3.40 Fairyhouse
Steps To Freedom: Grade 2 winner of Aintree Bumper, getting
better of extremely highly regarded Montbazon before Punchestown
disappointment; Unbeaten in three over hurdles, getting the better of a slow
pace to give 3lbs and a beating to Prospect Wells; Fancied for Supreme off back
of that but lack of a run and subsequent infection meant he finished 14th;
Expect a much better run here although he’s got to give 3lbs and upwards to
rivals today; Big chance.
Alderwood: Normally wouldn’t be given too much of a shout
but can’t fault gutsy showing to win the County Hurdle having been hampered
very badly coming around the home turn; More than that needed but well treated
at these weights and deserves significant t respect with McCoy’s mounts flying
of late.
Midnight Game: Very useful on the flat but only began to
truly realize that potential with his win at Naas in Listed novice hurdle,
beating Dylan Ross further than any other horse had going into the Supreme;
Disappointed there off the back of reports about unsatisfactory work but
clearly better than that and of interest here as he’s the choice of Ruby Walsh
from Mullins pair; Slight worry that he wants the ground to be better than
this?
Allure Of Illusion: Only just got up on bumper debut but
very promising run when third behind Steps To Freedom and Montbazon at Aintree;
Slightly below that form over hurdles, being slightly unlucky to get hampered
when beaten on his comeback before running disappointing for a 1/5 favourite
when dead heating over 2m4f; Presents a major poser here with his sixth in the
Supreme Novice Hurdle, where he was miles behind the front 5; Might want to be improving
a little on his showing there if others improve but worthy of respect.
Abou Ben: Found trip to far and Oilily too good when failing
in his bid for a four timer last time at Cork; This again a much better contest
so others get first look especially given his tendency to pull badly.
Joxer: Shaped like a horse of considerable potential when
beating Allure Of Illusion (slightly lucky to do so) after coming a close – ish
second to Midnight Game before that; Disappointed twice since and has an awful
lot do on current form, although if he finds his best then he’s no 25/1 shot.
Jacksonslady: Booking of Barry Geragthy is eyecatching and
fit from the flat but this a mile off what she’s used to and passed over.
Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Novice Hurdle (Grade 2)
Advice: 1 pt Steps To Freedom Insurebet - 3 Places (5/6 Bet365)
& 1 pt double Oscars Well (2.40) & Steps to Freedom (3.40) & 8.94
Sportinglife
Steps To Freedom: Grade 2 winner of Aintree Bumper, getting
better of extremely highly regarded Montbazon before Punchestown
disappointment; Unbeaten in three over hurdles, getting the better of a slow
pace to give 3lbs and a beating to Prospect Wells; Fancied for Supreme off back
of that but lack of a run and subsequent infection meant he finished 14th;
Expect a much better run here although he’s got to give 3lbs and upwards to
rivals today; Big chance. Alderwood: Normally wouldn’t be given too much of a shout
but can’t fault gutsy showing to win the County Hurdle having been hampered
very badly coming around the home turn; More than that needed but well treated
at these weights and deserves significant t respect with McCoy’s mounts flying
of late. Midnight Game: Very useful on the flat but only began to
truly realize that potential with his win at Naas in Listed novice hurdle,
beating Dylan Ross further than any other horse had going into the Supreme;
Disappointed there off the back of reports about unsatisfactory work but
clearly better than that and of interest here as he’s the choice of Ruby Walsh
from Mullins pair; Slight worry that he wants the ground to be better than
this? Allure Of Illusion: Only just got up on bumper debut but
very promising run when third behind Steps To Freedom and Montbazon at Aintree;
Slightly below that form over hurdles, being slightly unlucky to get hampered
when beaten on his comeback before running disappointing for a 1/5 favourite
when dead heating over 2m4f; Presents a major poser here with his sixth in the
Supreme Novice Hurdle, where he was miles behind the front 5; Might want to be improving
a little on his showing there if others improve but worthy of respect.Il Fenomeno: Progress throughought the winter months halted
by coming back stiff when disappointing in Royal Bond but improved when second
in Deloitte; That form gives him decent chance and interesting that Davy
Russell is on board although others are preferred. Abou Ben: Found trip to far and Oilily too good when failing
in his bid for a four timer last time at Cork; This again a much better contest
so others get first look especially given his tendency to pull badly. Joxer: Shaped like a horse of considerable potential when
beating Allure Of Illusion (slightly lucky to do so) after coming a close – ish
second to Midnight Game before that; Disappointed twice since and has an awful
lot do on current form, although if he finds his best then he’s no 25/1 shot. Jacksonslady: Booking of Barry Geragthy is eyecatching and
fit from the flat but this a mile off what she’s used to and passed over.
VERDICT: A horrendously tricky race given the three
promising Irish novices who come here from the Supreme Novice Hurdle. Steps To
Freedom’s last victory against Prospect Wells (well ahead of Allure Of Illusion
in the Supreme) when giving him 3lbs is probably the strongest form that any of
the main contenders can boast, and while he has to give upwards of 3lbs to the
rest of the field today, he shouldn’t be out of the three and the 5/6 with
moneyback if he fails to win seems a decent option. Midnight Game has been
impressive many before the Supreme and might be next best, with County Hurdle
winner Alderwood deserving of significant respect, while Allure Of Illusion can
be given a chance on the figures if literally repeating his Supreme 6th.
No comments:
Post a Comment