It’s the eagerly anticipated Return of the Jumps meeting at Fairyhouse Racecourse today, and there are seven races on the card; three steeplechases, three hurdles and a bumper. With tickets to Fairyhouse priced below the national average for a racecourse, according to the Racing Post, this is a meeting not to be missed. Read on for a full preview of the Fairyhouse card, courtesy of Boyle Sports, who provide all the latest horse racing betting.
We begin with a beginners’ chase over an extended two miles (1.42). Henry De Bromhead’s pair, Jane Eire and Full Of Life, both look decent, the latter having the edge as the first string, but Gavin Cromwell’s Come On The Lads may have the best chance as an improving five-year-old who is race fit, proven over this sharp trip and represents a yard seeing plenty of success.
Next is another beginners’ chase, this time over two and three quarter miles (2.17). There are only four runners here, one of which returns for the new season today – Barry Lyndon – while the rest are all already race fit. Barrow Ranger and Millforce have both been tried over fences previously, the latter have done so better. On hurdle form, he is the same quality as Kamikaz Du Plessis, but of course now has an experiential advantage.
Race three is a two-mile handicap hurdle (2.52). Tony Mullins’ Paul’s Dream has been knocking on the door of a win since the summer and, with Danny Mullins on board, he could have a chance today, but must prove that he can operate on the yielding ground. Cian Collins’ Must Meet Cecil looks a safer option after a good performance on today’s surface at Downpatrick last time, and he is given seven pounds by his rider.
An extended three-mile chase follows (3.27). William Harvey’s Midnight Moonshine could go well here, having been second of 11 over furlong less at Downpatrick last time on what was his chase debut, while Gordon Elliott’s Coffeys Forge makes some appeal, having won his first try over fences in the Spring. Fit from a hurdle run, he’ll be a big player for a top stable.
The fifth race is a mares’ maiden hurdle over two and a half miles (4.05). We have a handful of newcomers here; Bar Nonie, Lisnacurra Diamond and Susie Lenglen, all of whom will have to be very good on debut to beat Stephen Carey’s High Notions. This mare was only beaten just over three lengths on debut at Ballinrobe, and improvement should be on the cards. That said, Whitewinewednesday could have an even better chance, proven over the trip and yielding ground having placed third of 16 last time.
Our penultimate race is a two-mile handicap hurdle (4.40). Barry Connell’s Farrokh will likely be a big contender, having placed on each of his last three starts, but at topweight he does look vulnerable to the likes of Gordon Elliott’s Truckers Cruising, who has done well over this trip before in a maiden and could improve on a midfield finish last time at Navan under Jack Kennedy. Gavin Cromwell’s Cowper Hall also could pick up a place here under a claiming rider.
The finale is a ladies’ bumper (5.15). Kieran Egan’s Huckleberry Lad is the only newcomer, half brother to the promising bumper winner Block Rockin Beats, so could enter calculations. John Nallen’s Minella Jury, though, is probably our winner, after a good third of seven on debut at Downpatrick over a longer trip.
Fairyhouse selections – Saturday:
1.42 – Come On The Lads
2.17 – Millforce
2.52 – Must Meet Cecil
3.27 – Coffeys Forge
4.05 – Whitewinewednesday
4.40 – Truckers Cruising
5.15 – Minella Jury
