MICHAEL - Cork 3.15 Novice Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles 4 furlongs - 22 run - Soft

 

A basically Flat and fairly easy right handed Track and one which usually drains very well and only rarely gets very deep. 

 

A market dominated by the top few although the main pair MAGIC CONQUEROR and BLOSSOM DE MAI do look very strong but also very decent value at 4-5/1 range. I will have a reverse f/cast on them and personally a small side e/w on both as they are solid.

 

There are though another 3-4 who really interest me now for today at nice each way prices and another 3-4 who are well worth TRACKING as long term prospects but not invested in today.

 

I think that the likes of Tingarran Express may need the run, One Big Bang may win races in time but not today, Champagne Mahler who comes from the De Bromhead yard with Rachel up has been disappointing so far but may show more here upped in trip but there are a few more I think will be more likely today based on known form. Thelonglad will win more races probably over shorter trips though, Duke Otto has a very distinct Flat pedigree and may just find this too far in soft conditions, Artor is on a declining mark and might find a level it can win off at some point in the not too distant future. West Away came VERY close to an investment and could improve for the trip and will be the reserve in case of a non-runner. 

 

At very big prices I gave a bit more of a second glance to Miala Araya @ 40/1 who has shown a few glimmers of form running prominently and this Course would suit, one for the £1 e/w brigade.

 

To take on Magic Conquerer and Blossom De Mai though I have 4 who I very confident would be winning and placing in this if you took those top 2 out of the equation.

 

C'EST RIEN is a bit more exposed than some and deserves a win, the trip and Course will suit and I'll be very disappointed if this one isn't in the money in the first 5 home. I'm a lot sweeter on GLORIOUS SINGER than the early odds would suggest. it was in good form last Autumn at this sort of trip, has been running over shorter but is now race fit, some of that form was in the mid 90's and today's mark of 80 with a  7 lbs claim is eye-catching at 25/1 ish.

 

GOLD HAVEN is best on better ground but can cope with soft and again this Course should suit it, I think it's a decent each way poke with some Flat race fitness. The experienced Chaser AODHAN MAY who has Chase wins at this trip and 3 miles is not exactly thrown in off a reduced Hurdle mark but there aren't too many outside of the top 2 with it's proven ability to win races and off 83 with a 7lbs Claim is another whose mark does jump off the page!

 

Tips (1) C'Est Rien / (2) Glorious Singer / (3s) Gold Haven / (4s) Aodhan May - (see notes re top 2 to have side bet if you wish but these are my main 4 selections)

 

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