Smart novice hurdlers in Ireland

Easily the best race at today´s 5 meetings is the Grade Two novice hurdle at 16.55 CET at Thurles. There are only 6 runners, but they are all very promising, and the likely favourite Folsom Blue (Conor O´Dwyer/ Davy Russell), winner of his last 3 races, is regarded as a Cheltenham candidate. However he has to give weight to some dangerous opponents, so the result is no foregone conclusion. Certainly Willie Mullins´ two runners Toostrong (Paul Townend) and Hats and Heels (Ruby Walsh), both very lightly raced, look capable of dramatic improvement. Also at Thurles, we expect Saludos (Jessica Harrington/ Robbie Power), who ran a good race at Naas on Sunday, to defeat the Mullins entries in the chase at 15.25, but Mullins and Walsh should be back on the winning trail with Dare to Doubt in the mares beginners chase at 15.55.

In England, the best race is the Forbra Gold Cup at 17.00 at Ludlow, but despite its long tradition, this is nowadays just an ordinary 3 miles handicap chase. Rackham Lerouge (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) could be the answer to this tricky event; his latest starts have been very poor, but this faster ground could well be to his advantage.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Saludos - Tango Banbou - Shakervilz
2. Race: Dare To Doubt - Mayo Mystique - Present Promise
3. Race: Pocketfullapennies - Big Game Hunter - Next Week
4. Race: Folsom Blue - Lyreen Legend - Hats And Heels
5. Race: King Of The Refs - Bold Banks - Fourth Class
6. Race: Oscar Hill - Beckwith Star - Owennacurra Milan
7. Race: Casablanca Lily - Dantes Firth - Theboathome