Thursday was yet again all about Willie Mullins. The performance of Faugheen the machine would bring tears to the eyes of a statue. Travelling with the vigour of old, he powered clear in the final furlong to put 13 lengths between himself and the patiently-ridden Penshill. Such was his performance, Paddy Power have installed him as antepost favourite for the Cheltenham stayers hurdle in 2019. Footpad was at his faultless best and he looks sure to really test the mettle of the great Altior next year.
The trainer’s championship looks like it will return home with Willie Mullins as he still has a number of cards to play. Today’s card revolves around the Champion Hurdle and whether or not Samcro can brush aside his seniors like the novices he has encountered thus far.
16:20 · EMS Copiers Novice Handicap Chase (Grade A) (5YO plus) 2m 5f
Selection: Kemboy Win 9/2
19 challengers will head to post for this very competitive handicap chase. All of the top stables are represented and there is some strong form on show with a lot of horses having run at the Cheltenham festival. Sqauouateur disappointed at the festival and has proven very costly to follow but will likely turn in another solid performance without finishing in front. De Plotting Shed and Up for Review also stand out as potential place horses but they may just not be up to winning. The stand out contender appears to be Kemboy, the supreme racing syndicate may just have a real star on their hands.
Although his jumping can be quite sketchy at times, his ability was clear to see when beating Tombstone quite easily on his last outing. Paul Townend’s mount will certainly stay the 2m5f trip and if his jumping holds up, he should prevail with top weight.
19.10 Salessense International Novice Hurdle (4YO plus)
Selection: Deal D’estruval Win 4/1
Kuraka and Vengeful are totally unexposed and look like they may be horses for the future but the feeling is that today may prove too much for them as their lack of experience will be thoroughly tested. Riders On the Storm steps back in distance and will have no problems with the going, so will prove a decent each way proposition. The general consensus is that the top two in the betting will very much be to the fore and may even fill the first two places.
Deal D’estruval and Shady Operator have credentials that jump out in this field. Shady Operator has competed admirably in some pretty hot contests and his second to Sharjah is commendable. His main rival is a well related French import who runs in the famous silks of Mr Ricci. Deal D’estruval was strongly fancied for the Martin Pipe in March, something most certainly went amiss that day and he looks like he may compensate his followers with a victory today. Expect him to do his best work late on.
