The Betway ambassador previews his two rides at Gowran Park on Thursday, together with why he has chosen to journey Captain Cody within the Thyestes Handicap Chase.
I journey Captain Cody within the ‘race that stops the county’
I’m wanting ahead to Thursday’s card at Gowran Park. The characteristic, the Thyestes Handicap Chase (15:30), is a big race domestically. I’ve lived close to to Gowran for a very long time now and if the Melbourne Cup stops the nation in Australia, this race does the identical to Kilkenny – it stops the county! Till you reside across the place and witness it, it’s onerous to consider. Even folks that don’t observe racing domestically, observe the Thyestes and go and assist that day. It’s an enormous deal round us at dwelling. It’s been a fortunate race for me, I’ve gained it two of the final three years and the yr in between I got here second.
It’s a typical open renewal and it’s going to be heavy floor. It’s a aggressive race and I don’t assume there’s any ‘stand-out’ horse in it. In such a stamina take a look at I’ve gone for Captain Cody 13/2 . He’s received two runs underneath his belt already this season – together with a superb run when third within the Grade 1 Drinmore, over a visit approach too quick for him. His run at Leopardstown over Christmas wasn’t too dangerous both. This prolonged three-miles will certainly go well with him, though horses in direction of the highest of the weights would possibly discover it more durable on this floor. It’s going to be a slog of a race. We’ve had quite a lot of rain, and it’s forecast to maintain raining.
One of many apparent risks in opposition is Higher Instances Forward down the underside of the handicap for coach Robert Tyner. He’ll keep the journey, is unbeaten this season and has a featherweight on his again – with Mark Walsh doing 10st 5lb. Nearer to dwelling, Excessive Class Hero has prime weight, however he’s a cultured particular person. Quai De Bourbon’s run within the Irish Nationwide was additionally excellent, however he was pulled up at Navan on his reappearance this season.
Earlier on the cardboard I journey Funiculi Funicular 7/4 within the Rookies Chase (14:55). I’ve caught with him regardless that he was behind King Alexander in a race earlier this season in Naas. I hope he’s open to just a little bit extra enchancment. He’s a horse that hasn’t had an entire lot of racing, and I simply assume that may enhance him just a little bit. I’ve at all times favored him so much and, with the bottom in thoughts, his win in Clonmel this time final yr was on mushy floor, and he gained that by a good distance. In addition to King Alexander, we line up in opposition to two stable horses in Butch Cassidy and C’est Ta Likelihood. The Wallpark would possibly admire this take a look at of stamina as nicely, so he’s an fascinating runner. My lad was there right down to the final at Naas and I believe he can step ahead from it.
I also needs to point out 2024 Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Gerri Colombe who goes within the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle (13:45). I don’t have a journey within the race nevertheless it’s fascinating to see Gordon Elliott’s 10-year-old again over the smaller obstacles after being pulled up at Leopardstown within the Savills Chase at Christmas. He has cheekpieces on right here and that coupled with the return to hurdles is possibly to spark him up just a little bit. I’ll undoubtedly be watching him with curiosity.
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