I didn’t have the time to write a full preview of today’s action, mostly due to suspecting it wouldn’t be on. But boy am I glad it was. Quevega proved that she really is a rare talent, showing a devastating turn of foot to leave Voler La Vedette several lengths behind. I thought I could reget not backing her at odds against but that’s all part of the game and being cautious in those conditions still remains wise.
The other performance that really caught my eye was provided by Buckers Bridge. Henry De Bromhead spoke positively about his charge in the build up to the race, explaining how he’s a horse they like at home. Carrying the same colours as stable star Sizing Europe it’s perhaps fitting that the yard has a new potential star. He travelled with real class and then pulled away nicely in the testing ground. He’s definitely one to keep on side and is another really exciting bumper prospect to join the likes of Champagne Fever and Don Cossack.
Friday sees five races on the card, assuming it gets the go ahead. I’ll be taking a look at the first three races, all Grade 1 affairs.
4:55 Ryanair Novice Chase (Grade 1) – 2m
The action kicks off with the rescheduled Rynair Novice Chase. Unfortunately this looks a relatively poor contest. The market is headed by Menorah. He showed he still retains plenty of talent when winning well at Aintree earlier in the month, however the longer trip that day seemed to be the important factor behind his run. The slower pace helped with him jumping and he looked much improved. Whilst the testing ground is likely to make the race slower I would still be concerned about his jumping over this trip. His main rival appears to be First Lieutenant, who we last saw finishing a gallant second to Bobs Worth in the RSA Chase. That was by far his best performance over fences but I’m not sure about the trip or the conditions for him. On that basis this pair look well worth opposing, but the problem is the lack of quality in the competition. This race looks like one I’m more than happy to leave alone.
5:30 Rabobank Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) – 2m
This Champion Hurdle looks poor in terms of the depth of competition, but I have to say that doesn’t stop me from getting excited about seeing Hurricane Fly. He was obviously disappointing at the festival last month, where I fully expected him to win the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle. He wasn’t the only horse to disappoint for Willie Mullins that week and it’s fair to say they weren’t firing on all cylinders. Mullins seems happy with the shape his star is in now, however, and I’m just hoping we can see a bold showing from him. At the price I couldn’t touch him but I do expect him to win well. Following him home will most likely be stablemates Thousand Stars and Zaidpour. They’re both smart horses on their day and I think it will be hard to split them two with the latter likely to enjoy the ground. The Real Article completes this four-runner affair and looks to lack the quality to cause any trouble. I suspect we could see another Willie Mullins 1-2-3 here.
6:05 Cathal Ryan Memorial Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) – 2m 4f
This rates the best race of the day for me with some decent depth in what could turn out to be a competitive event. The market is headed by Felix Yonger and you can’t argue with that. He ran a big race at Cheltenham in the Neptune, finishing closest of all to the potential superstar that is Simonsig. He had plenty of useful horses in behind him, and on official ratings he’s clear. With the form Willie Mullins’ yard has been in we can expect another bold show, but he’s getting pretty short now and I’d rather seek some value. For me that value comes in the form of Colour Squadron. He comes with risks attached, effectively throwing away a Grade 1 victory by hanging badly, and also having fallen on two of his last three starts. For all his quirks he remains a horse of plenty of potential. If he travels as well as he has done in previous races I think he should be right in the firing line. I’ll just be hoping he doesn’t come cruising up before tipping over at the last!
This is by no means a two horse race, however, with plenty of good opposition. Benefficient is a Grade 1 winner but seems to run hot and cold. If he puts his best foot forward you couldn’t rule him out. Lyreen Legend is a wonderfully consistent sort, having not finished out of the top three in his last seven starts. He can’t be ruled out either. I’m really not convinced Jenari will go on this ground, as he seems to prefer good ground. Dedigout who a competitive handicap last time out, but was well beaten by Monksland the time before last, and therefore looks held by Felix Yonger who was well clear of Monksland in the Neptune. The one that caught my eye at a bigger price was Rebel Fitz with the brilliant Barry Geraghty on board. He has some smart form and will be fresh for this. I’m not sure how he’ll go on the ground, but he’s another that could run a big race. Any number of runners could land this event but I’m going to stick with Colour Squadron.
Friday Summary
The opening race looks a poor contest and I won’t be getting involved. Menorah is too short for my liking but I’m not sure what will beat him. If he jumps well he should take all the beating. The Champion Hurdle looks like being a procession for Hurriance Fly and I hope we see him back to his brilliant best. In the Cathal Ryan Memorial Champion Novice Hurdle we should see a cracking race and I’ve gone for Colour Squadron to come good and get the Grade 1 glory he should already have to his name.
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