The flat racing season continues in the UK and over in Ireland on Sunday with horses looking to make their mark for the campaign ahead as already we begin to build up to the two sets of Guineas over the next month or so.
They race at Doncaster in England and over at Leopardstown in Ireland and it is the latter track which provides us with a pair of bets on what could be quite a stamina zapping card given the conditions.
4.20 Leopardstown
Preview
After surviving an inspection, there’s heavy ground to contend with so this mile and a quarter handicap for 3 year olds is going to be a bit of a stamina test. Aiden O’Brien and Ryan Moore have the favourite in Starry Eyed who’s only run in 3 maidens so far, failing to get her head in front and finishing a beaten favourite on this ground last time out. Aurifodina is a bit more experienced and goes well here, with a win and second to her name so she should be in a mix, whilst Dubai Spectre has been going well on the all weather but has been hit with a 2lb rise after going down narrowly at Dundalk 6 weeks ago.
Betting
At a big price, I like the claims of Evenings Empire for a yard in fine nick. She’s only been in the winners enclosure once from 7 starts but there’s plenty to suggest she can go well here. After 2 runs over the minimum trip, she was stepped up to 7 furlongs and won a Galway maiden on soft ground, and she was certainly value for more than the winning distance. She was then highly tried in pattern company and failed to show in both before running really well in a Premier Nursery when 4th off 4lbs higher. She tried to make all that day but was awkward around the bend but she did stay on well all the way to the line. It’s also worth noting that Dubai Spectre finished close up behind that day and is now 3lbs worse off. She again ran well on her final start in a big 2 year old sales races when 8th of 14 behind some very good rivals. Back down to 7 furlongs didn’t suit and she was outpaced at a crucial stage before staying on again. This step up in trip should suit if her dam’s side is anything to go by, and there’s not a load of pace on here so I’m expecting her to bounce out, be up with the pace and hopefully repel any late challenges. It’s going to be tough but she’s well worth a punt at these odds.
Tips
Back Evenings Empire (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 29.00 Bet365 BOG (⅕ odds 1-4)
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4.55 Leopardstown
Preview
Over a mile, there’s a nice field of 14 go to post for a competitive looking handicap where any one of Karlsberg, Eloquent Arthur and the well backed Comfort Line could go off favourite. The former hails from a yard going well but whilst her form and mark are right where they need to be, there’s a doubt over this trip especially on the ground. Eloquent Arthur is consistent and will run his race but he remains 7lb above his last winning mark whilst Comfort Line ran well in the Irish Lincoln last week and might be ready to strike if improving for that with a 7lb claimer taking over in the saddle. However, current odds are a little short to get seriously involved.
Betting
Instead, I’m going with Fools Glory. She won twice last year on soft ground, the first at Roscommon off a mark of 63 before going in again at Gowran Park off 65 when she was comfortably ahead at the line. In between that, she was 2nd off 67 and also had a couple of poor runs when she was reportedly in season. On her final run at Galway, she was drawn 15 of 17 so had to use up lots of energy from the gate to get her normal prominent position. She was right in the mix off the final bend before the front 2 pulled away but she did manage 3rd in a competitive race. Interestingly, the 1-2 were drawn in stalls 2 and 3 whilst the 5th horse home came out of stall 1, so I’m happy to upgrade the form of that race. She’s now 1lb lower and on similar ground so, provided she’s ready to roll, she appears to be right in the mix.
Tips
Back Fools Glory (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 11.00 Boylesports BOG (⅕ odds 1-4)
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