Paul Ferguson has two selections for us on Sunday; Renneti 15:50 and Wicklow Brave 16:20 both at Fairyhouse. Compare odds and bet.
Aintree might be over, but Fairyhouse stages a cracking card on Sunday, where there are a couple of really interesting Grade 2 novice hurdles.
The 2m4f contest sees the return to action of Noel Meade’s Apache Stronghold, who looked a high-class prospect earlier in the season. He has to shoulder a 5lb penalty here, however, and preference is for Renneti (3:50) who has also been off for just over three months.
The son of Irish Wells was last seen falling at the last at Limerick over Christmas, when he had the race at his mercy, having earlier won his maiden impressively before chasing home The Tullow Tank in the Grade 1 Royal Bond. Arctic Fire and Very Wood franked that form at Cheltenham and the step up in trip should bring about further improvement here.
If he is fully wound up for this return (did hold multiple entries at Cheltenham last month as well as at Aintree, more recently) he looks set to put up a very bold show and opened up at 4/1 with Bet365 on Saturday.
Half an hour later his stable-mates Valseur Lido and Wicklow Brave (4:20) take each other on in the 2m contest, with preference for the latter.
Both also skipped possible engagements at Aintree in favour of this and, while the selection would ideally prefer better ground, this easier track will suit, having failed to see out the Supreme Novices’ at Cheltenham.
He travelled really well that day and was second behind Vautour over the final flight, only to tire in to sixth. Josses Hill boosted that form at Aintree on Friday and Paul Townend can complete a big race double. He opened up 7/4 last night.
Sunday’s selections:
3:50 Fairyhouse Renneti
4:20 Fairyhouse Wicklow Brave
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Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow 2013-14
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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
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* 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
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