1:30pm Triumph Hurdle
The Spring Juvenile hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival looks to be the strongest piece of form on offer, so that brings VAUBAN and FIL DOR into the race as the most likely winners. PIED PIPER was an impressive winner here on Trials Day and needs to be included, as does PORTICELLO who looks to be the best of the British trained runners.
2:10pm COUNTY Hurdle
I LIKE TO MOVE IT was 2nd in the Betfair and ran very well when winning here in the autumn, a rise of 4lbs for his Newbury effort still leaves him fairly treated. WEST CORK won the Greatwood hurdle here in November and is worth including in a race his yard has won before. COLONEL MUSTARD brings Grade 1 Novice form into the festival and looks to be well treated on his mark of 140 too.
2:50pm Albert Bartlett
HILLCREST has done very little wrong so far and was an impressive winner here on New Years’ Day, he looks just the type to do well in this race. As does MINELLA COCOONER who made all the running to win at the DRF and could do the same again.
3:30pm GOLD CUP
A PLUS TARD and MINELLA INDO fought out a great finish in this race 12-months ago and should be involved once again. PROTEKTORAT has been very carefully campaigned this season and is easily the best of the British whilst GALVIN has a great record at Cheltenham and could add to his Savills Chase victory.
4:10pm HUNTERS’ CHASE
BILLAWAY has finished 2nd in the last 2 renewals of this race and should go well again under Patrick Mullins. WINGED LEADER has won his last 5 and looks to be the biggest improver in the field for David Christie. Whilst we must include BOB AND CO as everyone in racing would love to see David Maxwell have a festival winner and the better ground should suit his 11-year-old.
4:50pm MARES’ CHASE
ELIMAY was an unlucky 2nd in this race 12-months ago and should go close again, whilst ZAMBELLA has improved this year and was unlucky to fall in last year’s race when travelling well.
