Hi all,
Dive into today's article, where you'll find my Sunday Preview, offering insights and analysis for the day's horse racing action
Kelso's Scottish Borders National meeting succumbed to waterlogging, leaving the jumps action solely at Huntingdon for Sunday's Peterborough Chase Day. Despite six initial declarations for the Grade 2 Peterborough Chase, the likely withdrawal of Edwardstone, the ante-post favorite, shifts the focus to a showdown between Janidil and First Flow.
Willie Mullins-trained Janidil will aim to capitalize on the promising seasonal return behind stablemate Allaho. A high-class chaser, Janidil emerges as a strong contender in Edwardstone's absence. However, 2021 winner First Flow poses a challenge, with the 11-year-old displaying good form with a 4-length second at Ascot last month. The return to 2m 4f and soft ground enhances First Flow's claims.
Cork: El Fabiolo to Make Winning Return in Hilly Way
Over at Cork there’s a Grade 2 Novice Chase (1:45) and the most valuable race on the card which is the Grade 2 Bar One Racing Hilly Way Chase (2:15). The latter race has €59,000 on offer to the winner and sees’ the return of Champion Chase favourite El Fabiolo. It’s not a betting race unless you like to get stuck into 1/4 shots. Although some of Willie Mullins stars have been needing the run anything less than a win by the favourite will be a big shock.
Zenta Bids for Chase Debut Success in Grade 2 Contest
In the Grade 2 Mares Novice Chase (1:45) recent Gowran Park beginners chase winner Harmonya Maker takes on chase debutant Zenta, trained by Willie Mullins. The Aintree Grade 1 Juvenile Hurdle winner seems set for a triumphant chase debut, receiving a 6lb advantage from Harmonya Maker.
Cork's concluding contests are two handicap hurdles, notably the Bar One Racing “Guaranteed Overnight Prices” Handicap Hurdle (2:45). McGrath From Clune, The Banger Doyle, and Pride Of Place look contenders.
McGrath From Clune got off the mark for the first time over fences when successful at the Thurles 17 days ago. The 7-year-old is a ten race maiden over hurdles but went close over C&D in April.
The Banger Doylecame in for sustained market support (9/4) when an 8 ¾ length 4th of 15 at Thurles 17 days ago. Connections clearly think the 7-year-old is on a winnable mark and with a better round of jumping than last time won’t be far away.
Pride Of Placeproduced his first worthwhile piece of form when a 17 ½ length 6th of 18 in a maiden hurdle here (2m) last month. Today’s extra furlong will suit the 4-year-old who looks open to further improvement going handicapping for the first time.
Gold Haven eyes victory in the first time blinkers in the Greenvalley Transport Novice Handicap Hurdle (3:15). Top weight Champagne Mahler was a respectable 4 ¼ length 3rd of 12 at Wexford (2m) last month and is bred to appreciate the step up to 2m 4f on handicap debut.
Sunday Selection:
I had a couple of fancies in the Borders National but with that meeting off I’m struggling to find a solid betting opportunity. First Flow gets 6lb from Janidil and the 2021 race winner won’t be fazed by testing ground.
At Cork, Gold Haven equipped with first-time blinkers could capitalize on a favorable mark and looks overpriced at 16/1. Sadly he's a 14 race maiden on the flat and over hurdles so isn't a solid betting proposition.
Huntingdon
1:50 – I haven’t backed First Flow as I’m waiting for Edwardstone to be declared a non-runner other wise you’re in for hefty Rule 4. Rather sneakily a couple of bookmakers cut Edwardstone into 9/4. Given he won’t run what the hell is that about. I'm hoping for around 7/2.
Good luck with your Sunday bets.
John