Honey trap
LATEST EXHIBITION CAN SPRING SHOCK
LATEST EXHIBITION (2.40) can pull off the shock of all shocks by turning over the mighty Honeysuckle in the feature Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse this afternoon.
The mare has chalked up a fabulous 12 unbeaten outings over hurdles and on the official figures is on a different planet to her nine rivals here – but her biggest scare came on her seasonal debut in this race last year when just holding off the late lunge of Ronald Pump by half a length.
The first two home 12 months ago reoppose here but returning to hurdles for the first time in 20 months, it is the Paul Nolan-trained runner who looks a hugely attractive each-way play.
That last run over timber was a cracking neck second to Monkfish in the Albert Bartlett Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival when he was merely outstayed up the final climb.
Always a strong traveller and with a cracking record when fresh, I expect the eight-year-old to outrun his huge odds.
There are two more Grade One events on the card headed by Drinmore Novice Chase at over two-and-a-half miles.
Envoi Allen hacked up in this event 12 months ago but this afternoon’s renewal has more quantity than quality in it and it could pay to give FURY ROAD (1.35) another chance following his defeat to Gabynako here four weeks ago.
On that occasion, the selection was stopped in his tracks by a shuddering mistake early on and then was hampered at the eighth obstacle before running on strongly down the home straight.
The Royal Bond Novice Hurdle features several very talented young horses and MY MATE MOZZIE (1.05) is the one I want to hang my hat on. He travelled very strongly in the Grade Three For Auction Novices’ Hurdle at Navan before galloping clear from the final flight.
Jumping right on occasions that day, the switch to Fairyhouse looks sure to suit him and he can take another step forward to see off Mighty Potter, Arctic Warrior and the four-timer-seeking Impervious. In England, WHO’S IN THE BOX (2.50) – winner of the Lincolnshire National last season – should relish the final uphill climb in the extended three-mile handicap chase at Carlisle, while the giant CORNERSTONE LAD (12.45) has race fitness on his side in the novices chase.
The best wager at Leicester could be FAN FAN DE SEUIL (3.00) in the handicap hurdle, who is in receipt of 8lbs from top-weight Tinnahalla.