We seem to be on quite a respectable run at present with Shamwari Lodge the latest winner coming in at 2/1 having opened at 100/30. Call Me Mulligan ran a promising race in 4th while I am afraid Hurlingham performed rather less well.
By far the best quality racing tomorrow is set to come from Fairyhouse so I am hoping that the weather will not intervene. One of the stars on show is Dunguib who runs in the 12.45. The Cheltenham Festival Bumper winner has actually finished first in all his races to date but does not have an unblemished record as he was disqualified after winning the Punchestown Champion bumper after failing a drugs test. He has already won twice over hurdles and looks the real deal. He is impossible to oppose although there are other decent horses in the race, notably Sweeps Hill and Some Present. The former “won” the race at Punchestown after the disqualification of Dunguib. He had earlier won a Leopardstown bumper and has already won a couple of times over hurdles. On his latest start he beat Some Present at Punchestown but that was a falsely run race and not a particularly reliable looking form guide. Some Present was impressive on his latest start when just unable to peg back Loosen My Load in a quality Grade 2 race at Cheltenham. A hot contest this but Dunguib will be expected to win.
There are some very nice prospects in the 1.20. Roberto Goldback is one for the short list. On his last start he was only beaten three parts of a length by the useful Osana at Navan. Pesoto comes into the race on the back of a win at Limerick on heavy ground and is another to consider. Pandorama will relish the testing ground. He is a grade 1 winner over hurdles and got his chasing career off to a winning start beating Clan Tara by a head at Punchestown despite not seeming to enjoy the configuration of the track. My narrow preference is for Pesoto.
In the 1.50 Shakersilz will enjoy the conditions and could go well at a price but Catch Me looks the most likely winner. A winner on his chase debut at Cork he then fell at the last when leading at Navan. A clear round should see him gain compensation here.
The two I like in the 3.25 are Prince of Milan and Arvika Ligeonniere. At the odds I will go for Prince of Milan each way.
We go from Ireland to Scotland now for a look at the card up at Ayr. The 12.20 features 3 promising types who all have something to prove after being beaten on their latest starts. Premier Sagas showed plenty of promise in bumpers but could only finish 5th on his hurdles debut at Newcastle. Irish points winner Tara Royal was sent off 3/1 favourite on his hurdles debut at Chepstow but could only finish 9th. Turbo Island on both his bumpers but was then 8th on his hurdles debut, another beaten favourite. Turbo Island won both his bumpers at Ayr and that course form just sways me into tipping him ahead of Premier Sagas.
Skipper’s Brig has won 6 times in his career. Those wins were all in heavy ground. In fact he has never lost in heavy ground and has never won in anything else. Useful stat? Possibly – he runs in the 1.25.
The 1.55 does not look the strongest of races. Mister Marker who is related to Grand National winner Silver Birch could be the answer. Delightfully should appreciate the trip and could be worth an each way interest.
The unbeaten Alegralil has looked impressive when winning 2 bumpers and a novice hurdles and can maintain that unbeaten record in the 2.15 at Catterick. My other selection at the Yorkshire track is Mirage Dore in the 2.45 for new trainer Rose Dobbin.
They are also racing at Plumpton where the 1.00 looks quite a tricky little race. Aux Le Bahnn is a horse I have always liked. He won 3 times over hurdles last season but fences were always going to be his thing. The Sliotar was 4th in the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival last season. He looks an out and out stayer and this trip could just be on the short side for him. Chariot Charger was a pleasing 2nd over course and distance a couple of weeks ago and I will burden him with my selection.
Today’s pictures are courtesy of the artist Margaret Barrett.
Good luck!
ahorse 