There will be some excellent punting puzzles to solve at the Dublin Racing Festival and here are three handicappers worth watching out for.
Snugsborough Hall @ 11/2 (Saturday 14:35)
Liam Cusack’s Snugsborough Hall progressed rapidly, winning three of his last four starts last season – and he would have gone close on the other occasion had he not been carried out when in contention.
He travelled nicely on his comeback over hurdles at Cork this month and he should gotten plenty of benefit from that encouraging pipe-opener. He could still have more to offer on day one of the Dublin Racing Festival.
Buildmeupbuttercup (Saturday 15.45 @ 11/1 & Sunday 12:55 @ 5/1)
Mullins’ Buildmeupbuttercup also has the option of the Ladbrokes Hurdle on Saturday in Dublin – or the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury next week and will hold strong claims wherever she runs.
She is a talented mare who is on a good mark.
She showed she was well-handicapped at Fairyhouse last time – beating Ciel de Neige into fourth – easily carving her way into contention before finding less than looked likely and having to settle for second behind a progressive rival in Janidal from the same stable.
That was not the first time the end product has been less than impressive, but she has the ability to win a good pot and will be high on the short-list for the Closutton handler.
Silver Sheen @ 7/1 (Sunday 14:30)
The six-year-old has improved with each start over hurdles and took his form to another level when completing the hat-trick at Warwick last time, striking on his first start in handicap company. He looked beaten when shuffled back on the home turn but rallied well and stayed on strongly to lead again in the dying strides.
Jessica Harrington’s charge was well placed for much of the contest, racing towards the head of affairs in a race run at a stop-start gallop.
He is clearly on a sharp, upward curve, and could have more to offer, particularly when there is a greater emphasis on stamina.
*Prices and entries correct at time of publication but these are ante-post prices until final declarations are made.
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