There are seven races to get stuck into today at Fairyhouse, with the Listed Blenheim Stakes as the feature contest, supported by a maiden, four handicaps and a claiming race across the late afternoon card. Read on for a preview of and tips for the Fairyhouse card, brought to you by BetBrothers.
First up is a two-year-old’s claiming race run over seven furlongs (15.50). There are just six runners here, the best of which on form at the moment is Ger Lyons’ Cudawudashuda, who was a good fourth of 10 last time at Naas and is equipped with first-time blinkers here today. Tio Joao has shown some improvement and could factor, which Shesthedevil has kept reasonably consistent and could get involved.
Next is a seven-furlong fillies’ maiden (16.25). River Trieux was second of eight over a mile last time, while Divine Legend has done some of her best work over this trip before and is worth considering. Nautic Star is tempting for Jessica Harrington but seems better over a mile. The newcomers must be watched for now and could turn out to be anything.
Race three is a seven-furlong handicap (16.57). Naoi is back to a more competitive mark now and has the benefit of Billy Lee in the saddle, so might recapture winning form. Rappell was good at Laytown last time but is still a little high in the weights. Thru And Thru might be overlooked at the prices and could be worth an each-way play, though she is better on softer.
The fourth race is another seven-furlong handicap (17.27). Market leaders Mia Dahlia and Never The Same make their handicap debuts here, the former having won last time out by an impressive five lengths. This will be harder, and her stablemate (the latter) looks tempting with a seven-pound claimer on board. Glory To Be stands a good chance also and could place at least.
Our feature race follows; the Listed six-furlong Blenheim Stakes (17.57). Golden Alibi and Catuai are both newcomers who must be well thought of at home to debut here, while our top-rated of those with form is the favourite; Livenka. This filly has run at Group Three level and is certainly the one to beat in the market, but Paddy Twomey’s Big Negotiator is arguably better proven and could be well placed to win this.
Second to last is a six-furlong nursery handicap (18.27). Aidan O’Brien’s Captain James Cook has quietly been making some progress this term and he could be ready to pounce now, while Scarlet Dream also makes some appeal with Colin Keane in the saddle. Ocean Surge also should be capable of at least a place in this company.
Last of all is a six-furlong handicap (18.57). Irish Rumour has been very consistent of late and goes well for rider Orla Tynan, so she is justifiable favourite. Four Blondes is on a very attractive handicap mark now, though, and should be taken very seriously after a good run at the Curragh last time for sixth of 27.
Fairyhouse selections – Monday:
15.50 – Shesthedevil
16.25 – Divine Legend
16.57 – Thru And Thru e/w
17.27 – Never The Same
17.57 – Big Negotiator
18.27 – Captain James Cook
18.57 – Four Blondes
