AS I MENTIONED earlier in the week, there is precious little time to stand still in horse racing. A fantastic festival at Cheltenham came to an end a mere two days ago and already we have something new and exciting to look forward to; the start of the flat racing season at Ireland’s HQ in the Curragh.
While the fare won’t be as intriguing or mesmeric as at Prestbury Park, it’s a welcome distraction to fill the void nonetheless. The Group Three Lodge Park Stud European Breeders Fund Park Express Stakes is an intriguing contest. Won last year by Pollen for Tommy Stack, he has an excellent chance this term with Lolly For Dolly.
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If the yard is as quick off the mark as they were last term she will be primed and ready for the Stack team, and her ability to handle soft ground could stand to her. Having performed admirably at Group One level; the step back in class and trip makes her the one to stop. Her main rival may prove to be Termagant, who won at the highest level at this venue as a juvenile. She only made one appearance as a three year-old however, so her well being must be taken on trust. The market will be the best guide to her chances.
The Irish Lincolnshire is always a tricky puzzle to solve, and this year is no different. Photo Opportunity is an interesting favourite, and is certainly unexposed after only two runs. The Weld trained mare is well-bred and better is sure to come, but only one winner in the last ten years has carried more than nine stone to victory. Gimli’s Rock is fancied by the Jessica Harrington camp, but he has the same statistic to overcome.
The answer at a decent price might be Hawkhill (14/1). He last won off a mark of 83, and a three pound rise may be within his grasp. He should be fit after a spin over hurdles in January. The only concern is that he has yet to perform to his best at the Curragh, but his price encourages a risk. Rory Anna is another at double figures that could run well under Chris Hayes.
Verdict
A light racing weight is always an advantage in this weight, and it might be worth splitting a small wager on Hawkhill (14/1) and Rory Anna (12/1). Both have excellent jockey bookings and can handle the easy going.
Flat racing season opens at the Curragh
AS I MENTIONED earlier in the week, there is precious little time to stand still in horse racing. A fantastic festival at Cheltenham came to an end a mere two days ago and already we have something new and exciting to look forward to; the start of the flat racing season at Ireland’s HQ in the Curragh.
While the fare won’t be as intriguing or mesmeric as at Prestbury Park, it’s a welcome distraction to fill the void nonetheless. The Group Three Lodge Park Stud European Breeders Fund Park Express Stakes is an intriguing contest. Won last year by Pollen for Tommy Stack, he has an excellent chance this term with Lolly For Dolly.
If the yard is as quick off the mark as they were last term she will be primed and ready for the Stack team, and her ability to handle soft ground could stand to her. Having performed admirably at Group One level; the step back in class and trip makes her the one to stop. Her main rival may prove to be Termagant, who won at the highest level at this venue as a juvenile. She only made one appearance as a three year-old however, so her well being must be taken on trust. The market will be the best guide to her chances.
The Irish Lincolnshire is always a tricky puzzle to solve, and this year is no different. Photo Opportunity is an interesting favourite, and is certainly unexposed after only two runs. The Weld trained mare is well-bred and better is sure to come, but only one winner in the last ten years has carried more than nine stone to victory. Gimli’s Rock is fancied by the Jessica Harrington camp, but he has the same statistic to overcome.
The answer at a decent price might be Hawkhill (14/1). He last won off a mark of 83, and a three pound rise may be within his grasp. He should be fit after a spin over hurdles in January. The only concern is that he has yet to perform to his best at the Curragh, but his price encourages a risk. Rory Anna is another at double figures that could run well under Chris Hayes.
Verdict
A light racing weight is always an advantage in this weight, and it might be worth splitting a small wager on Hawkhill (14/1) and Rory Anna (12/1). Both have excellent jockey bookings and can handle the easy going.
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Horse Racing Whip Hand