It was a small amount of profit on Saturday with one winner from three.
It doesn't mean much, as the recent output over the last ten days has been shoddy.
Valiant Force was given a crazy ride by David Egan. He was drawn near the rail, and he felt the need to press forward and challenge for the lead. The horse used too much fuel and was tired with a furlong and a half left to run.
Hold The Serve proved he was ahead of the handicapper. He came under pressure turning for home, but kept finding for Sean Bowen. I think he could be better going the opposite way around, as he was lugging to his left on a few occasions.
Javert Allen simply doesn't stay 2m 4f. He didn't go from the front, but settled a lot better. He travelled nicely into the race, but found little in the dying stages. I think he needs a fast pace two mile race, and I think he could land a nice prize.
Majolique 11/8 (1pt) – Naas 2.30
I think in a race like this, which is a Juvenile Class 1 Listed race, it's worth chancing a stable and hurdling debutante from the Willie Mullins stable.
Willie does exceptionally well with the young horses and has done very well with his French imports over the years, especially juvenile hurdlers. We have a couple of horses in this race with okay form, but not spectacular, and that's why a newcomer is worth chancing.
I expected Majolique to be an odds-on shot, so the fact that she isn't is a tad surprising. Following the market will be a big indicator, but I do envisage her being backed in.
She has shown a winning attitude from her only start on the flat in France, beating an odds-on favourite, who has since recorded an RPR of 102, which bodes well.
Captain Guinness 13/8 (1pt) – Naas 4.30
I think you have to take on Blood Destiny in this race, and the only horse that appeals is Captain Guinness.
Blood Destiny is a talented horse, but isn't as good as many thought he would be when he was a front-running novice hurdler. He has won three races over fences, but has flopped on multiple occasions, including in Grade 3 races.
Captain Guinness is now an eleven-year-old and hasn't shown a glimpse of the ability he used to have, but he might have excuses. His first run of the season was on the back of a 200-day break, and his latest run was in a competitive Grade 1.
He hasn't been in a Grade 3 since 2022, which he won. If the same Captain Guinness turns up who finished second to Marine Nationale in April, I think he has a superb chance of winning this race.
GambleAware