Following a 6/1 winner yesterday, Steve Ryder is back with two tips for today's action.
15:35 Listowel
The likes of Brazil and Iberique Du Seuil are returning from lay-offs and as a result preference instead goes to the race-fit BRITZKA (best priced at 9/1) who gets the assistance of Davy Russell. The Gordon Elliott trained four-year-old won in first time cheekpieces at Perth in July before following up off a mark of 135 in August. That victory was an impressive performance to win by 2 ¾ lengths and he should hold strong claims off the same mark.
Britzka was recently beaten on the flat at Navan but this return to hurdling will suit a lot better and he should run well with up to six places available.
16:35 Listowel
The Barry Connell trained HGRANCA DE THAIX (best priced at 5/1) finished a close 2nd in this race last year and he should run well off only a 5lb higher mark. The five-year-old had previously looked outpaced over 2 miles so the step up in trip to 2m4f worked well and stayed on well to finish only ½ length behind the winner. He was off 100 days before finishing 4th at Limerick back over 2 miles before bouncing back to form back over 2m4f at Punchestown in January.
Hgranca De Thaix finished a close 3rd at Punchestown last time off a mark of 106 and the handicapper has only raised him 1lb for that effort. Connections have booked talented 5lb claimer Michael O’Sullivan for the ride and I expect him to run well with first time cheekpieces fitted and five places available.
