The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Tyther Bookmakers, Killorglin
IN the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle I think Melon has gone way too short for me. But one I’d give a good shout out to is Moonracer. He is 3 from 3 at the rack which is very important at Cheltenham. In the Arkle I can’t see anything touching Altior.
I’m keen on Yanworth in the Champion Hurdle as he didn’t get the best of rides last year in the Neptune when he was taken wide the whole way round, but he was still second to Yorkhill. If he gets a better run this time he could go well. He hasn’t done much wrong this year and he’s currently around 4/1. You’d also have to respect Petit Mouchoir as he has been very impressive in Ireland so far this season.
The ground is so important at Cheltenham and I’d advice anyone to wait until the day to see what the going is like. In the Neptune, if the ground came up soft, I’d give Death Duty a good chance. As for the Champion Chase it’s all about Douvan. I actually laid a bet of €200 each way at 33/1 earlier in the year on Fox Norton.
In the JLT Chase I like Disko as he was very impressive at Leopardstown last month and the 2m 5f will suit him. I’d definitely give him a good chance in that.
In the Ryanair Chase the ground will have to be soft for Un De Sceaux to be at his best. But one that I’d give a good shout out to if he runs in this race is Empire of Dirt. Gigginstown already have plenty of options for the Gold Cup and he could be a good bet if he turns up for this race, he’s currently around 7/1.
In the Stayers’ Hurdle, and if the ground is good, I’d side with Cole Harden. He gave UknowwhatImeanharry a great race at Cheltenham last time out in ground he hates. He could be a good each way bet.
Moving to Friday. There’s a Gigginstown horse in the Triumph Hurdle called Dinaria Des Obeaux. He finished 3rd in Leopardstown in February and he hit the third last hurdle that day, but still kept on to be placed. You need a stayer for the Triumph and at 16/1 I’d give him an each way chance.
In the Gold Cup I just can’t see the winner coming from outside the top four in the betting. With Thistlecrack now out it’s made for an even more interesting race. Native River is improving all the time: he’s a good jumper and a strong galloper.
As for the Irish, it has to be Djakadam. He’s been placed twice in the race and this year they have given him a break leading up to it and I think he’s better than Outlander. But at the moment - and I’m conscious of not knowing what the going is yet - I would pick Native River.
If you’re looking for one in the handicaps there’s a horse in the Grand Annual Chase on Friday belonging to Arthur Moore called, Dandridge. He was second in the same race last year and I think he’s being primed for the race again this year, he’s currently around 12/1.
We’re also doing a ‘Cash Back’ special if your horse finishes 2nd to the favourite in selected races. We’re different to some of the other firms in that we’ll give you your cash back into your hand instead of a free bet. If you put on a €20 win and your horse comes 2nd to the favourite in a selected race, we give you that €20 back – not a free €20 bet as other firms do. That’s not the same thing.
People should call in to us during the meeting as we’ll have specials each day on selected races. We’ll also be paying out 5 places, usually in one of the handicaps.
We’re also paying a quarter the odds in all races.
“You could sleep with him. If I had him at home, I’d find it hard not to go to bed with him.” - Ted Walsh unable to contain his excitement after Faugheen won the Champion Hurdle in 2015.