the more natural chaser. DC proved himself at the highest level with a win in the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial at Punchestown last time out and looks the pick of the pair today. The remaining runner Smokey Joe Joe looks to have a mountain to climb.
3:15 Leading Light Coolmore National Hunt Sires E.B.F. Mares Novice Chase (Grade 2) (5yo+, Class 1, 2m 4f, 8 runners)
This looks a little more straight forward. Vroum Vroum Mag has won both her starts easily and has jumped notably well. She should land this for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh.
SHAMROCK’S BETS:
NAP: Don Cossack (2.45 Thurles)
NEXT BEST: Vroum Vroum Mag (3.15 Thurles)
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