’PINE AWAY
THURSDAY’S Thyestes was a really memorable renewal — one that will live long in the memory.
Paul Townend and rachael Blackmore have been competing against each other since they were kids and they produced another great battle at Gowran.
Blackmore’s mount ain’t That Shame finally got his head in front for a big handicap. He got around last of the 17 finishers in the aintree Grand national last year, but he looks stronger this season and will be an interesting contender if he lines up again after Thursday’s win.
Philip rothwell’s horses are in great form an MC ALPINE (1.05) can keep that run going by taking the opener at Fairyhouse today.
Steppenwolf and Battle Of Ridgeway are the obvious dangers, but Mc Alpine should relish the conditions and upset the odds.
Jack Kennedy is riding well at the moment and he can score on
PICTURES OF HOME (1.40) for Ted Walsh.
The eight-year-old won around here just before Christmas with Jack on board and this looks like a great opportunity for the pair to score again.
He stayed on well under pressure in the closing stages at Fairyhouse last month to hold off Kiln Time by a head and he will be a tough nut to crack here.
rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead can take the Solaria Mares novice Hurdle with LOOK TO THE WEST (2.15).
The six-year-old will love the ground and I was impressed with her performance at navan.
There will be plenty of support for Jade De Grugy and Brian Hayes takes over with Paul Townend at Cheltenham.
We’re used to seeing Kenny alexander-owned mares running for De Bromhead, but this time the Waterford handler can turn over the blue and white colours made famous by Honeysuckle with look To The West.
She will appreciate the step up in trip today.
Plenty
Mullins has plenty of firepower in the next with Houlanbatordechais and Western Diego, but Gordon elliott’s UNDENIABLE ALIBI (2.50) can pinch it.
He was a good point-to-pointer and should come on a lot for his last run. Conditions are right and today could be his day.
Ciaran Murphy can land the 2m4f maiden hurdle with MAGIC SADLER (3.25), while MOUNT SAINT VINCENT (3.58) can deliver for eric Mcmamara in the adare Manor opportunity Handicap Hurdle. Meanwhile Gordon should land the Bumper with MACHISMO (4.28). at Cheltenham, GA LAW (1.15) and ROYALE PAGAILLE (1.50) can take the big prizes. Finally, Tomorrow,
ZARAK THE BRAVE (2.10) should win the limestone lad Hurdle tomorrow at naas.