Paul Ferguson has one selection for us on Sunday; Gilgamboa in the Fairyhouse 16:20. Compare odds and bet.
Sunday’s renewal of the Grade 1 Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse looks an absolute cracker, with Gitane Du Berlais having been targeted at the race since winning at Sandown (has won over hurdles in France) and old advisories Apache Stronghold and Valseur Lido once again locking horns.
There was just a ½ length between the pair at Leopardstown in February and a short-head in the JLT at Cheltenham last month (both in favour of the former), but Valseur Lido won by 8 lengths over course-and-distance in the Drinmore Novice Chase and, though Apache Stronghold was inconvenienced by Real Steel jumping violently left, he can confirm that form back on softer ground and racing right-handed.
The conditions of the race will also suit Gilgamboa (4:20) who will relish the easier ground and the step back up in trip. Hugely impressive at Limerick over Christmas, he was put to the sword by Un De Sceaux in the Irish Arkle, before putting in a slightly laboured effort at Navan in mid-February.
The winner, to whom he was conceding 6lbs, went on to run a big race in the Festival Plate off 141, so the form still reads well, despite the fact it did appear he didn’t run up to his best. Enda Bolger’s seven-year-old arrives here slightly fresher than most and, at the odds (was around 7-1 on Friday evening), he looks the value each-way play.
Sunday’s selection:
4:20 Fairyhouse: Gilgamboa; 8/1 @ Stan James
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