Quick cash
QUICK GRABIM is the message to punters at Navan tomorrow.
The Oscar gelding is a rare thing – a Willie Mullins rising star who has gone under the radar.
We don’t think that will last long though as he is fancied to turn heads in the For Auction Novice Hurdle (1.05).
In his bumper days, the six-year-old was held in high regard by Robbie Mcnamara and was deemed good enough to run in the Cheltenham Champion Bumper.
It must have been a blow then to Mcnamara when Quick Grabim was moved to Mullins’ stable to try his hand over hurdles.
Two runs last season saw him go down a desperately unlucky loser behind Mind’s Eye at Fairyhouse before falling at the second at Leopardstown over Christmas.
The horse was then put away until September (novice status intact) when he easily won a maiden hurdle at Listowel.
Last time out though he was most impressive in seeing off some really useful yardsticks in Triplicate, Easy Game and Pearl of the West. The last named, for instance, has gone on to win at Cheltenham.
The main opposition is likely to be Gordon Elliott’s smart bumper performer FELIX DESJY but we think Quick Grabim could be a very smart type.
It’s a great national hunt card at the Meath venue and the highlight could be Apple’s Jade bid to retain her crown in the Lismullen Hurdle (1.35).
The mare is a worthy favourite but there are too many contenders to be taking a short price.
Gigginstown’s other runners IDENTITY
THIEF and DORTMUND PARK must both have serious chances based on the best of their form last year.
However, we are drawn at the odds to CONEY ISLAND, who could be a cracking each-way bet.
Eddie Harty has probably never had a more talented horse but unfortunately never a more fragile one either.
Last season, a confidence-boosting win at Ascot was dampened when he failed to complete on his return trip to the Berkshire track and then at Fairyhouse in April.
Both times his jumping over fences went askew. You only have to go back to his novice chasing and hurdling days though to see a huge amount of talent. And we are willing to give him another chance that a return to hurdles may spark some form at a big price.
Meanwhile, Naas hosts an eight-race card today and I advise supplementing any multiple bets with star jumper FOOTPAD in the Poplar Square Steeplechase (12.30).
QUICK GRABIM (11/8) Ruby Walsh can steer this improving six-year-old to a Grade 3 success tomorrow afternoon.