Mask will face up to task again
PUT on a Mask to rob the bookies of their Johnny Henderson Grand Annual cash.
Last year’s winner MASKADA (4.50) looks a good bet to land the Festival’s oldest race for the second successive year.
She came readily clear of Dinoblue 12 months ago, again ridden by today’s partner Darragh O’keeffe, with 2022 Grand Annual hero Global Citizen back in third.
The runner-up won her next four starts — including a Leopardstown Grade 1 chase at Christmas — so the form reads very well.
She’s yet to win in three starts this season but she has been running well in Listed and Graded races. Her third at Naas last month should have set her up nicely for the defence of her title.
Have 2pts each-way at 9-1. Most bookies are paying out on five places.
SHANBALLY KID
(2.40) is a fascinating runner in the Coral Cup.
Willie Mullins trains the likely favourite in Sa Majeste but I prefer his stablemate at around five times the price.
He ran really well at last year’s Festival in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle but he just failed to stay the 3m distance.
After struggling over fences on his return to action, he again didn’t see out 3m in a handicap hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival.
He could well be very well handicapped over this more suitable trip.
Have 2pts each-way at 25-1. Most firms are going six places with Sky Bet going to a generous eight.
Mares have a decent record in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper.
FLEUR AU FUSIL
(5.30) looks like a good one after winning both her races so far.
She’s pulled a bit too hard for her own good, so it’s to her credit that she was able to overcome those early exertions to win at Naas and Leopardstown. The hood she wears for the first time should help her settle.
Jody Townend (above), younger sister of Willie Mullins’ stable jockey Paul, keeps the ride having twice ridden her to victory.
Have 1pt each-way at 14-1. Plenty of bookies are going five places.
MONTY’S STAR (2.10) has looked a natural since switching to fences.
He won well on heavy ground at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve and he looks the right type for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.
Have 2pts win at