Steve Ryder has three tips for today's racing.
12:45 Thurles
Despite being nine years of age, GOLDEN JEWEL (best priced at 7-2) is still one of least exposed of these runners over fences and he looks extremely well handicapped in comparison to his exploits over hurdles. The Edward Cawley trained gelding was last seen finishing 2nd in a handicap hurdle at Kilbeggan off a mark of 129 which has earnt him a 3lb rise up to a mark of 132.
Golden Jewel has only had five runs over fences in his career and gets to run here off a chase mark of 114 which is 18lb lower than his current mark over hurdles. His last run over fences came in December 2020 when 2nd on heavy ground at Clonmel and he will be much better suited by the better ground he will encounter today. Bryan Cooper takes over from Chris Timmons and I expect him to get off the mark over fences in this race.
13:50 Thurles
The Noel Kelly trained ELLAAT (best priced at 9-2) defeated my selection Downthecellar in a handicap hurdle over this course and distance last time and I expect him to follow up off an 8lb higher mark. The five-year-old put in a career best to win off a mark of 86 last time defeating the 8/11 favourite by ¾ length.
The pair pulled 12 lengths clear of the third so Ellaat looks worthy of the 8lb rise and he should prove hard to beat if coping with the softer ground.
14:30 Newbury
The favourite Didtheyleaveuoutto looks a doubtful stayer over 3 miles so he looks worth taking on with the Fergal O’Brien trained POLISH (best priced 15-4). The six-year-old won over this course and distance in February by two lengths off a mark of 130 and he seemed to relish the 3 mile trip that day.
Polish recently won at Goodwood on the flat over 2 miles so he has a fitness edge over many of his rivals and I expect her to run well with Paddy Brennan once again on board.
