Andy Holding is back with three tips for today's action, with all three running at Fairyhouse.
12:25 Fairyhouse
OSE PARTIR (best price 8/1) left the impression he would be all the wiser for his initial effort at Galway back in October and with connections seemingly having enough faith in him to pitch him into graded standard on just his second start, Martin Brassil’s gelding is worth more than a second glance.
A winner in France on the Flat, the sporting of a hood for the first time at Ballybrit suggested he might be a little keen in the early stages and true to form, he did slightly over race due to a modest pace set up front. Once settling down, however, he raced with a good deal economy and by the time he had jumped the second last and faced the hill, he held every chance of making a successful start to his hurdling career.
Unsurprisingly, due to his antics in the first mile, he didn’t quite see the race out as well as the eventual winner Kaleosun but at the same time it was a more than encouraging start and considering he wasn’t unduly punished in the latter stages, it’s safe to say there could be plenty more to come.
In a stronger race where they are likely to go a sounder tempo, hopefully he will turn out to be more amenable to restraint and if so, he could be very dangerous to all concerned at the business end.
13:25 Fairyhouse
A race where Willie Mullins doesn’t appear to have his usual strong hand so, with the door ajar, Gordon Elliott has a decent chance of seizing the opportunity presented with either FARREN GLORY (best price 15/2) or KING OF KINGSFIELD (best price 25/1).
The former has just had the two starts over hurdles, but such is the regard he is held at home, connections are more than willing to let him take his chance at Grade 1 level. Based on the numbers he posted at Thurles last time out, the son of Fame And Glory definitely falls in line with the way they are thinking and he could well be turn out to be the joker in the pack for those towards the forefront of the market.
It’s probably safe to say the latter hasn’t quite hit the heights connections were hoping for but that doesn’t mean he is not without hope of rebuilding his reputation. Although beaten fair and square on the day by Slade Steel and Naas last time out, time may tell he bumped into a top-notch performer and if ridden with a little more restraint on this occasion, he too, could end up more than just a bit part player.
