THE racing moves to the New course today, it is much more a stamina test than the Old course used on the first two days.
There was quite heavy rain during the latter part of yesterday and more forecast overnight. It seemed to suit A Dream to Share who stayed on best of all to win the Bumper, as advised.
One feature worth noting is that there are only two hurdles to be jumped in the last seven furlongs.
This puts a real premium on jockeyship as they manoeuvre for position down the hill and into the straight.
Paddy Brennan and Davy Russell ride this better than most and I always take note of their mounts here.
I really like Davy’s chances in the big race today, the Stayers’ Hurdle. He rides Teahupoo for Gordon Elliott, who started the season by beating Klassical Dream and Honeysuckle at Fairyhouse in December and relished the step up to three miles last time at Gowran Park.
I thought Marie’s Rock was the danger here but they opted to run her in the mares' race on Tuesday and she was duly stuffed.
Flooring Porter, winner for the last two years, and Blazing Khal have had interrupted preparations and were doubtful runners until last week and can be discounted. Paisley Park is surely too old now, so confidence is high for Teahupoo.
The other big race today, the Ryanair Chase, features Shiskin, the banker of the meeting for many punters.
The former Supreme and Arkle winner was really impressive last time at Ascot and connections opted for this race rather than yesterday’s Champion Chase, the race he bombed out of last year.
That shocking run last year puts a wee bit of doubt with me and I will have a small bet on Fury Road without Shiskin.
The Elliott yard is in good form this week, although nothing like the Mullins one which has a winner or placed horse in nearly all the races so far, and he is owned by the sponsors who would love to win some of their money back and I think he will. Davy Russell rides so he will not lack from the saddle.
Russell may already have had a winner on the card as he rides Mighty Potter in the first. This is my strongest fancy of the week and while he is a short enough price he has the best form in the race and should maintain his unbeaten record. This is the race last year that finally put paid to the campaign to extend the Festival to five days. There were only 4 runners, all trained in Ireland, highlighting the lack of quality of the British-trained runners.
It is a good job that I was in the house on my own on Sunday morning when Nick Luck was interviewing trainer Charles Byrnes as the air turned very blue when it was announced that Shoot First had picked up an injury and would miss his engagement in the Pertemps final.
I saw him winning here in October and was convinced that he would win this so even the comfort of 'non runner no bet' couldn't ease my disappointment. This is certainly one that got away. I cant bring myself to pick an alternative as I am convinced Shoot First would have stuffed the winner had he ran.
Ryanair also sponsor the Mares' Novices’ Hurdle and have allowed the race to be named in honour of the late Jack de Bromhead' who tragically lost his life in a pony racing accident last summer.
It would be some story if Henry could win the race named after his son and add to the brilliant wins of the magnificent Honeysuckle on Tuesday and Maskada yesterday.
He has a chance with the unbeaten Magical Zoe but the lack of a recent run might count against her. Watch your Zoes here as Tony Mullins runs former Ascot Gold Cup runner up Princess Zoe, who also has a chance. Luccia, the short-priced favorite, is not a great jumper and could be vulnerable to a finisher here. It is a small stakes race for me, a few quid each way on the two Zoes.
So Scottish hasn’t been seen since November but has been favourite for the Plate since Christmas. He was beaten at Ascot on his last appearance but had a hat-trick of wins before that. He is trained by Grand National-winning trainer Emmet Mullins, who won this race two years ago with The Shunter. Emmet, like Charles Byrnes, rarely leaves the money in the bookies' bags when they punt one. I have missed the fancy prices but still think he is the most likely winner.
Gavin Cromwell has become one of the top trainers in Ireland in a very short time and knows what it takes to win here. He had to go a bit out of his way, Sandown to be precise, to ensure that Stumptown got a place in the Kim Muir which closes day three. Final Orders ran on from the back to nab fifth yesterday and reward those extra places punters. Always, always look for this concession, the each way Lucky 15 is still alive and a return guaranteed.
