A GOOD WEEK FOR THE IRISH? The BETDAQ ‘specials’ market certainly says so. More than 9 winners is the 2.3 favourite.
Finally the great day has arrived (just a pesky inspection to worry about for the Cross Country).
The BETDAQ market is predicting a great week for the Irish trained runners at the 2013 Festival.
More than 9 winners is the favourite at 2.3, and to hit that a winner or two is almost certainly needed today.
SHAMROCK will look at each of the 27 races this week from the Irish angle.
1:30 William Hill Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (4yo+, Class 1, 2m 110y, 12 runners) The Irish mount a strong challenge in the opener and if there are any flaws with the favourite My Tent Or Yours they will be ready to pounce. Five of the 12 runners are trained in Ireland (three from Willie Mullins) and you can give strong place claims to them all. Jezki, from Jessie Harrington’s stable was only fourth in the Champion Bumper last season – won by another of today’s rivals Champagne Fever (well backed today) but has excelled over hurdles and is four from four and runs in the same colours as My Tent Or Yours to give JP McManus strong chances of gaining the opening winner. However, my preference is for the hugely exciting Un Atout, who is unbeaten.
SELECTION: Un Atout (WIN and PLACE)
2:05 Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (Grade 1) (5yo+, Class 1, 2m, 7 runners) Two Irish raiders, the pick is obviously Arvika Ligeonniere who I would have been really keen on but for his fall at Leopardstown last time out in January. I can’t see him being good enough to beat Simonsig and with there being seven runners the place option doesn’t appeal.
SELECTION: NO BET
2:40 JLT Specialty Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (5yo+, Class 1, 3m 110y, 24 runners) Just the two Irish trained representatives in this massive field so it will be a real bonus if they provided the winner. White Star Line has a feather weight and is not a frequent winner but often stays on for a place.
SELECTION: White Star Line (PLACE)
3:20 Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) (4yo+, Class 1, 2m 110y, 9 runners) One Irish trained runner – but it’s quality not quantity as that runner is Hurricane Fly the 2011 winner. He’s favourite on BETDAQ having done nothing wrong so far this season. The consensus is he will put in a much bigger effort than last season when only third to Rock On Ruby and has every chance of turning that form around. He’s done best in the heats and for me Hurricane Fly is the nap for the opening day.
SELECTION: Hurricane Fly (NAP, WIN)
4:00 Glenfarclas Handicap Chase (Cross Country) (5yo+, Class 2, 3m 7f, 16 runners) Fairly sure this will be won by an Irish trained runner – just not sure which one! 10 of the 16 runners are Irish – and it’s a race of course that’s been farmed by the Irish over the years. Enda Bolger has a record second to none and he has an exceptional chance with Arabella Boy who brings good banks form from Punchestown into today’s race.
SELECTION: Arabella Boy (WIN)
4:40 OLBG Mares’ Hurdle (Registered As The David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle) (Grade 2) (4yo+, Class 1, 2m 4f, 19 runners) Quevega is a wonder mare and normal rules don’t apply with her. 320 days off the course would normally make you nervous about taking odds-on but she has been prepared solely for this race and her attempt at a remarkable fifth win in the race.
SELECTION: Quevega (WIN)
5:15 Rewards4Racing Novices’ Handicap Chase (Listed) (5yo+, Class 1, 2m 4f 110y, 20 runners) Just the two runners but a strong representative in Carlito Brigante who is making his handicap chase debut here. A former Coral Cup winner is an interesting contender in a wide open contest.
SELECTION: Carlito Brigante (WIN and PLACE)
SHAMROCK’S BETS:
1:30 Un Atout (WIN and PLACE)
2:40 White Star Line (PLACE)
3:20 Hurricane Fly (NAP, WIN)
4:00 Arabella Boy (WIN)
4:40 Quevega (WIN)
5:15 Carlito Brigante (WIN and PLACE)
Did you know that as well as checking the realtime prices on BETDAQ below – you can also log into your account and place your bets directly into BETDAQ from BETDAQ TIPS.
