Angus McNae's top tips for Sunday: Poker Party holds all the aces
By Angus McNae
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
It’s been a frustrating week on the tipping front for me with two selections narrowly touched off at Meydan on Thursday, although one winner in the shape of Parsimony eased the pain. Hopefully the tide has turned.
There are two meetings on Racing TV on Sunday and I have four selections for you.
2.20 Huntingdon: Isolate
Angus McNae
Finished: 2ndSP: 3/1
A fairly useful Flat performer for Martyn Meade, rated in the mid 70s, he is now with Alan King and could make up into a fairly decent novice.
He certainly shaped with a good deal of promise on his debut for this yard. He finished second to Zoffee at Doncaster at the beginning of February, although beaten 11 lengths he in turn pulled 12 lengths clear of the third.
The big danger is Fearless, who is now with Olly Murphy and was a good third on his debut over hurdles. They should fight this out and I think Isolate may just have too much speed for his main market rival.
3.55 Huntingdon: Ibleo
Angus McNae
Finished: 2ndSP: 3/1
This horse is looking to complete a hat-trick of chase wins after a wind operation. His last success was achieved here at Huntingdon, where he was a very easy winner by almost ten lengths.
He could have won by much further than the winning margin and a 13lb rise in the weights is fully justified.
His new mark of 131 may still underestimate him and when Venetia Williams chasers get on a roll they are well worth following.
He has to shoulder top weight, but he is progressive and can bully inferior rivals.
4.40 Leopardstown: Poker Party
Angus McNae
Finished: 3rdSP: 13/8
This can be another winner for Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead.
He was an excellent fourth here last time out in the Paddy Power Chase. He was held up that day and undoubtedly inconvenienced by making a mistake at the eleventh fence when trying to make headway.
Thereafter, he made good headway all the way to the line to be a closing fourth without having a hard race. Before that he had won the Kerry National from Ravenhill at Listowel.
He drops back in trip, but he is a strong traveller and in testing conditions he will be fine at this 2m 5f trip. Anibale Fly is a clear danger but Poker Party will do for me in an excellent chase.
5.10 Leopardstown: Blazing Khal
Angus McNae
Finished: 2ndSP: 6/1
When Charles Byrnes horses are well backed we should all sit up and take notice. That was the case on this horse’s debut where he was heavily supported and went off the 13-8 favourite.
The money was left behind in what was a messy bumper at Naas. A very steady pace saw plenty of horses lining up for the late sprint and this horse was quite simply caught out by his inexperience.
Palpably green, he failed to pick up whilst hanging, but was getting the hang of things late on.
He will know a lot more this time and surely the heavy support last time out signals that he has plenty of ability. There are some unknown quantities in here but I think this horse will take a big jump forward.
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