Yesterday’s Review

1pt e/way Northern Viola (98) – The selection showed that she is improving nicely by turning the tables on the short priced favourite Akaraka (98) from when they last met at Thirsk. She raced keenly in second place and took up the running over two furlongs from home. Unfortunately, the winner was a very unexposed contestant who proved a length and a half too strong in the finish. There should be another race in the selection going forward. Result 2nd 4/1 adv…5/1 SP.

Today’s Advice

SHIRZAN (16.5f Mdn) – The (4.43) Thurles looks an interesting contest with the Jim Bolger trained unbeaten four-year-old Teofil heading the market. He looks to be the only front-runner in the race and may be able to dictate the contest. The selection looked unlucky not to break her maiden tag on the Flat at Tramore back in August when getting the better of Davy Crockett and 150 rated hurdler Solness, only for her rider Jessica O’Gorman to weigh in 1.3lb underweight. This was a strongly run contest and the selection travelled well in rear before sweeping past all contestants and having a length and a half to spare at the line. The strength of that race has already been advertised with the Joseph O’Brien trained eight-year-old winning cosily at Bellewstown.

The selection showed her well-being last time out in a handicap hurdle over 18.5f at Listowel when just getting pipped by a short head on the line by Fraher Field. Today’s contest may not be run entirely to suit but at the prices Jessica O’Gorman’s mount looks worth a small interest to show that she was much the best when last seen on the Flat despite the minor infringement.

0.5pt e/way Shirzan (7/1 William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral) 4.43 Thurles