Hi all,
In today's column, we delve into the forthcoming day of notable racing at Fairyhouse, marked by the presence of three Grade 1 contests. The day showcases the return of seasoned equine stars and value betting opportunities in the handicap races.
The absence of racing at Newcastle on Saturday meant no Constitution Hill in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle. One of Constitution Hill's rivals in the Champion Hurdle ante post betting, Impaire Et Passe, is poised for his seasonal reappearance in the Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle at 2:35. The race features four contenders, including the defending champion Teahupoo and the progressively improving handicap hurdler, Buddy One.
Among the trio of Grade 1 races on the Fairyhouse card, the Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at 1:25 sees An Tobar, aiming to build on the success of last month's hurdle debut over course and distance. Additionally, the Grade 1 Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase (2:00) features the clash of unbeaten novice chasers Letsbeclearaboutit and Found A Fifty against three rivals, promising a riveting contest.
Fairyhouse: Impaire Et Passe Puts Unbeaten Record on the Line in Grade 1
1:25 – Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) – 2m
An Tobar created a big impression when winning over C&D on hurdle debut. He’s got the looks to make a chaser in time, but he also looks an exciting prospect for hurdling before he turns his attention to the larger obstacles.
Encanto Bruno bounced back from a poor run at Galway to make 2-3 over hurdles at Cheltenham last month. He looks well worth his place in grade company but may prefer better ground.
Farren Glory improved plenty on last season’s hurdle debut when bolting up in a Clonmel maiden on his seasonal reappearance last month. He drops back 3f in distance here but didn’t look short of pace at Clonmel and is capable of better.
2:00 – Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase (Grade 1) – 2m 4f
Sharjah, despite being a 10-year-old, has taken well to chasing winning at Galway & Tipperary. His unbeaten record will come under pressure here, but he can’t be ruled out.
Letsbeclearaboutit, a useful staying novice hurdler last season finishing 4th in the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival, made it 2 from 2 over fences when winning a Cork Grade 3 Novice Chase last month. Already a better chaser than a hurdler he’s got strong claims of landing the hat trick/
Found a Fifty looked a novice chaser worth following when winning a Down Royal beginners chase 23 days ago. Last Year’s winner Mighty Potter won that race last year before landing this contest. Step up in grade for just his second start over fences but is open to considerable improvement and is my idea of the winner.
2:35 – Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle (Grade 1) – 2m 4f
Impaire Et Passe the best novice hurdler seen last season winning all four starts including the Ballymoreat the Cheltenham Festival and the Grade 1 at the Punchestown Festival. Presently third favourite for the Champion Hurdle and connections will be hopeful that he can maintain his unbeaten record and further stake his claims for March.
Last year’s winner Teahupoo is a worthy rival to the favourite but will need further rain if he’s to hold onto his crown.
Buddy One is a staying handicap hurdler who is firmly on the up and bids for the hat trick after wins at Galway and Cheltenham (3m). On Racing Post’s Topspeed figures he doesn’t have much to find with the favourite. I don’t see him beating Impaire Et Passe but he can go well and the 25/1 available with Bet365 & William Hill for the Stayers Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival will tumble should he finish close here.
Sunday Selection:
Fairyhouse
2:00 – Found A Fifty.
Good luck with your Sunday bets.
John