MO-GOLLY! KAUTO LOOKS GRAND

Yesterday's racing certainly did not disappoint with Faugheen, The New One, Al Ferof and Silviniaco Conti putting in impressive performances whilst others failed to fire. Cue Card was one of these, appearing to be a non-stayer. Dynaste's jockey Tom Scudamore was happy with his run although I'd have liked him to finish a little closer, especially for a horse who goes fairly well fresh. Taquin De Seuil was possibly the most disappointing out of them all but it seemed as though there was something amiss with him. You would hope he'd be back to fight another day but possibly in slightly lesser company than the big championship races, he just does not seem to be quite good enough to topple the likes of Silviniaco Conti et al. Other horses who ran respectable races include Somersby and Blue Fashion whilst a mention must be given to Aubusson, under an inspired ride by the eloquent Lizzie Kelly and Croco Bay, he turned a competitive handicap into a procession. His handicap looks sure to be smashed as a result though.

Today's racing features some more promising sorts, many of whom run in the 12:55. Both Martello Tower and Free Expression look smart staying novice hurdlers, but KAUTO GRAND MOGOL also has a good chance at a generous price. Being a half brother to the legendary Kauto Star, he is certainly a horse that many will be keeping a close eye on. A horse who's had his problems, Elizabeth Doyle's gelding showed no signs of letting them hinder him last time out with a smooth victory at Limerick. He has to overturn form with Martello Tower but it wouldn't be a surprise. Both of these horse should improve with time but hopefully Kauto Grand Mogol will improve past Margaret Mullins' representative.

Kauto Grand Mogol

Another big name who returns today is Vautour. He should take this novice chase (1:55) with aplomb but I do not deal with horses at 1/4 so CLARCAM is a rather speculative alternative. As a four year old, he receives 12 pounds from the Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner so that is clearly in his favour and his juvenile form is not too shabby. But of course, he'll have to do something special to stop another string in Rich Ricci's illustrious bow clocking up a success on chase debut.

Milsean is another favourite who should go in but SNOW FALCON's form is not that bad and looks the most likely contender in the 12:25 to cause an upset. He was second last time out behind another member of the Gigginstown juggernaut, Valerian Bridge, which makes him the favourite to beat Milsean out of the rest of the field.

The Troytown (2:25) is quite a tough race to decipher, with many of the line up having a realistic chance in this. Black Benny, Balbriggan, Bose Ikard and Nearly Nama'd all have decent prospects but the selections are OWEGA STAR, who will need to recapture some of his best form to win this but he cannot be discounted. His second behind Shanpallas over a year ago is proving to be very solid form. Davy Russell is a positive booking. The 2011 winner of this race, GROODY HILL, has had his problems since winning but he seems to be slowly coming back to his best. His win last time out showed he's in good spirits and is well handicapped on his best form. One who will have no problems with soft ground.

The 2:55 could see GIVE ME A BREAK complete the hat-trick. Based on her two latest victories, she should be there or thereabouts at the finish.

A Listed mares flat race (3:25) concludes proceedings. Twentytwo's Taken looks to have a massive chance and should take all the beating but she's quite a small price so BELLE OF THE MOOR is chosen to cause an upset. Jessica Harrington's 5 year old ran a nice enough race when fifth on debut and is likely to improve for it. Whether she will enough to win this is another question though.


Enjoy your Sunday


Happy Punting!