Fairyhouse racing tips and best bets as Heart Wood napped for glory in the big one
HEART WOOD (2.05) can dominate the Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse.
Firefox is favourite after hosing up at Down Royal but Heart Wood looks a big threat for Henry De Bromhead. The six-year-old beat Corbetts Cross at Wexford to tune up for this and can give Rachel Blackmore's super-sub Darragh O'Keeffe yet another major win.
The owners also have Stayers' Hurdle winner TEAHUPOO (2.40) in the Hatton's Grace and Gordon Elliott's superstar goes well fresh. It's a brilliant clash against Lossiemouth who is looking to develop into a Champion Hurdle candidate. The 2m 4f trip might stretch her, especially if Jack Kennedy ensures that it's not tactical and pushes on from the front on Teahupoo.
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Elliott can also land the Grade 2 Royal Bond with ROMEO COOLIO (1.35) . If Where It all Began is ready to go after eight months off, he has to go close in the Listed Porterstown Chase. The eight-year-old progressed to finish a fine fourth in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham.
However, the form of the Cork race between POSITIVE THINKER (1.05) and Sphagnum looks decent and the former is the pick. There's some good action just across the border at Carlisle.
Caldwell Potter is by far the most exciting horse on the card with the expensive purchase dodging Newbury to make a debut here. Unfortunately, he is going to be far too short to bet, so he isn't tipped.
In terms of punts, John McConnell enjoyed a winner here recently and brings yet another decent talent in the shape of LIEUTENANT MAYNE (1.25) . This dual bumper winner had no trouble coasting to victory on hurdles debut three weeks ago at Naas. McConnell's horse should build on that effort despite a stiff penalty and a repeat would see another win with Ben Harvey taking 5lb off in the saddle.
ILLICO DE COTTE (1.55) can build on some good track form to score over fences. Dan Skelton's gelding made a winning chasing bow here five weeks ago. Skelton's raider can improve for that outing and, if he does, he has to go close in a trappy race.
GAVROCHE D'ALLIER (2.50) looks a very interesting contender at Leicester. The eight-year-old has been off for ages since leaving Milton Harris and moving to Olly Murphy. It's fascinating that Murphy has chosen this contest for the return and the stable is in good nick. He's worth a crack.
The handler also has a short one in HARA KIRI (1.45) and that should put another one in the bag for title-chasing jockey Sean Bowen.