Paul Ferguson has two selections for us on Monday; Rule The World in the Naas 2.15 and Don Cossack in the Galway 3.35. Compare odds and bet.
Despite Bangor being abandoned jumps fans will be in for a treat on Monday, as there are a couple of cracking National Hunt cards over in Ireland.
Naas stages a cracking renewal of the Grade 3 Poplar Square Chase and half an hour later, Mouse Morris’ Rule The World (2:15) makes his return to action in the Hospitality At Naas Racecourse Hurdle.
The six-year-old, who was a gallant second to The New One at the Festival, was last seen pulling-up at Punchestown in April when he injured his pelvis. Reportedly in fine shape now by Mouse Morris, he could easily develop into a World Hurdle contender this season and this looks an ideal starting point.
It is worth pointing out that the same connections’ First Lieutenant was well below par on his recent return, but this Sulamani gelding is a much leaner looking individual (well he was last year anyway) and he also won on his rules debut last October, after 11 months off. At the prices (opened up 9/4 with Paddy Power on Sunday evening) his fitness is worth taking on trust.
Jockey Davy Russell could be on the score-sheet earlier on the card, too, when Akorakor takes his chance in the opening maiden hurdle. He looks a promising type with a brught future, but might just need further in time, so is another best watched, as is the short-priced Defy Logic, who is an exciting chasing recruit later on.
With Russell at Naas, he misses the chase debut of Don Cossack (3:35) who is taken to make a winning start under Andrew Lynch. Held in the highest regard by Gordon Elliott, the six-year-old could well fulfill the promise of his bumper season now he goes chasing and the step up in trip should suit.
This is by no means a penalty kick, but the son of Sholokhov is taken to add his name to the impressive list of recent winners; this race has been won by China Rock, Jessies Dream (Elliott trained), Last Instalment (Gigginstown owned) and Lyreen Legend in the past four seasons.
Monday’s selections:
2:15 Naas: Rule The World; 13/8 Betfred
3:35 Galway: Don Cossack; 5/6 betvictor
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Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow 2013-14
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New for 2013-14:
Grade 1 winning jockeys Nick Scholfield and Jane Mangan provide readers with their horses to follow
Last years results included:
* Leading Prospects, Arvika Ligeonniere (x3), Boston Bob, Captain Conan (x3), Champagne Fever (x2 inc Supreme Novices’ Hurdle), Glens Melody, Melodic Rendezvous, Simonsig (Arkle) & Un Atout won 13 Grade 1 novice contests between them
* My Tent Or Yours won 4 times including the Betfair Hurdle and the Top Novices’ at Aintree
* Stable Round-Up included Neptune winner The New One, Scottish Champion Hurdle winner Court Minstrel and David Pipe’s Dynaste of whom it read “could follow the Grands Crus path of last year, starting in the Steel Plate And Sections before he is readied for the Feltham” – he won both races and also scored at Aintree in April
* Across The Sea – Mount Benbulben 14/1 winner of the Grade 1 novice chase at the Punchestown Festival
* Under The Hammer – horses featured in this section included Champion Bumper winner Briar Hill (25/1) and The Liquidator, who won the equivalent Grade 1 at Punchestown – this section has been greatly increased for 2013-14
