Sunday horse racing tips: Angus McNae's bets for Thurles
Thurles takes centre stage on Racing TV on Sunday, and I have four selections on a card that features some star names, including Chacun Pour Soi and Fakir D’Oudairies who clash in the Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase at 1.40pm. Best of luck.
On the evidence of his return at Leopardstown over Christmas, this star two-miler retains all of his ability, and with 6-4 available with William Hill, he rates a bet.
He lost all chance in the Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase with a bad blunder two out, but he would have definitely finished second to Blue Lord had he not made that mistake.
He will be better for the outing and should be able to dominate this field. I am not put off by the fact that he is stepping up to two and a half miles, as there seems to be no reason why he will not stay.
His usual slick jumping at a two-mile pace over this trip should put his rivals to the sword here.
This consistent chaser can score again here. Gordon Elliott has him in really good form and since joining this yard from Nicky Henderson, he has not finished out of the first three.
His prominent style of racing will be well suited to a race that appears to not have much pace signed on.
On his first start in a handicap for this yard last time out, he was a good second over what was an inadequate two miles. The step up in trip to 2m5f can only help his cause and with Davy Russell on board, he looks to be a very solid option.
2.40 Thurles: Belle The Lioness
I tipped this mare last week but she was a non-runner, and I am happy to side with her again in a race that she should not be hard pressed to win.
She shaped with a good deal of promise when second here at Thurles in a Listed contest last time out behind the progressive liberty Dance.
She was a little unlucky that day, too, as she was forced to switch approaching the last and lost momentum.
That was just her third start and she is open to plenty of improvement, so I expect Rachael Blackmore can guide her to an easy success here.
This mare can initiate a double for Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore. The six-year-old gets to run in a handicap for the first time off a fair rating of 119 and, being lightly raced, is open to progression.
She won easily here on her rules debut and was then well beaten in a strong Mares Hurdle but would probably have finished third had she not made a bad mistake at the last.
The selection will find things easier in this company, and Henry de Bromhead has his horses in great form, which is another positive.
