Sunday's Selections

After a disappointing effort from Houblon Des Obeaux it is back to the drawing board today. He never jumped or travelled and the writing was on the wall a long way from home. The best of today's action comes from Fairyhouse and there are a trio of Grade 1s at the county Meath course this afternoon.

I have written a detailed preview of the opening Juvenile Grade 3 which you can read here at the excellent Sportismadeforbetting blog.

The Royal Bond looks a tricky little heat and Willie Mullins holds a strong hand with the exciting Long Dog and the promising Bachasson locking horns and those two head the market. The Noel Meade trained Gunnery Sergeant looks like a viable alternative at 9/2 as he was in the process of running a big race before coming to grief at the 2nd last. If he can put in a clear round he could put it up to the Mullins pair at 9/2.

The Hatton's Grace looks a tricky heat from a betting perspective and again Mullins has the favourite with Arctic Fire. He also runs the unbeaten Clondaw Court who could represent a bit of value against the favourite at 15/2. However, at an even bigger price Snow Falcon is worth a second look. This 20/1 shot was only 5L behind Windsor Park in the Neptune at the Cheltenham Festival and is guaranteed to get the trip on what will be dire ground at Fairyhouse. He showed he was in good heart with an easy win last time at Naas and could sneak into a place at 20/1.

The handicap at 2.10 looks a very tricky heat to decipher and I have had a speculative each way bet on Coolaghknock Glebe. Christy Roche has his string in fine form and if this fella puts in a clear round he shouldn't be too far away. Some bookies are paying 5 places in this race so at 12/1 he looks worthy of a small interest.

The final Grade 1 of the day is the Drinmore and there are some very promising types due to go to post in this one. No More Heroes looks short at 11/8 for Elliott and Cooper while there is a case to be made for Monksland at odds of 9/2. However, Shantou Flyer has done nothing wrong on his last few runs and looks a progressive type. He handled the step up to Grade 2 company with ease last time and showed he handled bad ground well. At 16/1 he looks overpriced and he could give the more fancied runners something to think about.


STEVOS' SELECTIONS: 1.10 GUNNERY SERGEANT 9/2
                                              1.40  SNOW FALCON 20/1 EW
                                              2.10 COOLAGHKNOCK GLEBE 12/1 EW
                                              2.40 SHANTOU FLYER 16/1 E/W