Johnny Ward's Irish Angle: Make time for Famous Escape at 33-1
It's Arc weekend, but not as we know it, and now sadly devoid of Love and Battaash due to ground. It always confuses me how often they get soft ground in France. Maybe a meteorologist can explain. Meanwhile, we had lovely sunshine in Ireland on Friday and the ground should be drying at Tipperary and Gowran Park for Saturday's action, live on Racing TV.
12.45 Tipperary: Eternal Presence
There was a bit of chat about this Mastercraftsman, who shaped well, at Listowel. The ground was heavy and it did not seem to suit the Joseph O'Brien-trained runner, who could be an each-way price here. Druk, a Sea The Stars colt, did not shape badly at all on debut and is feared.
2.35 Gowran: Famous Escape at 33-1 with Betfair Sportsbook
This Fame And Glory-bred shaped really well on her handicap debut at Ballinrobe (not getting the extended three miles), having routed her rivals in a maiden there, and I am willing to give her another chance despite a tepid offering there latest when the ground perhaps went against her. Sean O'Keeffe is back aboard on the nicer ground now.
3.35 Tipperary: Starting Monday
I backed this horse at Listowel and felt on another day he would have won, for all that he did not help his chance at the start. The draw is problematic here but may make him a price and he should be rattling home. He's clearly handicapped to win.
5.30 Gowran: Static Jack at 20-1 with bet365
It is a long time since this horse won a course bumper for Ellemarie Holden but it was a better effort from him last time over hurdles and he reverts to chasing off 7lb lower. He might offer a bit of value here back at Gowran for Gavin Cromwell and will relish conditions.
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