Angus McNae's top tips for Sunday: Calivigny on course for more success
By Angus McNae
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Just the two meetings on Racing TV on Sunday at Ayr and Thurles. As always four selections from me at those tracks.
12.40 Ayr: Zambezi Fix
Angus McNae
Finished: 3rdSP: 13/8
This can be another winner for Gordon Elliott on a day when he has plenty of chances.
This is not a strong race and I think Zambezi Fix has been found an ideal opportunity. Richard Johnson takes the ride and should win if his mount can eradicate the late errors that he made at Limerick last time.
That day he cruised into contention looking likely to win before making bad blunders at the final two flights.
It could be argued that he shaped like the best horse in the race there given how he travelled. Compensation awaits here.
1.00 Thurles: Behind The Curtain
Angus McNae
Finished: 4thSP: 9/2
In a weak looking maiden hurdle this horse sets the form standard and I am slightly surprised he is not favourite.
He was having his first run for the Philip Rothwell yard after leaving Noel Meade when finishing a decent second in a novice hurdle at Down Royal.
That was a better race than this and a repetition of that effort will see him go very close.
He was a little keen that day but still saw out the two- mile trip strongly enough. Hopefully, he will settle a little better here and get his head in front.
1.35 Thurles: Festival Dex
Angus McNae
Finished: 4thSP: 7/4
This looks to be something of a match race between my selection and Monkfish.
There is no doubt that Monkfish is a horse with a lot of potential and he will be a tough nut to crack but I am keen on Festival Dex for Elliott and Davy Russell.
This horse is unbeaten in two starts, having won a Punchestown bumper and a strong looking novice hurdle at Navan.
That win came over two miles under a super confident ride from Russell and this step up in trip to 2m 6f should suit. I expect another patient ride here and I can see him running down Monkfish in the closing stages.
ayr
13:05 Ayr - Wednesday November 13
Calivigny won at Ayr a couple of races ago
3.00 Ayr: Calivigny
Angus McNae
Finished: 4thSP: 9/2
The angle with this horse here is twofold. Firstly, he goes well here as he proved when easily winning a hurdle here two starts ago and secondly he is a front-runner who could get an easy lead out in front.
The drop back in trip is also a plus given that he was a palpable non-stayer over three and a quarter miles last time out.
Aloomomo is a big danger, in his bid to follow up a recent cosy success, but the tactical advantage lies with Calivigny.
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