Sunday 10th December 2023
Author: Jordan Yates (EvRacing_)
Welcome aboard to this Sunday Preview where the focus is on Cork where it’s Hilly Way Chase Day. I’ve decided that I’ll start sharing my verdicts on the big race of the day in which the preview is named, as previously I’ve been leaving some of them out if the likely winner is trading short in the betting. As ever though, please gamble responsibly.
12.45: Bar One Racing “Guaranteed Multiples All Shops” Maiden Hurdle: I’ll kick things off with the 12.45 which is a maiden hurdle over two miles and a furlong. This can go to Western Diego who heads the betting for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend, he looked progressive in his first two outings in bumpers last term, winning his first start over rules impressively before finishing seventh in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival. He bombed out at Punchestown, however, he’s still got the best form on offer in this and should go well. Western Diego – 11/10 (Win)
1.15: Singletons Supervalu Stayers Novice Hurdle: It’s Grade 3 action up next with this staying three-miler for novices taking centre-stage. I’m taking the hot favourite Mahon’s Way on here, and I’m doing that with Search For Glory who’s currently a 3/1 chance for Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy. I’m not convinced by the form of the favourites maiden win last time out, whereas, Search For Glory’s form has much more substance to it. He’s ran well at this level before and bolted up at Galway over two miles and five and a half furlongs back in October. The yard is in red hot form, and he’s the one for me. Search For Glory – 3/1 (Win)
1.45: O’Flynn Group Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase: Next up it’s the 1.45 which is a Grade 2 Mars Novice Chase over two miles and half of a furlong. It’s hard to see past Zenta here who currently sits at the top of the betting for Willie Mullins and Mark Walsh. She looked a highly progressive recruit last term, winning a Grade 3 before placing in the Mares Chase at Cheltenham behind Lossiemouth, and then finally claiming Grade 1 honours at Aintree. That’s by far the best form on offer here, and she also receives a weight allowance from the rest of the field. Zenta – 11/8 (Win)
2.15: Bar One Racing Hilly Way Chase: The feature race of the afternoon comes up at 2.15 and this is the Grade 2 Hilly Way Chase that’s also contested over two miles and half of a furlong. It’s impossible to oppose El Fabiolo here who’s another contender that sits firmly at the top of the market for Willie Mullins, this time the mount of Paul Townend. He won three Grade 1s on the bounce last term, signing off with victories in the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival and then the Grade 1 novice at Punchestown. It would be a massive shock should he not get the better of this opposition – El Fabiolo – 1/5 (Win)
2.45: Bar One Racing “Guaranteed Overnight Prices” Handicap Hurdle: It’s handicap action at 2.45 with a competitive handicap hurdle over two miles and a furlong. I’ve sided with Ricky Bobby here who represents Tim Doyle and is currently trading at a best price of 5/1. He posted a fine effort on his most recent outing when finishing half a length second at Thurles last month, he’s also a course and distance winner and if building on that last run here he’s got every chance off just three pounds higher. Ricky Bobby – 5/1 (Each-Way)
3.15: Greenvalley Transport Novice Handicap Hurdle: The concluding race of the afternoon is the 3.15 which is another handicap hurdle this time over two miles and four furlongs. I’m taking a chance on the unexposed Champagne Mahler here who’s currently an 11/2 chance for Henry De Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore. He ran a solid race last time out at Wexford when finishing third of twelve in a maiden hurdle, progressing from his opening run of the campaign. He’s upped in trip here and could have more to offer now handicapping. Champagne Mahler – 11/2 (Each-Way)
