** UPDATE: RACING AT DOWN ROYAL HAS BEEN ABANDONED DUE TO A FROZEN TRACK **
14:20 On Eagles Wings
This is a useful rated novice hurdle and ON EAGLES WINGS makes a quick turn around after getting off the mark over hurdles at the first attempt at Naas just two weeks ago. That was over 2m on heavy ground and he was very strong at the finish that day, suggesting this step up in trip should pose no problems for him.
He took care of Captain Kangaroo and Grand Paradis that day and one would imagine that he is capable of improving on that run. On Eagles Wings had some really strong bumper form, finishing second to Ferny Hollow and Chemical Energy, while he beat Stattler – who is currently one of the antepost favourites for the Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle – at Limerick. He won over this trip in a Cork bumper, so there is every chance he will improve for the trip. If that proves to be the case, he could take a bit of beating here.
15:20 Peterstown
PETERSTOWN isn’t the most consistent horse, but he has shaped well on a couple of occasions this season – namely when fourth at Fairyhouse in October off a mark of 95 and when second here over this trip in December off a mark of 92. That second at Down Royal looks useful form, as the winner Kristian Goingwel finished second on his next start and then won at Punchestown off a 10lbs higher mark that he won off at Down Royal.
Peterstown runs off a 2lbs higher mark here and you can forgive her run at Cork last time, as that was a beginners chase where she had plenty to find with most of the field on ratings. If she can replicate the form she showed her two runs back, she should be involved at the business end of the race.
DON’T MISS
- CHECK OUT OUR BRAND NEW SNAZZY RACECARDS FOR EVERY SINGLE RACE TODAY
- … THEN GET ALL THE WINNERS BEFORE ANYONE ELSE WITH OUR FAST RESULTS
Read:
- Check out all the latest Horse Racing tips and previews now
16:20 More Than A Memory
MORE THAN A MEMORY was nibbled in the market for a decent Leopardstown bumper, going off an 8/1 shot after being available at 40/1 overnight. The Sam Curling yard are having a decent season in bumpers, having three winners from 24 runners, with another eight hitting the frame.
Clearly More Than A Memory had been showing something in his work at home to justify the market support and I thought he shaped relatively well on debut. He was a bit too keen through the race and ran on to finish sixth. This race definitely hasn’t the strength in depth of the Leopardstown race and Derek O’Connor takes over in the saddle, which is no negative.
Derek has had 20 rides for Curling in the last five years, with three winners, three seconds and four thirds. Champagne Sparkles is probably the one to beat here, but if More Than A Memory settles a bit better here, he can go close.
Down Royal tips summary:
14:20 On Eagles Wings
15:20 Peterstown
16:20 More Than A Memory
** UPDATE: RACING AT DOWN ROYAL HAS BEEN ABANDONED DUE TO A FROZEN TRACK **
CHELTENHAM TIPS
- Cheltenham tips: Ruby Walsh and Frank Hickey reveal antepost picks for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
- Cheltenham tips: Ruby Walsh and Frank Hickey reveal antepost picks for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
- Cheltenham tips: Ruby Walsh and Frank Hickey reveal antepost picks for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle
- Cheltenham Festival: 8 course specialists to keep onside for March
- Cheltenham Festival: 5 horses to note as the countdown continues
- Cheltenham Festival: 7 high-profile picks to get your kicks in March