It’s Thyestes Day at Gowran Park, “The race that stops a County”. I’m kicking off my preview with the 1:20 with which is a Maiden Hurdle over two miles and four furlongs. It’s tough for me to see past the Willie Mullins trained AIONE here who’s to be ridden by Rachael Blackmore. He looked smart when winning a bumper earlier in the season and followed up with a decent effort when finishing second over hurdling bow the last day, he should be building on that here.
Aione (4/6)
Next up 1:50 is the Galmoy Hurdle, a Grade 3 contest that’s ridden over a distance three miles. I think Willie Mullins holds the key to this race as well with the top-class mare that is BENIE DES DIEUX who’s the mount of Paul Townend. She hasn’t been seen since her impressive win in the French Champion Hurdle when getting the better of Le Bon Coeur, however, if anywhere near her best she should be very tough to beat here. Apple’s Jade bounced back to form last time and is the obvious danger.
Benie Des Dieux (1/1)
Moving onto the 2:25 which is a Handicap Hurdle over two miles and four furlongs and this is one of the more competitive races on the card. I’ve taken a chance on IMPATIENT PARTNER here for Noel Meade. He’s having his first try in handicap company here and despite not showing all that much form in maidens and novice hurdles he has ran some decent enough races. He was seventh of eighteen in a race won by Andy Dufresne back in November and he may well prove a different proposition within a handicap.
Impatient Partner (17/2) (E/W)
The big one itself takes place at 3:00 which is, of course, the Thyestes Chase. A Grade A Handicap that’s ridden over three miles and four furlongs. Willie Mullins has an exceptional record in the race, winning it seven times and I think he’s every chance of adding to that tally in this year’s renewal with the eight-year-old CHEF DES OBEAUX who’s the mount of Robbie Power. He ran a solid race the last day in the Paddy Power at Leopardstown when finishing fifth, and it could be argued that he would’ve been even closer was it not for a mistake. If getting a clear round here it would be no surprise to see a bold effort.
Chef Des Obeaux (13/2) (E/W)
Following the feature is the 3:35 which is a Beginners Chase over two miles and I think this race can go to CAPUCCIMIX for Henry de Bromhead and Robbie Power. He’s contested two pretty hot chases so far this term, unseating behind Melon last time at Leopardstown and finishing seven lengths second behind the smart Cash Back the time before. There doesn’t look to be anything of their quality in this race and he should be going close here.
Everything Racing 