The answer to yesterday’s quiz question is that Banjo Patterson wrote to words to Waltzing Matilda. Sadly the horse of the same name failed to waltz home in the 6.25 at Yarmouth but we did have a few winners nonetheless.
Sir Gerard, our only other flat lister won at 13/8 and there were wins for 3 horses from the jumps list, Rasharrow, Accordion Etoile and Asian Maze. The Irish list to follow has had a remarkably successful season.
Before I move on to look at Friday’s racing I want you to humour me. Go on to the Racing Post site and put a horse called Caesars Palace in as the search. Then (you will need broadband) watch the video of his race on 2 January at Ayr. Don’t just watch the finish, watch the whole race. You will enjoy it!
Anyway, on to Friday and Punchestown. There are only 4 runners in the Champion Hurdle at 3.15 but it is certainly a quality quartet. Brave Inca and Mac’s Joy represent our list to follow. I see that Brave Inca is 8/11 to complete the Cheltenham Punchestown double. AP McCoy suits this battler of a horse to perfection and they will be a hard combination to beat. At the odds though I am going to go with Mac’s Joy to cause a minor upset. There is not much between the two of them and the drying ground will not be in Brave Incas favour.
Tumbling Dice was 3rd to Reveillez in the Jewson at Cheltenham and reappears in the 3.50 where Barry Geraghty rides. The extra distance here should suit Tumbling Dice and he has an each way chance. The form of the Jewson Handicap has worked out pretty well.
We have 2 runners in the 4.25. Travino might be a doubtful participant but Conna Castle is not without a chance. He failed to land a hat trick when beaten by the useful Straw Bear at Aintree but his overall form looks pretty consistent and he shouldn’t be far away.
I have been struggling to spell O’Muircheartaigh all season but he has proved a fair horse for our list as he has only been out of the first 2 once in his 5 starts. He has a live chance in the 5.00. He is by the same sire as Accordion Etoile for those of you who are interested in such things.
There is a mixed card at Sandown. The first and second in last season’s Triumph Hurdle contest the 1.10. Penzance has done nothing this season to warrant any confidence but Fassel has possibilities. He was well beaten last week by Noble Request but is 15 lbs better off at the weights. I think he has a chance, especially with the drying ground likely to suit him.
After Rohaani was 2nd in the Roseberry I was prepared to support him on his next outing. I hadn’t bargained for the next run to be in Group 3 company though (1.45) and I have just not quite got the courage of my convictions, particularly with K Fallon on Sir Michael Stoute’s other runner.
Willie Haggas apparently holds the once raced Hopeful Purchase (4.05) in high regard. This colt finished in eyecatching fashion when 3rd behind a couple of others from our list, Olympian Oddyssey and Degas Art at Newmarket. Should win this before going on to better things.
Portavadie was outclassed last time at Cheltenham but he is no lost cause in the 3.40 at Perth. He has Green Tango to beat but will be suited by the ground and if the favourite slips up would be the one most likely to profit.
Backing Sir Michael Stoute maidens at Wolverhampton isn’t the way to set you up for life. Still, Juror is on our list to follow and he runs in the 3.55. He should win.
Keep smiling, there is no such thing as a lost cause – ask Caesar’s Palace!
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