Category: Auteuil

Good news with the 14/1 e/w on Footpad in the Champion Stayers’ Hurdle and Great Field looked his best yet in his first Grade 1. As I said yesterday, this is one to look out for next season. Let’s start with a few selections at Punchestown tomorrow.

5.30 2m Betdaq Punchestown Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) (4yo+)

Labaik*** is a stand out 16/1 to redeem himself after refusing to race initially and then coming in last of seven on Tuesday. This is an altogether bigger challenge but this one has so much nascent talent that he could just come good again in this one and the price cannot be ignored. The odds permit another selection so I’ll go with Cheltenham selection Petit Mouchoir** (100/30) in what should be a more suitable race. I’m also wary of Brain Power (13/2) who could be well suited by course and ground.

6.05 2m4f Tattersalls Ireland Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) (4yo+)

Although I am a big fan of Bacardys (10/1 with Paddy Power), who was seriously inconvenienced at Cheltenham, I can’t look past Finians Oscar*** at an appealing 13/8 to maintain the Potts/Power juggernaut.

The 6.40 Hunters’ Chase provides a chance for On The Fringe to redeem himself but I can’t have the 9/4 currently on offer.

Saturday

At Sandown’s finale meeting I’m looking forward to watching Altior***** graduate from the novices with another scintillating performance. 1/3 is normally way too short for me but I’m tempted. I can’t understand why Menorah is as short as 5/2 in the Oaksey Chase and prefer Ballybolley* at 7/1. The bet365 Gold Cup is a substandard renewal and I don’t have a strong view. I think that one of my avoided horses The New One* probably has the beating of the Select Hurdle field but I stopped betting on him a while ago.

Over at Punchestown the entries for the cross country still include Cantlow (beaten favourite today over 4m 1f) and, of the more likely runners, I’m happy to take another chance with Auvergnat*, possibly the most mispronounced horse of the season!

Apple’s Jade**** is excellent value at 10/11 in the Mares’ Champion Hurdle, particularly in the absence of Let’s Dance (who runs tomorrow).

That brings us back to what was Quatre Heures‘ race (mentioned at the beginning of the week’s previews) and I’m going to hazard another go with Meri Devie* (3/1) who was talked up in all the Cheltenham early previews and looks like she may profit from a decent break since coming fourth behind Mega Fortune, Bapaume and Dinaria des Obeaux at Leopardstown in February.

As always, good luck. It’s Auteuil next for the Grand Steep weekend on 20 and 21 May.