It doesn’t look as though there will be a great deal of racing on in the UK this weekend as the cold snap hits.
Sunday at Thurles
It could be another good day for team Mullins. They should win the first (13:10) with Allegorie De Vassy 1/8, who looked a natural over fences last time. She’s got plenty of class and should make light work of these.
The biggest race of the day is the Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase (13:40), which sees Chacun Pour Soi 7/4 going up in trip. He’s 11 now, so his best days might not be ahead of him, but we all know how much class he does have. I’m looking forward to seeing if going out in trip helps him. It’s a proper race.
Three horses who finished behind Galopin Des Champs in the John Durkan all run, and of them, Lifetime Ambition 14/1 could be the one to chase home Chacun Pour Soi. I think he’s been solid in all of his runs this season and has clearly improved.
The last race on the card (16:10) should go the way of Billaway 10/11. Patrick gave him a smashing ride at the Festival last year as they got up on the line and this will be the first race on the road to retaining that crown in March.
Sunday at Lingfield
You have to give huge credit to Lingfield Park for putting on the Winter Million. I know the weather hasn’t helped them this year, but the prize money is grand. They’ve got some competitive races and you’d expect Gary Moore will have a winner or too at his local track. If Haydock doesn’t survive the weather and Lingfield does, Bristol De Mai should take some stopping in the Fleur De Lys Chase (14:00).
I know where I’ll be on Sunday afternoon…watching Thurles and Lingfield from the sofa!
Saturday at Navan
I’ve gone through the card at Navan tomorrow and I like the look of Drop The Anchor SP in the 13:07 for Pat Fahy. He’s a classy animal who has won some decent races in the past. His last run was in November when he won the November Handicap at Naas. His rider Aidan Kelly looks great value for his 7lb claim, too.
Saturday at Haydock
Lac De Constance SP unseated his rider in the Wayward Lad at Kempton over Christmas, but he was going nicely before that, and I was impressed with him when he dotted up there the month before. It’s only a three-runner race (12:20) and they can be messy, but he’s got lots of potential. It won’t be easy, though. Stage Star has loads of ability, too.
If Haydock goes ahead, I’m looking forward to seeing two old favourites of mine running. In the Champion Hurdle Trial (14:05), Epatante 4/7 should take all of the beating. She’s been running in the backside of Constitution Hill this year and although she would prefer quicker ground, she’s much the better horse, especially with the mares’ allowance.
When you think of Haydock and deep ground, you think about Bristol De Mai 11/4. He loves it around there and, while he might not be the horse he was, his rating of 154 must give him a solid chance (14:40) in conditions he’ll love.
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