CHELTENHAM DAY TWO: SHAMROCK started well with Vautour on Tuesday but found the going tougher after that. Get his view on the best Irish chances on day two – and there’s quite a few.
Well the opening day started well enough with Vautour who looks the proverbial machine. However I found it tougher after that as did most punters with the layers just edging it on Day One.
I didn’t play in Quevega’s race – but did hint at putting in a back at 2.49 on BETDAQ, in running, which came off. What a truly remarkable mare and the bookies are only around 3/1 that she makes it a magnificent SEVEN next year.
Well done to Jezki, Jessica Harrington’s Champion Hurdler. But the day was subdued because of the fatal injury to Our Conor. Commiserations to his connections.
1:30 Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle (Registered As The Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle) (Grade 1) (4yo+, Class 1, 2m 5f, 15 runners)
Willie Mullins wasn’t exactly over-brimming with confidence about Faugheen in his Racing Post column this morning and it’s clear to see why his exciting six-year-old heads the market. He is unbeaten in three starts over hurdles since winning his bumper by 22 lengths. If he asn’t exciting enough – the second in that bumper Josses Hill went on to finish second in the Supreme yesterday. Rathvinden is the stable number two but has good chances on form – so again I’m splitting stakes on the two Mullins runners.
2:05 RSA Chase (Novices’ Grade 1) (5yo+, Class 1, 3m 110y, 15 runners)
I’m going to take on Ballycasey here. He had a schooling fall on the racecourse recently which can hardly be ideal. Don Cossack is fancied to reverse the Dr PJ Moriaty form with Ballycasey and has good claims for trainer Gordon Elliott. He steps up in trip – but that is likely to suit.
2:40 Coral Cup (Grade 3 Handicap Hurdle) (4yo+, Class 1, 2m 5f, 28 runners)
A pin has probably had more success than the formbook in this race over recent years. The market leader has had a wretched record. Again though, the Gordon Elliott trained runner stands out. Bayan looks potentially well treated. We have to presume he will handle the step up in trip but will be close if he does and ran well here at Cheltenham in October. A win and place option on BETDAQ.
3:20 BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) (5yo+, Class 1, 2m, 11 runners)
Of all the Championship races this week this doesn’t look the most vintage renewal. The betting story of the race is the weakness behind Sire De Grugy within the last week. Just how far will the layers go? The doubts are based around his ability to handle the track but on his prep race form he should be a 5/4 chance. The same track doubts also apply to the Willie Mullins trained Arvika Ligeonniere who certainly has the class to win. With the doubts though – it’s a race to watch for me.
4:00 Glenfarclas Handicap Chase (Cross Country) (5yo+, Class 2, 3m 7f, 16 runners)
The Irish trained horses have an exceptional record here and it’s a race that suits course specialists so I can’t really look beyond last year’s winner Big Shu for trainer Peter Maher. Big Shu comes into this on the back of a good second at Punchestown in the La Touche Cup and can follow up under 11lb more than last year.
4:40 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (4yo, Class 1, 2m 110y, 24 runners)
Noble Inn continues to run well in defeat and the better ground could easily see him hit the frame again. A speculative win and place bet.
5:15 Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1 Standard Open NH Flat Race) (4-6yo, Class 1, 2m 110y, 23 runners)
Willie Mullins has won this eight times including last year at 25/1 with Ruby Walsh onboard – how did that ever happen ? I’m not sure Ruby is on the right one this year though as I like the chances of Black Hercules who was very impressive when winning at Gowran Park last time out.
SHAMROCK’S BETS:
5 points win on each FAUGHEEN and RATHVINDEN (1.30 Cheltenham)
3 points win DON COSSACK (2.05 Cheltenham)
2 points win and place BAYAN (2.40 Cheltenham)
10 points win (NAP) BIG SHU (4.00 Cheltenham)
2 points win and place NOBLE INN (4.40 Cheltenham)
4 points win BLACK HERCULES (5.15 Cheltenham)
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