*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change.
While there are four meetings across the UK on Thursday there is one fixture taking place in Ireland with a jumps meeting going to post at Thurles where seven races will take place throughout the afternoon. Having looked through the seven-race programme, here are the four best bets on the card with the highlight race the Grade 3 Novice Hurdle at 15:50.
14:20 Jury Duty
Opening race on the card is a Hunters Chase over 3m. Thursday conditions at Thurles will be testing and going will be described as Heavy which will suit old boy Jury Duty. He has had plenty of problems but it was great to see a bit of spark when finishing second at Portrush back in October.
I’m sure trainer Gordon Elliott would love to get one more victory for connections and he is partnered by the great Jamie Codd. This race has obviously been set out for Jury Duty and it would be no surprise to see him finish with some of his old enthusiasm. Trainer/Jockey combo stand out a mile in the opener at Thurles.
The latest racing odds are on PaddyPower.com now15:50 Grand Paradis
Grand Paradis came in for plenty of support at Naas earlier in the year in a red-hot maiden hurdle and ran disappointing when finishing fourth. He certainly backed up the yard’s confidence next time when bolting in at Fairyhouse, winning by nine lengths.
It was a taking performance baring in mind he hit the last fence before destroying the Willie Mullins trained Grand Bornand on the run in. That performance suggested Grand Paradis has a bright future. The step up in trip and the testing conditions are sure to suit and no doubt Graded action is where his future lies. I certainly have looked forward to his reappearance and he could well be the star turn on the card.
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16:25 Ain’t That A Shame
Henry De Bromhead and Rachel Blackmore continue to count down the minutes to Cheltenham, I’m sure. Exciting times. The yard is in flying form at the moment and run an interesting one in Ain’t That A Shame. He under performed in his two races to date we have yet to see the best of this son of Jeremy.
It was a much-improved performance last time at Fairyhouse when ridden by Rachel for the first time. He caught my eye and I’m sure with time and fitness we will see a much improved effort.
Once again the step up in trip will definitely suit as he looks a real stayer in the making while testing conditions should also work in his favour. I expect him to go close in this Maiden and it certainly looks an easier race to the one last time at Fairyhouse.
16:55 Silk Worm
Handicap Hurdle for the ladies and, as ever, a big field. Plenty in here with chances but I’ve gone for Silk Worm. She comes into the race in excellent form and with a bit of luck could actually be looking for three wins on the bounce.
Looked like a winner when unseating jockey James Sullivan at Tramore two starts ago and went down fighting by a fading three quarters of a length latest at Down Royal. Jockey bookings are always significant in a race like this and last years winning jockey Jodie Townend takes over in the saddle. Trainer Liz Doyle’s yard are in good form and Silk Worm is due some luck.
Justin’s tips at Thurles on Thursday
14:20 Jury Duty
15:50 Grand Paradis
16:25 Ain’t That A Shame
16:55 Silk Worm
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change.
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