Paul Ferguson has three selections for us on Wednesday – 2 at Fairyhouse, including Zaidpour (12.20), and 1 over at Bangor
A high quality day’s racing either side of the Irish Sea, the most exciting youngster on show on Wednesday is Zaidpour (12:20) in the Grade 1 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
The four-year-old was highly regarded when arriving from France last year and he made a hugely impressive debut over timber at Punchestown last month.
The drop back in trip should not be an issue and I will be disappointed if he doesn’t maintain his 100% record.
Mikael D’Haguenet (2:30) returns from a 593-day lay-off for the same connections and, despite being thrown in at the deep end, the son of Lavirco can land the Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase.
He has reportedly schooled well and finished second in a chase at Auteuil before arriving in Ireland. Though he is likely to improve for the run, Willie Mullins is sure to have him ready to do himself justice and his class can see him home.
On the domestic front, Newbury stages a fascinating card, but for the final selection of the day I’m heading to Bangor. The 2m1f novice hurdle has gone the way of some classy sorts in recent years, namely Garde Champetre, My Way De Solzen and Peddlers Cross last year, and Backspin (1:50) can add his name to that illustrious list.
A very impressive bumper winner at the Punchestown Festival in April, he has since joined J P McManus and Jonjo O’Neill and this looks a suitable starting point.
Wednesday’s selections:
12:20 Fairyhouse Zaidpour
1:50 Bangor-On-Dee Backspin
2:30 Fairyhouse Mikael D’Haguenet
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Last year’s selections included:
Hurricane Fly: 3/1 winner of the G1 Rabobank Champion Hurdle
Copper Bleu: 12/1 winner of the Jewson at Cheltenham
Great Endeavour: 18/1 winner of the Festival Plate
Tranguil Sea: 11/2 winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup
Sizing Europe: 6/1 winner of the Arkle
Weapon’s Amnesty: 10/1 winner of the RSA Chase
