COME IN FOR THE ‘COLD’ AT WEXFORD: Shamrock rates one or two Wexford runners as stars of the future today, plumping for the five-year-olds over the older horses in novice events. A former Irish Classic colt has an each-way chance in the Melbourne Cup.
As ever, there’s Star value on Betdaq today. I’m talking Beckwith Star at Wexford (3.50), gently handled over hurdles as he’s reckoned to have a future over fences.
Today’s the day and what better time than when Waterford trainer Henry De Bromhead is unbeatable; well almost. I’d put it this way: if they stand up, they’re in the frame. At around 5-1 this morning, an each-way bet was begging.
When you see that Michael Hourigan has one at Wexford – and that it’s running for Gigginstown – you take an early price though, in the case of Best Served Cold (2.45), the market was tight as the finish could be.
Leading course trainer, with five from 11, Hourigan saddles a five-year-old here, and that’s the first edge over the likely favourite, Pickapocketortwo, who’s now seven.
Of course it’s usually folly to oppose the Willie Mullins’ yard but he, himself, confirms the age war – have youth on your side in novice events – having won the race last year with a two-years-younger horse.
I’m sticking to my guns on this one in the handicap chase: at five, Groody Hill (3.15) landed a massive gamble when striking form over fences at Punchestown.
The obvious danger, Ardglen, looks exposed and – also aged seven now – will have to find something more to beat back the young pretenders.
The Irish Derby third of 2009, Mourayan, has raced four times in Group races at Flemington but his Oz career has never looked better than his Group-1 second in a top trial for this a couple of days ago.
A sound chance in the Melbourne Cup.
SHAMROCK’S BETS
NAP: Groody Hill (3.15 Wexford)
NEXT BEST: Best Served Cold (2.45 Wexford)
OUTSIDERS: Rawnaq (2.10 Wexford), Mourayan (04.00 Flemington, tomorrow)
DAQ TRIO: Best Served Cold (2.45 Wexford), Groody Hill (3.15 Wexford) and Beckwith Star (3.50 Wexford)
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