Thursday 17th October 2024
1.15 Curragh: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden: Kicking things off for me on Thursday will be the 1.15 at the Curragh which is a maiden over a mile. This looks like a good opportunity for Nobler to open his account for Joseph O’Brien and Dylan Browne McMonagle. He’s placed in both of his starts and sets the standard in this on the back of both of those runs, it would be disappointing should he not open his account here. Nobler – 2/1 (Win) (NAP)
2.25 Curragh: Equine Care Group – Nutritional Solutions Handicap: I’ll be staying at the Curragh for my second selection and this is handicap action over five furlongs. This is extremely competitive and I’m going with one at a big price in Mount Ruapehu for Andrew Slattery and Cian Hogan who takes off seven pounds. He’s actually been running better than some of his finishing positions suggest, as he’s not been beaten all that far in three of his last four starts. He’ll contest this off the same mark as his last winning one, which is effectively seven pounds lower with the rider’s claim coming into consideration and he also has a good draw. He could well outrun his odds. Mount Ruapehu – 20/1 (Each-Way) (5 place firms)
2.53 Wincanton: Fitzdares Handicap Chase: It’s over to Wincanton now for selection number three and this is a Class 3 handicap chase over three miles and a furlong. I’m taking a chance on Fantastikas in this for the team of Sam & Nigel Twiston-Davies. He’s not been seen since last December, however, comes into this looking on a very tempting mark. His yard have been in fine form as they so often are at the beginning of the campaign and he’s gone well fresh in the past. Fantastikas – 4/1 (Win)
3.00 Curragh: EquiTom – Equine Clinics Maiden: It’s back over to the Curragh for my penultimate pick and the 3.00 which is maiden action over a mile and four furlongs. I’m strong on the chances of Lilita here for Willie McCreary and Billy Lee. She’s placed in her last three maidens and her closest effort was her most recent outing where she stayed on strongly to finish half of a length second. This step up in trip looks as though it will bring out more improvement in her and she looks like a big player to me. Lilita – 5/2 (NB)
3.07: Carlisle: Whitehall Turret Club Novices’ Hurdle: My final selection of the day comes in the 3.07 at Carlisle which is a Class 4 novices hurdle over two miles and a furlong. I think that this can go to La Marquise here for Jamie Snowden and Gavin Sheehan. Her third placed effort behind Diva Luna in the Grade 2 bumper at Aintree back in April is by far the best form on offer here and she could well prove to be a cut above these if we judge her soley on that run. She also won two bumpers herself last term and could prove to be a very useful hurdler for connections. La Marquise – 5/2 (Win)
