Another opportunity to see Grands Crus – 4-1 favourite for the RSA Chase following his - instant impact over fences when winning by ten lengths at Cheltenham's Open meeting is the main draw for day one of the Hennessy meeting, along with the traditionally strong opening card.
The strong chance that Paul Nicholls - trainer of the Hennessy favourite Aiteenthirtythree – has with Merehead is explained in a little more detail over on the main page, but his promising new riding recruit could also enjoy a winner with Empire Levant, (3.20) who was a respectable fourth in a good event at the Punchestown Festival after a solid season upto that point. His performances might have disappointed some but at this level he holds very strong claims and should go well for Harry Derham.
The strong chance that Paul Nicholls - trainer of the Hennessy favourite Aiteenthirtythree – has with Merehead is explained in a little more detail over on the main page, but his promising new riding recruit could also enjoy a winner with Empire Levant, (3.20) who was a respectable fourth in a good event at the Punchestown Festival after a solid season upto that point. His performances might have disappointed some but at this level he holds very strong claims and should go well for Harry Derham.
Then it’s over to Thurles as far as our punting action is confirmed. Apt Approach’s jumping will be a negative point for many but he should take the beating in the Glen Chase (1.05) as he holds a 5lbs advantage on paper ahead of his next best rival (Clan Tara). The fact that he was probably beaten when unseating last time is discouraging but again, that might have been a better race and his previous form (sure to take a major hand in competitive handicap chase at Punchestown Festival after coming second in Grade 2 novice chase) should see him take a big hand here.
And our next bet is a horse that was seen as a Cheltenham festival winner for a long time by many last season. With hindsight, Zaidpour did better than many thought last season. In the aftermath of his Supreme Novices Hurdle seventh many would have labelled him as a disappointment, based on the deep impression he’d left when bolting up on the bridle in his maiden hurdle and then the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, winning by 12 lengths on both occasions.
Things went pear shaped afterwards, getting beaten twice since at short prices, failing to jump well enough at Christmas when turned over at 1/4 and getting well and truly trashed when second behind Oscars Well in the Deloitte when no better than even money to make up for his Christmas defeat.
Both times he may have had good excuses though. At Christmas his conqueror was none other than subsequent Neptune Investment Novices Hurdle winner First Lieutenant, with the subsequent multiple Grade 2 winner Hidden Cyclone in third, after which Mullins then said: "He just didn't seem happy," the trainer said. "My initial reaction was that the race came a bit too soon after Fairyhouse.”
When beaten 5 lengths into second in the Deloitte at even money he had no excuses but the winner was a top class sort in Oscars Well, who followed that run with a superb effort at Cheltenham. Zaidpour was shown to be slightly slow there on good ground, but he’ll get the cut that he relishes today and should dismiss his rivals with ease in the Rock Of Cashel Hurdle (2.40), the best of which seems to be Leave Him Alone, although many will be interested in how Grand National second Oscar Time runs.
Advice
4 pts win Zaidpour, 2.40 Thurles (1/2 Paddy Power)
2 pts win Apt Approach, 1.05 Thurles (8/11 Paddy Power)
1 pt win Empire Levant, 3.20 Newbury (7/4 Ladbrokes)
No comments:
Post a Comment