The Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original (or SAMCRO to you and I) has passed every test to date with flying colours and will be very hard to beat once again in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle that begins the card at 13:30, however he’s not exactly perfect fodder for a Lucky 15.
Of more interest is Presenting Percy in the 14:10, who is one of the Timeform NAPs of the meeting.
Whether this is because of the horse’s outstanding form claims (length second to Gold Cup hopeful Our Duke last time) or the fact that the Wetherspoons opposite Timeform Towers is called The Percy Shaw is anyone’s guess.
Percy Shaw invented the cat’s eye (road not animal) in 1934, however fans of Voix du Reve had glistening eyes for a different reason when he fell at the last in the Fred Winter two years ago, looking likely to win at 14/1.
It’s been a long road to recovery since but he looks a fascinating contender at a slightly bigger price this time around in the Coral Cup at 14:50. He’d be shorter if Ruby, Ruby, Ruby was riding, and he’s worth a bet with David Mullins in the saddle. Melbourne Cup third Max Dynamite – who has Walsh on board – is an obvious danger.
To say that Cause Of Causes comes alive at this meeting would be a gross understatement, and following last year’s ready win in the Cross Country, he is selected to make it a remarkable fourth Festival win in a row at 16:10.
Though some punters may find the 10 minutes of this race as interesting as The Wright Show, this year’s renewal looks a good one, with Grand National stalwart The Last Samuri and last year’s National Hunt Chase winner Tiger Roll two other leading contenders.
The clip of an Arsenal fan crying on 5Live has to be one of our favourite videos of the year, though it’s not hard to sympathise with the poor lad – following Arsene Wenger’s bizarre quote about being naked, it’s clear that he is now the footballing equivalent of my great granddad who had to be wheeled off into a different room when he lost the plot and started swearing at the daffodils.
One recent highlight for the Frenchman, though, was his side’s away win at AC Milan in the Europa League, and it’s the horse of a similar name who makes most appeal in the Champion Bumper at 17:30.
Acey Milan is the pick on form and should relish the stiff finish. It often pays to follow Willie Mullins, the leading trainer in this race with eight wins, with Blackbow and Tornado Flyer making most appeal of his quintet.
Head over to PaddyPower.com for the latest Racing betting* All odds correct at time of posting.